Damage to the shoulder joint can cause significant pain, instability, and the inability to move the shoulder very well if at all. When the shoulder pain and disability become unbearable, surgical intervention can restore your normal function once again.
Let’s talk about some of the most common reasons for having shoulder surgery, and where you can go to have a skilled orthopedic surgeon recommend and provide solutions that would work for your shoulder.
Surgery to Alleviate Shoulder Arthritis
Different forms of arthritis can target the shoulder. Osteoarthritis – also called wear-and-tear arthritis, or just “arthritis” because it is the most common form of the disease – can occur due to the gradual deterioration of the protective cartilage that lines the joint. Without the cushioning of the cartilage, bone surfaces can grind against each other in the shoulder joint and trigger damaging inflammation.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can also warrant attention from an orthopedic surgeon. This illness involves an autoimmune response to the synovial lining of your joints, and the immune response creates antibodies that result in inflammation. The inflammation in RA can also extend to other organs.
For both types of arthritis, shoulder surgery could be your best option to resolve complications. An orthopedic surgeon can restore shoulder functionality by removing damaged tissue and performing other repairs.
Shoulder Surgery to Repair a Torn Rotator Cuff
The rotator cuff comprises several muscles and tendons which directly support the shoulder joint. This complex structure assists in limb movement and keeps the shoulder joint stable.
However, repetitive movements or significant trauma to the shoulder joint can cause the supporting tissues to tear. With an unaddressed rotator cuff tear, you may feel pain, arm weakness, and reduced flexibility.
An orthopedic surgeon may inject corticosteroids into the shoulder joint to resolve your pain and to help you regain flexibility and motion. Persistent pain or progressing disability may require shoulder surgery.
Addressing Severe Trauma to the Shoulder
Excessive or sudden-impact force can cause bone fractures or ligament tears. In many cases, the ball-and-socket shoulder joint may also experience a dislocation. Your orthopedic surgeon can perform shoulder surgery if the bone fragments must be kept in proper alignment during healing; similarly, the doctor can repair a torn ligament or adjust the dislocated shoulder joint.
Orthopedic Surgeon in Maryland
Here at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder, our experienced medical team specializes in treating conditions affecting the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. With our cohort of board-certified orthopedic surgeons, we provide the most advanced healthcare through cutting-edge techniques.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with one of our outstanding orthopedic surgeons, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (410) 296-6232 or by filling out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to being your partner in health!
