What exactly does a shoulder specialist do? Does this kind of physician always recommend surgery? If surgery is your best option, how will the doctor perform the operation?
Let us explore these questions. We will also discuss where you can go to see an excellent shoulder specialist near Baltimore, MD.
What Does a Shoulder Specialist Do
A shoulder specialist is an orthopedic specialist who diagnoses and treats injuries, diseases, and other conditions related to the shoulder. Care can include both surgical and non-surgical treatments.
Common conditions that shoulder specialists treat include rotator cuff tears, joint dislocations, osteoarthritis and fractures. Falls and other trauma, damage from aging, deformities, and more cause these musculoskeletal issues.
Shoulder specialists are experts in the anatomy of the shoulder joint and how it works. They also have deep knowledge of various surgical techniques. They know when their patients need surgery and when other care–such as injection therapy or physical therapy–may be best.
When Is Surgery Recommended
It may surprise you to learn that not all shoulder issues require surgery. In fact, shoulder specialists are committed to finding the best treatment plan for each patient based on their specific conditions and needs. This may involve non-surgical methods such as medication or physical therapy.
However, when in-office examinations and precise digital imaging reveal the need for surgery, a shoulder specialist is the best person to perform the operation. Here are just some types of today’s advanced shoulder surgeries:
- Total shoulder replacement
- Partial shoulder replacement
- Rotator cuff repair
- Bankart repair for shoulder joint instability (frequent dislocations)
- SLAP repair of the upper part of the labrum (cartilage which holds the upper arm bone in the shoulder socket)
Let us look at two of the shoulder surgeries you likely have heard about from friends or the media. They are arthroscopic shoulder surgery and total shoulder replacement.
Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery
You may be a candidate for arthroscopic shoulder surgery if you have a torn rotator cuff or labral tear or experience frequent shoulder dislocations. In this minimally invasive procedure, the shoulder specialist inserts a tiny instrument called an arthroscope through a small incision.
The arthroscope has a miniature camera which allows the doctor to look at the inside of your shoulder joint. The specialist then uses special tools to repair any damage found during the examination. Arthroscopic surgery allows for:
- More precise repairs with less cutting and fewer stitches
- Quicker recovery time
- Less pain during recovery compared to traditional open surgeries
- Smaller amounts of scar tissue compared to traditional open surgeries
- Fewer surgical complications such as wound infection, nerve damage, and the chance that the original problem could happen again
Compared to total shoulder replacement, arthroscopic shoulder surgery creates smaller amounts of scar tissue. This means a faster recovery time and less discomfort for the patient. Additionally, there are fewer surgical complications such as bleeding, infection, nerve damage and recurrence of the original shoulder problem.
Total Shoulder Replacement
If you have shoulder arthritis or have severely injured this important joint, your orthopedic specialist may recommend a total shoulder replacement. In this surgery, the specialist removes damaged bones and cartilage and replaces them with artificial components. The new joint parts are made of safe, high-tech metal and plastics.
This specialized surgery helps relieve pain and improves function in the affected shoulder. Recovery from total shoulder replacement may take several weeks to months. Physical therapy is often necessary to regain the full range of motion and strength in the joint.
Other Benefits of Shoulder Specialist Expertise
A board-certified orthopedic specialist who sub-specializes in shoulder surgery offers patients other important benefits, including:
- Custom-tailored rehabilitation after surgery
- Education before and after surgery
- Careful management of pain medications
At Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder, our specialists see and treat comprehensive musculoskeletal conditions. They confer closely with each other about best medical practices for:
- Fractures
- Sprains
- Dislocations
- Tears
- Arthritis
- Tendonitis
- Congenital and acquired deformities
Expert Shoulder Specialist in Baltimore, MD
At Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder, our board-certified orthopedic specialists have extensive experience in the most advanced upper extremity surgeries. They are known for their excellent diagnostic abilities, hands-on skills and compassionate care both before and after shoulder surgery.
So, if you and your primary care physician think you may need shoulder surgery, please contact us at (410) 296-6232 for a one-on-one consultation or request your visit using our appointment request form.
We have shoulder specialists near Baltimore for your convenience. We have eight doctors on staff at five different locations across Maryland:
- Lutherville
- Clarksville
- Westminster
- Bel Air
- Pasadena
We will be happy to greet you in the office convenient for you.
