Being one of the most mobile joints, the shoulder joint is susceptible to an array of injuries and conditions that cause pain and reduce the quality of life for many individuals. While several common shoulder conditions respond well to conservative treatments, others warrant shoulder surgery.
Let’s explore some common shoulder joint conditions that demand surgical interventions to address the underlying problem effectively.
Rotator Cuff Tears
The rotator cuff refers to a group of muscles and tendons in the shoulder joint that stabilize your joint and help you lift and move your arms away from your body. A tear in the rotator cuff occurs when the tendon pulls away from the arm bone due to an injury or overuse. A rotator cuff tear can be partial or complete – and surgical treatments are recommended if you have a complete tear or non-surgical treatments do not help.
Rotator cuff tear surgery can be performed arthroscopically with small incisions. During arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, a shoulder surgeon inserts an arthroscope (a long, thin device with a camera on one end) through a small incision in the shoulder. The images produced by the arthroscope help the surgeon perform the procedure.
To repair the torn tendon, shoulder surgeons insert tiny instruments into other small incisions in your shoulder. The instruments will be used to remove bone spurs and reattach your torn tendon to your upper arm bone.
If you have a partial tear, your surgeon will only trim the fraying pieces of the partially torn tendon to prevent further tears in the tendon.
Frozen Shoulder
Otherwise known as adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulders are characterized by pain and stiffness that limit the shoulder’s range of motion. It occurs when the capsule (in which the shoulder joint is enclosed) thickens and tightens around the shoulder joint, restricting the movement of the joint.
In most cases, frozen shoulders get better on their own within a time span of 12 to 18 months. However, for severe or persistent symptoms, surgery is performed. Shoulder surgery arthroscopically removes scar tissue from the inside of the shoulder joint, improving symptoms and range of motion of the joint.
Shoulder Arthritis
The shoulder joint is one of the most common joints of the body that are affected by arthritis. The glenohumeral joint and acromioclavicular joint are the two common shoulder joints prone to arthritis.
In severe cases of shoulder arthritis, where the cartilage that lines the shoulder joint wears down, shoulder surgery is recommended. Surgical options for shoulder arthritis include removing loose pieces of cartilage or bone (shoulder debridement) or replacing the damaged joint with metal, ceramic, or plastic implants (shoulder replacement).
Shoulder Dislocation
Shoulder dislocation is when the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket, requiring prompt medical attention. Once a shoulder joint dislocates, it becomes more prone to repeated dislocations.
Recurrent shoulder dislocations or instability require surgery to repair the torn or stretched ligament supporting the joint.
Labral Tears
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that lines and reinforces the ball and socket joint of the shoulder. The labrum supports the ball and socket joint and the rotator cuff tendons and muscles by acting as the attachment site for shoulder ligaments. A torn shoulder labrum can result in shoulder pain, instability, and sometimes, a feeling of locking, catching, or grinding while moving the shoulder.
A severe labral tear that does not improve after physical therapy requires surgical treatment. Surgical treatments for labral tear include debridement (a procedure to cut out and trim the torn part of the labrum) or labral repair (a procedure to reattach the torn ligament and labrum to the bone), often performed arthroscopically.
Shoulder Surgery in Lutherville, MD
Whether you have received a diagnosis of any of the aforementioned shoulder issues or are experiencing debilitating shoulder pain and seeking comprehensive evaluation and treatment, visit us here at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder. Our shoulder surgeons have years of experience and advanced training in diagnosing and treating (both nonsurgically and surgically) a full range of musculoskeletal problems related to upper extremities – shoulder, elbow, hand, arm, and wrist.
To schedule a consultation with our shoulder surgeon, contact us today at (410) 296-6232 or fill out our online appointment request form now.
