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Shoulder & Elbows
New Shoulder Treatments Include Replacement
The shoulder joint is a very complicated mechanism.
In fact, the shoulder comprises of three bones and four separate
joints. Additionally, there are 15 muscles that comprise the
shoulder girdle. Any one or more of these muscles, bones, or
joints can be involved in a patient's shoulder pain. In addition,
there is a very complicated network of nerves called the brachial
plexus that can be involved with upper extremity symptoms. In
order to enjoy complete relief from pain, all of these structures
must be thoroughly evaluated and treated.
Arthritis of the shoulder can have several
causes. Occasionally, there is a history of shoulder injury.
A shoulder injury can often tear the rotator cuff of the shoulder
(a group of muscles and tendons inside the shoulder joint).
Long-standing rotator cuff tear is a common cause for shoulder
arthritis. A shoulder injury can also tear the shoulder ligaments
(called the shoulder capsule) and can cause "instability
of the shoulder." Long-standing instability of the shoulder
can also lead to arthritis. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
can occur without a traumatic event.
Often times, patients with arthritis of the
shoulder can be treated without surgery. We have an exciting
array of medications that can decrease the inflammation associated
with shoulder arthritis. These newer medications have fewer
side effects and many patients really are having wonderful results
with them. We also have a protocol utilizing diagnostic and
therapeutic shoulder arthrocentesis, or joint injection.
For patients requiring shoulder replacement
surgery, we are pleased to offer our patients the latest technology
in total shoulder arthroplasty. The area of shoulder replacement
surgery is advancing quickly. Current total shoulder replacement
technology allows patients to have a shoulder with the greatest
range of motion, the greatest strength, and the longest lasting
prosthesis possible.
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