The shoulder joint is complex with a remarkable range of motion, making it susceptible to various injuries. These injuries or health conditions can affect any shoulder structure, including bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
While several minor injuries or conditions of these shoulder structures respond well to conservative treatments like medications, physical therapy, and cortisone shots, other complex injuries and conditions demand surgical interventions.
Let’s discuss some common shoulder conditions, including rotator cuff tear and frozen shoulder, which require shoulder surgery.
Rotator Cuff Tears
Rotator cuff tears refer to a break in a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and help lift and move the arm away from the body. A break or tear in the rotator cuff occurs when an injury or overuse causes the tendon to pull away from the bone.
The tear in the rotator cuff can be partial or complete. Surgical treatment is recommended when there is a complete tear in the rotator cuff tendon and when the surgical treatments do not help.
During rotator cuff repair, shoulder surgeons arthroscopically remove the bone spurs and reattach the torn tendon to the upper arm bone.
Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful shoulder joint condition that occurs when the capsule in which the shoulder joint is enclosed thickens and tightens. This tightening of the shoulder capsule around the shoulder joint restricts the movement of the joint.
Most cases of frozen shoulder get better within 12 to 18 months with rest and conservative treatments. However, for severe cases of frozen shoulder, surgery is recommended in which scar tissues from inside of the shoulder joints are removed arthroscopically to improve symptoms and restore the range of motion of the shoulder joint.
Shoulder Dislocation
Shoulder dislocation is an emergency condition in which the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket, causing debilitating pain and loss of shoulder movement. Shoulder dislocation is often managed with closed reduction – a procedure in which some gentle maneuvers help move the upper arm bone back into its position.
Those with weak shoulder joints or ligaments and those with repeated shoulder dislocation despite strengthening and rehabilitation require shoulder surgery.
Shoulder Arthritis
Arthritis is one of the most common chronic health conditions that affect shoulder joints. In shoulder arthritis, the cartilage that lines the shoulder joint wears down, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling.
Surgical treatments for shoulder osteoarthritis include shoulder replacement surgery or shoulder debridement. In shoulder replacement, a damaged shoulder joint is removed and replaced with an artificial shoulder joint, while in shoulder debridement, loose pieces of cartilage or bone are removed.
Labral Tears
A labral tear is a tear in the ring of cartilage that lines and reinforces the ball and socket joint of the shoulder. Labral tears cause shoulder pain and instability.
Labral tears that do not respond well to conservative treatments often require surgical treatments. During the surgical treatment, the torn ligament and labrum are reattached to the bone (labral repair), or fraying pieces of the labrum are cut out and trimmed (debridement).
Shoulder Surgery in Carmel, IN
Whether you have been diagnosed with any of the aforementioned shoulder problems or are experiencing shoulder pain and seeking thorough evaluation and treatment, visit us here at Total Shoulder in Carmel, Indiana. Our highly trained and compassionate shoulder surgeon will conduct a comprehensive assessment and provide both surgical and non-surgical treatment options depending on the extent of your shoulder problem and your overall health.
If you would like to know more about shoulder problems or want to schedule a consultation with our shoulder surgeon, call us today at (317) 705-4392 or fill out our online appointment request form.
