A Shoulder Surgeon Can Stop Pain
Andrew Stratton
May 12, 2011
A shoulder surgeon is an orthopedic specialist who focuses on this region of the body in order to treat or heal it. The shoulder takes a lot of wear and tear over the course of a lifetime and rotator cuff injuries, tears and instability are common. Constant flexing, lifting, tossing and arm extensions are performed by the human body on a regular basis. No wonder injuries occur. As a person ages, this region may break down from use or atrophy but in young ages, accidents occur especially during work and sporting activities.
The humerus and scapula are the two main bones involved. Articular cartilage cushions the cavern around the joint. There are four tendons attached to muscles making up the rotator cuff. These four surround the scapula, which is another name for shoulder blade. The name "cuff" refers to the fact that this fused group of tendons and muscles resemble the cuff on a shirt. The cuff´s job is to rotate in appropriate directions and ranges of motion. The supraspinatus tendon is a tendon located near the top acromion. The distance in this area is limited and moves with the help of bursa, which is a tissue lubricant. When this lubricating membrane becomes agitated or injured, great pain can occur. This circumstance is called impingement. In severe cases, the ligaments may tear from the bone.
Some people are more prone to this sort of problem than others. Bodies vary greatly and some have thicker acromion than others. Bone spurs are also troubling issues that contribute to the malady. Different activities can cause more of this condition to occur as well. Weight lifting, throwing a ball in bowling, football or baseball, playing tennis and swimming are all known to promote pulls, tears or imbalances.
When an injury occurs, it usually becomes the most painful in the middle of the night. The pain is often in the top, front or outer side of the arm and shoulder region. Sometimes the area becomes too uncomfortable to even move and may develop weakness. If any of these symptoms occur, it´s time to make an appointment with an orthopedic specialist. An x-ray will need to be taken so the doctor can see what´s going on. A magnetic resonance imaging scan may also be ordered. Another more common name for the magnetic resonance imaging scan is an MRI. A physical examination will be performed.
After this problem has been diagnosed, various treatments will be tried before surgery including ice packs, physical therapy, medications, rest and cortisone injections. If the pain persists, arthroscopic surgery may be required. An arthroscope is a tiny camera which aids in offering extensive visual access to the region. Cuffs that have become disconnected from the bone will be reattached with sutures. If there are spurs present, they may be grinded away during the operation. Tiny screws may be placed in order to stabilize the region. Physical therapy will be required post-operatively in order to gain full range of motion.
A shoulder surgeon knows how to diagnose and treat rotator cuff injuries and other maladies. If an individual is having pain in this region, it shouldn´t be ignored. An appointment with an orthopedic specialist is the first step toward healing.
When searching for a shoulder surgeon syracuse residents want someone they can trust. For more information please visit http://www.upstateorthopedics.com/.
The humerus and scapula are the two main bones involved. Articular cartilage cushions the cavern around the joint. There are four tendons attached to muscles making up the rotator cuff. These four surround the scapula, which is another name for shoulder blade. The name "cuff" refers to the fact that this fused group of tendons and muscles resemble the cuff on a shirt. The cuff´s job is to rotate in appropriate directions and ranges of motion. The supraspinatus tendon is a tendon located near the top acromion. The distance in this area is limited and moves with the help of bursa, which is a tissue lubricant. When this lubricating membrane becomes agitated or injured, great pain can occur. This circumstance is called impingement. In severe cases, the ligaments may tear from the bone.
Some people are more prone to this sort of problem than others. Bodies vary greatly and some have thicker acromion than others. Bone spurs are also troubling issues that contribute to the malady. Different activities can cause more of this condition to occur as well. Weight lifting, throwing a ball in bowling, football or baseball, playing tennis and swimming are all known to promote pulls, tears or imbalances.
When an injury occurs, it usually becomes the most painful in the middle of the night. The pain is often in the top, front or outer side of the arm and shoulder region. Sometimes the area becomes too uncomfortable to even move and may develop weakness. If any of these symptoms occur, it´s time to make an appointment with an orthopedic specialist. An x-ray will need to be taken so the doctor can see what´s going on. A magnetic resonance imaging scan may also be ordered. Another more common name for the magnetic resonance imaging scan is an MRI. A physical examination will be performed.
After this problem has been diagnosed, various treatments will be tried before surgery including ice packs, physical therapy, medications, rest and cortisone injections. If the pain persists, arthroscopic surgery may be required. An arthroscope is a tiny camera which aids in offering extensive visual access to the region. Cuffs that have become disconnected from the bone will be reattached with sutures. If there are spurs present, they may be grinded away during the operation. Tiny screws may be placed in order to stabilize the region. Physical therapy will be required post-operatively in order to gain full range of motion.
A shoulder surgeon knows how to diagnose and treat rotator cuff injuries and other maladies. If an individual is having pain in this region, it shouldn´t be ignored. An appointment with an orthopedic specialist is the first step toward healing.
When searching for a shoulder surgeon syracuse residents want someone they can trust. For more information please visit http://www.upstateorthopedics.com/.
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