The shoulder is a complex and well-used joint. This can make it vulnerable to injury and conditions that result in pain, weakness, and reduced function. Shoulder surgery may need to be considered when non-operative treatment options no longer provide relief from symptoms. There is a range of surgical options available that you can learn more about below.
Causes of Shoulder Pain
The shoulder consists of several structures, including soft tissues that keep the upper arm bone (humerus) positioned securely in the shoulder socket. Muscles and tendons make up the “rotator cuff” and allow for a wide range of movement in the arm, such as rotating the arm and allowing it to move upwards, to the front, back, and side.
However, the ability to perform so many movements can make the shoulder vulnerable to injuries and degenerative conditions, such as arthritis. Shoulder problems can lead to pain, instability, weakness, and a reduced range of motion, preventing you from carrying out your normal day-to-day activities. The most common shoulder problems include:
- Inflammation of tendons (resulting in impingement)
- Rotator cuff tears (tendon or muscle)
- Shoulder instability
- Fractures
- Arthritis
Other causes of shoulder pain include infection, tumors, and nerve-related problems, but these are much less common.
When Is Shoulder Surgery Necessary?
Many shoulder problems, including some rotator cuff tears, can be treated successfully with non-surgical methods, including rest, activity modification, and pain relief medication. Physical and occupational therapy can also help to reduce symptoms and restore strength and function in the shoulder. However, surgery may need to be considered if symptoms do not improve or to repair significant damage to the shoulder joint.
With advances in surgical techniques over the years, shoulder surgery has become less invasive, resulting in good outcomes and improved recovery times, making it a more popular option when nonsurgical treatments no longer provide relief.
As with all types of injuries and conditions, the decision on how to treat a shoulder problem is very individualized, depending on factors such as age, lifestyle, overall health, and the type and severity of the problem.
Types of Shoulder Surgery
The most popular shoulder surgeries include:
Shoulder Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a procedure that allows surgeons to view, diagnose, and treat problems inside a joint without making a large incision. The procedure involves inserting a narrow tube attached to a fiber-optic video camera through a very small incision, with the view inside the joint being transmitted to a high-definition video monitor. Some types of joint damage can also be repaired during arthroscopy, with the use of small specialized surgical instruments that are inserted through additional small incisions. The procedure is less invasive, has a much lower risk of complications, and is associated with a quicker recovery period than traditional surgery, which uses much larger incisions.
Arthroscopy may be used to reconstruct or tighten damaged structures or remove inflamed or damaged tissue or bone spurs to help relieve pain, restore function, and stabilize the shoulder.
Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery
There are several procedures used to treat rotator cuff tears. The one you need will depend on the size, shape, and location of the tear. Surgery aims to remove damaged tissue (debridement) and to re-attach the tendon to the bone. Common surgical approaches for rotator cuff repair include open surgical repair, mini-open repair, and arthroscopic repair surgery.
Total Shoulder Joint Replacement
Total shoulder joint replacement, also known as arthroplasty, involves replacing damaged bone and cartilage in a joint with metal and plastic implants. The procedure may be recommended when other non-surgical treatments haven’t improved symptoms. It can help to relieve pain and restore function when the joint is significantly damaged, such as through trauma or severe arthritis.
Reverse Shoulder Replacement
The purpose of the surgery is to replace the parts of the damaged shoulder joint to stabilize the shoulder joint and restore pain-free motion and function. Reverse shoulder replacement surgery involves components of an artificial joint being placed in reversed positions. Instead of the top of the humerus sitting within the socket of the shoulder blade (scapula), an artificial socket is created at the top of the humerus and a prosthetic ball is surgically attached to the scapula. This allows the shoulder to bypass damaged rotator cuff muscles and use the deltoid muscle (located at the top of the arm and shoulder) instead.
Fracture Surgery
Treatment for a fracture depends on the location and severity of the fracture. Simple fractures may only require casting or splinting treatments, but more complex fractures may need surgery to realign or reconstruct the fractured bone to allow it to heal correctly.
Orthopedic Surgeon Near Me in Greater Chesapeake, Maryland
For an experienced shoulder surgeon that you can trust, visit Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder. Our board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons offer the most up-to-date surgical and non-surgical techniques to treat the full spectrum of shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand problems in patients of all ages.
To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, call us at (410) 296-6232. Alternatively, you can request an appointment online at one of our convenient locations in the Greater Chesapeake area.
