SHOULDER
Frozen Shoulder
Rotator Cuff/Impingement
Instability - Traumatic
AC Seperation
Multidirectional Instability - Atraumatic
Labral Tears
Glenohumeral Arthritis

Orthopaedic subspecialization has become an integral factor in the way we customize treatment for every patient. This is quite apparent when treating the shoulder where the delicate balance between soft tissue tension and stability are tenuous and intimately linked to range of motion and function. In fact, the shoulder is considered by many to be the most complicated joint in the body.

Fortunately, OrthoWest offers the most advanced and comprehensive diagnosis treatment for problems relating to the shoulder from soreness caused by overhead activity to the chronic pain of rotator cuff disease or arthritis. In conjunction with our team of physiatrists, physical and occupational therapists, our patients receive a continuum of care that is unsurpassed in this era of specialized shoulder care.

In addition to treating patients with any disorder affecting the shoulder, the Shoulder Center at OrthoWest is committed to educating others about the shoulder and conducting clinical and laboratory research to better understand the pathology of the shoulder as well as the best treatment methods.

Frequently Treated Problems

• Fractures and Dislocations
• Nerve Problems of the Upper Extremities
• Rotator Cuff Injuries*
• Numbness and Tingling
• Arthritis
• Shoulder Trauma, Fractures and Dislocations
• Bursitis
• Sports Injuries
• Frozen Shoulder
• Impingements

Rotator Cuff Injuries

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that helps to lift your shoulder up over your head and also rotate it toward and away from your body. Unfortunately, it is also a group of muscles that is frequently injured by tears, tendonitis, impingement, bursitis, and strains. The major muscle that is usually involved is called the suprasinatus muscle.

Rotator Cuff Injuries are usually broken down into the following categories:
 
Rotator Cuff Tendonitis This is known as Impingement Syndrome or Shoulder Bursitis. Usually this occurs in people 30-80 years of age and usually the weakness in the shoulder is only mild to moderate.

Rotator Cuff Tear This occurs usually in people who have had tendonitis for a while and are starting to experience more weakness. It can also happen to someone who tries to lift something too heavy and feels a pop in the shoulder.

Instability Impingement This occurs in younger patients, typically 15-30 years old. The rotator cuff is irritated because the shoulder is loose in the pocket. This often happens to baseball pitchers, swimmers and throwing athletes.

SLAP Lesion Problems

The labrum is a thin ring of tissue that surrounds the rim of the shoulder socket, deepening the socket and increasing the stability of the shoulder joint. At the top of the socket, or "12 o'clock position", the biceps tendon also inserts into the labrum. A SLAP lesion stands for a tear of the Superior Labrum, from Anterior to Posterior. This injury is often seen with other shoulder injuries, such as shoulder instability, or a rotator cuff tear.
 
Common Causes A traction injury, such as catching oneself falling, is a common cause. A fall on the outstretched arm, or repetitive activities such as pitching may predispose to this injury.

Symptoms Pain in the shoulder, occasionally radiating down the arm. A sense of catching may be felt, or a deep aching that persists.

Non-Operative Treatment Anti-inflammatory medication and rest may reduce symptoms.

Surgical Treatment Arthroscopic surgery, with either repair of the torn tissue, or removal of the torn piece, depending on the injury.

Books published by OrthoWest physicians for download

• Youth Joint Pain