2 Common Shoulder Injuries That Can Be Treated with Arthroscopic Surgery

2 Common Shoulder Injuries That Can Be Treated with Arthroscopic Surgery

Shoulder injuries are common because the shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body. Nonsurgical treatment options like rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy treat the majority of shoulder injuries. Serious shoulder injuries that do not respond to nonsurgical treatment may require surgical intervention.

Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is more advanced and effective than ever. Many surgeries that were once performed using a large open incision are now performed arthroscopically, which translates to less postoperative pain and a quicker recovery.

At The Orthopaedic Institute Brielle Orthopaedics, our Board Certified and Fellowship Trained Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Specialists have extensive experience and training in performing the latest technology for shoulder arthroscopic procedures such as;

Rotator Cuff Repair

The rotator cuff is four muscles and tendons that attach to the top of the shoulder. The rotator cuff is important because it raises, rotates and stabilizes the shoulder. A partial or complete rotator cuff tear is a serious injury that requires medical attention as soon as possible. An Orthopaedic Institute Brielle Orthopaedics specialist diagnoses a tear and prescribes a treatment plan. The majority of rotator cuff repairs are performed arthroscopically:

· 2-3 tiny shoulder incisions are made
· An arthroscopic camera is used to visualize the tear
· Tiny instruments and sutures anchors are used to repair the tear and attach the tendon to the bone

The incisions are closed and sterilely dressed, and the shoulder is placed in a comfortable sling. Total procedure time is approximately 1 hour. Physical therapy after surgery is an important part of recovery because it helps the patient regain shoulder strength and flexibility.

Labrum Repair

The labrum is a rim of soft tissue that lies on the outer edge of the glenoid cavity. The labrum is important because it holds the humeral head in the glenoid cavity to stabilize the shoulder. A torn labrum is a serious injury because it causes shoulder instability and possibly shoulder subluxations or dislocations. Many times, a torn labrum needs to be arthroscopically surgically repaired:

· 2-3 tiny shoulder incisions are made
· An arthroscopic camera is inserted into the shoulder joint and the torn labrum is visualized
· Tiny instruments and suture anchors are used to repair the tear and attach the labrum to the glenoid cavity
· Incisions are closed and sterilely dressed, the shoulder is placed in a comfortable sling

Total procedure time is approximately 1 hours depending on the seriousness of the tear. Physical therapy after surgery is important because it helps stretch the shoulder muscles, ligaments and tendons.

Rotator cuff tears and labrum tears are serious injuries that should be seen as soon as possible.

Injury symptoms include:

· Difficulty lifting or raising the arm
· Instability
· Pain
· Subluxation/Dislocation
· Stiffness
· Swelling

Sports, physical activities, and osteoarthritis are common injury causes.

Making an Appointment

At The Orthopaedic Institute Brielle Orthopaedics, our Board Certified and Fellowship Trained Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Specialists, Dr. Michael Sclafani, Dr. Anthony Petrosini, Dr. Toby Husserl, Dr. Gregory Roehrig and Dr. Nicholas Jarmonare experts in arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

If you are having symptoms of a shoulder injury, we encourage you to contact out office to make an appointment at our convenient locations in Wall, Toms River, Freehold, Red Bank and coming soon to Edison.