Your shoulders help you perform a wide range of movements, from brushing your teeth to putting on your clothing, and when an injury, disease, or disorder occurs, you may be left unable to accomplish both simple and complex activities. Dr. George Gluck and Dr. Alan Micev, our skilled orthopaedic surgeons, offer a comprehensive selection of shoulder treatments using minimally invasive and arthroscopic techniques to help you regain strength and mobility as quickly and as safely as possible. To further enhance your recovery, we offer exceptional care at every level. If you’re experiencing pain, stiffness, or another type of shoulder concern, our medical team can help you address these issues.
The following information provides an overview of many common and complex shoulder conditions. For more information about shoulder treatments, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Gluck or Dr. Micev, please contact our office today.
- Rotator Cuff Tears
- Shoulder Dislocation/Instability/Labral Tears
- SLAP Tear
- Shoulder/Clavicle Trauma and Fractures
- Arthritis
- Frozen Shoulder
Rotator Cuff Tears
Tearing the rotator cuff is one of the most common shoulder injuries, and this condition can occur due to a sudden trauma or due to wear and tear over time. The rotator cuff is made up of two tendons that hold your arm in the socket, and when a partial or complete tear occurs you will likely feel pain, weakness when lifting, and a crackling sensation called crepitus when moving the shoulder. In about half the cases, a rotator cuff tear can be treated with non-surgical treatment. Surgery may be needed if minimally invasive techniques prove ineffective or there is concern that the tear could increase in size over time.
Shoulder Dislocation/Instability/Labral Tears
The shoulder is capable of turning in many different directions to help you perform a wide range of tasks. Greater shoulder flexibility, however, increases the risk of shoulder instability, which occurs when the upper arm bone is displaced from the shoulder socket. If this happens often enough, the tendons and tissue that support the shoulder can become torn, particularly the labrum, which is the ring of cartilage around the scapula (shoulder bone) that holds the humerus (upper arm bone) in the socket. Trauma can also cause dislocation or tears. Pain, repeated shoulder dislocations, and a “loose” feeling are the most common symptoms. Surgery is performed as a last resort, with physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and avoidance of certain activities utilized initially.
SLAP Tear
The labrum is a piece of cartilage that rings the edge of shoulder bone (scapula) and is designed to secure the upper arm bone (humerus) within the socket. When this tissue is torn, which can occur as a result of wear and tear or injury, such as a shoulder dislocation, the condition is called a SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior) tear. You may have a SLAP tear if you feel pain with shoulder movement, a popping or catching sensation, decreased shoulder strength, or decreased range of motion. Dr. Gluck and Dr. Micev typically recommend non-surgical treatment to address this concern, and they will develop a customized treatment plan that suits your needs during your initial consultation.
Shoulder/Clavicle Trauma and Fractures
Shoulder and clavicle injuries are so common that nearly everyone will experience one in his or her lifetime. They can occur as a result of falling down, a car accident, or overuse, and there are many types of potential damage, including fractures, dislocation, and tears. Joints can also be affected, and there are three located within the shoulder. Most clavicle and shoulder-related concerns will present with pain, swelling, tenderness, and decreased mobility. If you are experiencing discomfort or stiffness or if something “looks wrong” in this area, Dr. Gluck and Dr. Micev can diagnose your issue and offer the latest minimally invasive options to help repair your injury and restore function as quickly and as safely as possible.
Arthritis
Over 50 million Americans have been diagnosed with arthritis, which is inflammation of one or more joints. Arthritis of the shoulder can cause pain, reduced mobility, and stiffness in the affected joint. While there are many different causes and types of arthritis, in general they are all approached in a similar way. Non-surgical methods often can be very effective and include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, steroid injections, ice and heat, and in some cases dietary supplements. If after attempting minimally invasive options you find no relief, we can perform advanced surgical techniques to help clear away damaged tissue or replace the joint.
Frozen Shoulder
If you’re experiencing aching pain, stiffness, and limited function of your shoulder that increases in severity with time you may have frozen shoulder. This condition is the result of inflammation and thickening of the shoulder capsule, which surrounds the rotator cuff tendons and the shoulder joint. Fortunately, frozen shoulder tends to improve with time and non-surgical treatment, though this process can take up to three years. Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and steroid injections can also prove beneficial. If after an extended period your symptoms don’t improve, arthroscopic surgery has been shown to be very effective.
Shoulder injuries and disorders can happen suddenly or over time, but you should never have to experience lasting pain. If you have additional questions about treatment options for shoulder conditions, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Gluck or Dr. Micev, please contact us today.
