Shoulder Surgery in Arcadia CA

The shoulder is one of the largest, most complex joints in the human body. It enables you to perform a variety of complex actions, from scratching your back to throwing the perfect pitch.

It is one of the most moveable joints of the body in that you can move your upper arm in nearly every direction, but the structure of the shoulder that makes it so moveable also makes it one of the most unstable.

Three bones make up the shoulder joint: the upper arm bone, the collarbone, and the shoulder blade. A ball at the end of the upper arm bone fits into a socket of the shoulder blade to form the shoulder joint. The joint is unstable because the ball is larger than the socket that holds it. Muscles, ligaments and tendons work together to anchor the ball and socket, and to provide stability to the shoulder joint.

The potential for instability of the joint makes the shoulder a common site for injuries and other problems.

Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder problems can cause occasional pangs of discomfort only when you move your shoulder or chronic pain all of the time. Shoulder problems can cause temporary pain or dysfunction that goes away on its own, or long-term discomfort and disability that requires the attention of an orthopedic surgeon.

Most shoulder problems fall into one of four categories:

• Tendon inflammation, otherwise known as tendinitis or bursitis
• Instability
• Arthritis
• Fracture

Less common causes include infections, tumors and neurological problems.

Bursitis is inflammation and swelling of the bursae, which are fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones and reduce friction between muscles gliding over bones. Tendinitis is inflammation of tendons that connect muscles to bones. Instability occurs when overuse or trauma causes the ball of the humerus to move out of the socket. Arthritis wears down bone to interfere with the way the ball and socket joint work. Fractured shoulder bones cause severe pain, swelling and bruising around the shoulder.

Rotator cuff tears and glenoid labral tears are the most common shoulder injuries, according to Merck Manuals. Rotator cuff tears occur when the muscles that hold the upper arm in the shoulder joint tear. Glenoid labral tears happen when tears occur in the cup-shaped rim of cartilage that lines and reinforces the socket of the shoulder joint.

Shoulder Surgery in Arcadia CA

Some shoulder problems go away with rest, ice, compression and elevation, or R.I.C.E. Others require the attention of an orthopedic specialist, who might recommend physical therapy, medication or other treatments after a thorough evaluation.

During an evaluation, the doctor will ask questions about the shoulder problem, your medical history and medications. The orthopedic specialist will assess your range of motion and order x-rays and other tests to view the structures in your shoulder. After diagnosing the source of your shoulder problem, you doctor will discuss whether you need surgery.

If you have a shoulder problem, make an appointment with the orthopedic surgeons at S.M.A.R.T. Spine Institute and Surgery Center. Our surgeons perform comprehensive evaluations to determine if you need shoulder surgery in Arcadia CA. Make your appointment by calling 626-513-0840 today.