Your shoulders are some of the most mobile joints in your body. If you are experiencing shoulder pain or injury, getting the proper treatment is important. That’s why it’s vital to be aware of the different procedures that shoulder specialists offer. To help you better understand your options, here are some of the most common treatments a shoulder specialist can perform:
Shoulder Arthroscopy
Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat various shoulder joint conditions.
During arthroscopy, your surgeon will insert an instrument called an arthroscope into the joint. They can remove damaged tissue, trim torn cartilage, or realign bones.
Orthopedic surgeons often use arthroscopy to treat rotator cuff tears, shoulder instability, and osteoarthritis.
Since shoulder arthroscopy is minimally invasive, it:
- Reduces recovery time
- Results in less scarring and tissue damage
- Limits the risk of infection
Compared to open surgery, shoulder arthroscopy is typically less painful and has a shorter recovery period. Arthroscopy also requires incisions that only measure a few millimeters.
Rotator Cuff Repair
Shoulder specialists may recommend surgery if you are experiencing pain due to a tear in your rotator cuff muscle or tendon.
Rotator cuff repairs are usually followed by physical therapy and rehabilitation to help you regain the function of your shoulder.
During the procedure, your surgeon will either reattach the torn tendon to the bone or secure it with sutures. These techniques will help reduce pain and improve your range of motion.
Rotator cuff repair is often used to treat severe shoulder pain, including tears that don’t heal on their own. It can also help improve the stability of your shoulder and reduce the risk of further injury.
Arthroscopic vs. Open Rotator Cuff Repair
Rotator cuff surgery can be done arthroscopically or traditionally.
If the procedure is arthroscopic, you will receive incisions less than an inch long. In some cases, shoulder specialists may recommend open surgery instead of arthroscopy, depending on the severity of your injury.
Open surgery requires larger incisions and typically results in more pain during recovery compared to arthroscopy.
Shoulder Joint Replacement
In some cases, shoulder specialists may recommend total shoulder replacement as a way to treat severe shoulder pain. This procedure involves replacing the damaged parts of the joint with artificial components made from metal, plastic, or ceramic.
This surgery aims to reduce pain and improve function in patients who no longer respond to non-surgical treatments.
Shoulder replacement can be performed in different ways:
Total Shoulder Replacement
The entire joint is replaced, including the following:
- Humerus (upper arm bone)
- Scapula (shoulder blade)
- Glenoid (socket of the shoulder)
Partial Shoulder Replacement
Only the humerus is replaced with a prosthesis, while the remaining bones are spared.
Reverse Shoulder Replacement
This type of procedure is performed when the rotator cuff muscles are severely damaged. It reverses the ball-and-socket orientation, which improves stability and range of motion.
Recovery from shoulder joint replacement surgery usually takes between 12 and 16 weeks, depending on the type of procedure.
Physical therapy will be necessary to help you regain the full function of your shoulder.
Cortisone Injections
Cortisone injections are a popular treatment for pain associated with inflammation of the tendons or joint capsules. During this procedure, a steroid medication is injected directly into the affected area.
Cortisone injections should be administered by a shoulder specialist to avoid complications. This type of injection is often used to:
- Reduce pain
- Improve range of motion
- Delay the need for surgery
However, it’s important to note that these injections are only a temporary solution. They must be repeated periodically to maintain their effects.
Cortisone injections can also reduce inflammation in the joint capsule and help with tissue healing. This procedure is often used with physical therapy and rehabilitation for the best results.
These are some of the shoulder specialist treatments you should be aware of. Depending on the severity and cause of your shoulder pain, your doctor may recommend one or more of these treatments. That way, they can help you manage your symptoms.
Top Shoulder Specialist in Farmington Hills, MI
If you need treatment for chronic shoulder pain or a shoulder injury, don’t hesitate to contact Tri County Orthopedics. We will work with you to design a personalized treatment plan, help relieve your pain, and restore your mobility as efficiently and effectively as possible.
For more information or to make an appointment, call us today at (248) 474-5575 or fill out our convenient online appointment request form.
We look forward to helping you get back in action!
