Trauma or overuse can cause the shoulders soft tissues (ligaments, tendons, muscles and cartilage) to stretch or tear. Then they can no longer provide the necessary support. A feeling of "looseness" may develop and the shoulder may "pop out" with some activities. Pain and weakness may interfere with daily activities such as work, sports, or sleep.

Shoulder arthroscopy is performed under sterile conditions following an injection of a local anesthetic into the joint and/or general anesthesia.

A small incision is made to introduce a cannula with tubing attached. This tubing is connected to bags of saline used to irrigate and fill the joint space for better viewing. It also distends the joint space allowing for easier passage of instruments. A second small incision is made to insert the arthroscope, which is attached to a camera and light source. These, in turn are attached to a T. V. monitor to view and record the findings. Pictures may be taken and saved for later reference. A third incision may be made to introduce instruments for repair and to correct injuries. They may also correct tears and remove loose bodies.

Click here to view an animated overview of the procedure.

For additional information visit:
AAOS Online Service Fact Sheet, Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery

 

Rotator Cuff Injury

A rotator cuff injury is a strain or tear in the group of tendons and muscles that hold your shoulder joint together and help move your shoulder.

A rotator cuff injury may result from:

• Impingement from bone spurs

• using your arm to break a fall

• falling onto your arm

• lifting a heavy object

• normal wear and tear in an older person

• use of your shoulder in sports with a repetitive overhead movement, such as swimming, baseball (mainly pitchers), football, and tennis, which gradually strains the tendon

• manual labor such as painting, plastering, raking leaves, or housework.

Click here to view an animated overview of the procedure.

For additional information visit:
AAOS Online Service Fact Sheet, The Shoulder

 

Shoulder Separation

A shoulder separation occurs when you tear the ligaments that hold your collarbone (clavicle) to the joint where it meets the shoulder blade. Your collarbone may move out of its normal place and push up the skin on the top of your shoulder. Another term for shoulder separation is acromioclavicular (AC) separation or sprain.

Shoulder separations, or sprains, are graded I, II, or III, depending on how far the collarbone is separated from the shoulder. A grade I sprain has tenderness but no actual separation. A grade II sprain has slight separation of the clavicle from the shoulder, and grade III has a greater separation.

A shoulder separation can result from a blow to your shoulder or a fall on your shoulder. It also can result from a fall on your outstretched hand or arm. It is a common injury in contact sports such as football, rugby, hockey, or lacrosse. It may occur from falling onto a hard surface, such as might happen during downhill skiing, volleyball, rock climbing, and soccer.

Symptoms include the following:

• severe pain at the moment the injury occurs

• limited shoulder movement and tenderness on top of your shoulder at the end of your collarbone

• swelling and bruising of your shoulder area

• a misshapen shoulder.

For additional information visit:
AAOS Online Service Fact Sheet Dislocated Shoulder

 

Total Shoulder Replacement

A total shoulder replacement is a procedure in which the doctor removes your shoulder joint and replaces it with an artificial one.

This procedure is done when the joint is painful and not working properly, such as with arthritis, in which the range of motion is restricted and use of the arm is limited.  It is done when other treatments have not worked.

Alternatives to this procedure include use of acetaminophen, aspirin, or other drugs for pain and inflammation.  Also, you may choose not to have treatment, recognizing the risks of your condition.  You should ask your doctor about these choices.

Click here to view an animated overview of the procedure.

For additional information visit:
AAOS Online Service Fact Sheet, Shoulder Joint Replacement