Shoulder & Elbow

AC joint separation is a shoulder injury where the collarbone (clavicle) becomes disconnected from the shoulder blade (scapula). This condition can cause pain and instability in the shoulder, impacting everyday activities and requiring medical attention for proper evaluation and treatment.

A dislocated shoulder occurs when the "ball" of the upper arm bone (humerus) pops out of the shoulder blade's "socket," causing severe pain and immobility. This condition often requires immediate medical attention to safely reposition the joint and manage associated discomfort.

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. It limits the range of motion, particularly when trying to raise the arm. This condition can develop gradually and may be associated with inflammation and thickening of the shoulder joint capsule. Treatment options may include physical therapy, pain management, and exercises to improve mobility.

A rotator cuff tear is an injury that affects the tendons of the rotator cuff in the shoulder, which play a crucial role in powering the shoulder and arm movements. This condition often leads to pain, weakness, and limited range of motion in the affected shoulder, making everyday activities challenging. Treatment may involve physical therapy, rest, and in some cases, surgical repair to restore function and alleviate discomfort.

Cubital tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the ulnar nerve, often associated with the sensation of hitting the "funny bone," becomes compressed at the elbow. This nerve runs from the neck to the fingers, controlling various hand and arm movements. When compressed, it can lead to symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand and fingers.

Cubital tunnel syndrome may be caused by repetitive elbow movements or pressure on the nerve. Treatment options include splinting, anti-inflammatory medications, and in some cases, surgical intervention to relieve the compression and restore normal nerve function.

Elbow (olecranon) bursitis is characterized by the inflammation of a fluid-filled sac called the bursa located at the tip of the elbow. This condition can result from repetitive movements, trauma, or pressure on the elbow joint. It often causes swelling, pain, and tenderness at the back of the elbow.

Golfer's elbow, medically known as medial epicondylitis, is characterized by pain and inflammation on the inside of the elbow. This condition is often caused by the overuse of wrist and finger muscles, even though it's not exclusive to golfers. Repetitive activities involving gripping or flexing the wrist can contribute to this ailment. Symptoms include tenderness, weakness, and discomfort in the affected area.

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is characterized by pain and inflammation on the outside of the elbow. This condition is commonly associated with overuse of wrist and finger muscles and is not limited to tennis players. Repetitive activities involving gripping or extending the wrist can contribute to this ailment. Symptoms include tenderness, weakness, and discomfort in the affected area.

• Shoulder arthroscopy – Surgery to view the inside of the shoulder joint and repair damaged tissue (muscle, cartilage, tendons, ligaments).
• Rotator cuff repair – Surgery to reattach torn tendons to the head of the upper arm bone; if tendons are only partially torn, a surgical trimming is typically performed.
• Bankart repair – A Bankart lesion is a tear in the glenoid labrum (rim of the shoulder socket) in the lower part of the shoulder joint. This procedure is performed to restore shoulder stability by surgically repairing the labrum and reattaching and tightening ligaments torn by repeated shoulder dislocations.
• SLAP lesion repair – A SLAP lesion is a tear in the glenoid labrum (rim of the shoulder socket) in the upper part of the shoulder joint (Superior Labrum, Anterior to Posterior). This procedure is performed to restore shoulder stability by surgically repairing the labrum and reattaching and tightening ligaments torn by repeated shoulder dislocations.
• Ligament repair – A shoulder reconstruction surgery that seeks to improve shoulder stability and prevent joint dislocations by surgically repairing torn or stretched ligaments connecting bone-to-bone in the shoulder.
• Removal of inflamed tissue, loose cartilage, or bone spurs – Shoulder surgery to remove tissue that may be causing pain or inflammation in the area.
• Total shoulder replacement – Surgery to replace all or part of the shoulder joint, involving the “ball” of the upper arm (humerus) and “socket” of the shoulder blade (scapula), with artificial parts.
• Reverse shoulder replacement – Surgical replacement of the shoulder joint with a prosthesis, but switching placement of the “ball” and “socket” to avoid engaging damaged rotator cuff muscles.
• Ultrasound-guided injections – Use of noninvasive imaging to guide precise placement of medication, such as anti-inflammatory steroids, being injected into the shoulder joint.
• PRP therapy – Injecting platelet-rich plasma (obtained from a patient’s own blood) into the shoulder to boost healing; often used in conjunction with tendon repair procedures.

• Arthroscopic debridement – A minimally invasive procedure to remove damaged bone or cartilage around the joint.
• Elbow replacement – Surgical removal of the hinge joint of the elbow and addition of a prosthesis to take its place.
• PRP therapy – Injecting platelet-rich plasma (obtained from a patient’s own blood) into the elbow to boost healing; may be used on its own to boost healing of tendonitis or in conjunction with surgical tendon repair procedures.
• Ulnar nerve transposition – Surgical relocation of the ulnar (“funny bone”) nerve to the front of the elbow; used to treat nerve compression in cubital tunnel syndrome.
• Ultrasound-guided injections – Use of noninvasive imaging to guide precise placement of medication, such as anti-inflammatory steroids, being injected into the elbow joint.