Common Shoulder Injuries Requiring Surgery

Our shoulders are a crucial aspect of our ability to function in day-to-day life. We use them for lifting, carrying, driving, typing, gesturing and so much more. And we don’t tend to think much of them until something goes wrong.

The shoulder is your body’s most flexible joint, and with that impressive range of motion comes increased susceptibility to a variety of injuries. You may want to consult with an experienced orthopedic surgeon in Las Vegas, NV if you are experiencing shoulder pain or have had a recent injury. Read on to learn more about shoulder injury and treatment.

What makes a shoulder

The shoulder is a joint made up of a ball and socket. It is comprised of three important bones: the collarbone (also known as the clavicle), the shoulder blade (known as the scapula) and the upper arm bone (known as the humerus). All of these bones fit together to help you achieve that wide range of motion you usually enjoy. The shoulder also has cartilage and soft tissue to help cushion and provide mobility. There are several other components as well, but these main points will suffice for now.

Common shoulder injuries

Shoulders can fall prey to a variety of injuries. Some of the most common are listed below:

• Tendonitis/bursitis: if you tend to do a repetitive activity frequently—anything from painting to swimming—you are consistently squeezing and rubbing your rotator cuff. This can often lead to tendonitis or bursitis, which is commonly treatable with physical therapy.
• Rotator cuff tear: A “full thickness” rotator cuff tear is not so much the result of a repetitive activity as a sudden injury—for example, if you lift something unusually heavy or take a bad fall. Depending on the severity of the injury and pain involved, you may require a consultation and surgery from an orthopedic surgeon in Las Vegas, NV to achieve healing and be able to use the shoulder again.
• Fractured collarbone: the collarbone is usually a very resilient bone, but it can break or fracture just like any other area of the body if it is sufficiently damaged. Fractured collarbones are frequently caused when the patient has taken a heavy fall on the shoulder, and this is frequently the case for children. Sometimes healing can take place through nonsurgical methods, such as a splint or sling, but if there is extensive joint separation, surgery is required.
• Rheumatoid arthritis/osteoarthritis: These injuries are not due to falls or activities, but rather come on over time. Common causes are thinning of the articular surface of the joint, or in the case of arthritis, pain and damage from consistent, chronic inflammation. In this situation, a procedure performed by a highly qualified orthopedic surgeon in Las Vegas, NV is the right course of action.

If you are experiencing shoulder pain or have sustained a shoulder injury, make an appointment with the office of Bernard Ong, M.D. as soon as possible to discuss your options for treatment and healing.

Categorized in: Orthopedic Surgeon

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