Most problems in the shoulder involve the ligaments, tendons, and bones.
Athletes are especially susceptible to shoulder problems. A shoulder problem can
develop slowly in athletes through repetitive, intensive training. However, individuals
involved in daily activities that require excessive overhead arm motion are likely
to experience shoulder pain at one point or another.
There are three main categories of shoulder pathology which cause pain.
TENDON PROBLEMS
Tendon problems usually involve the rotator cuff and biceps tendon. Pathology that
affects the rotator cuff tendon include partial and/or complete rotator cuff tears and rotator cuff tendinitis with impingement syndrome and bursitis. Biceps tendinitis and biceps tendon tears also cause shoulder pain.
INSTABILITY
Shoulder instability is caused when the shoulder joint (glenohumeral) moves or is
forced out of its normal position. Pathology that affects shoulder instability include
anterior and posterior dislocation, SLAP tears, labral tear, and separated shoulder. A separated shoulder is caused
by an injury to the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. The AC joint is the joint on top
of the shoulder where the collarbone and shoulder blade connect.
ARTHRITIS
The most common symptom of arthritis of the shoulder is pain, which progressively worsens
and is aggravated by activity. Limited motion and/or a clicking sound when the shoulder
is moved may be another symptom.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Treatment for tendon issues may include conservative treatment involving nonsteroidal
anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and physical therapy. Surgical treatment may be undertaken if conservative
treatment fails. This includes surgeries such as arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs.
Treatment for shoulder instability may involve conservative measures including physical
therapy and activity modification. If conservative treatment fails, arthroscopic
stabilization (arthroscopic Bankart repair or arthroscopic labral repair) is an
option.
Arthritis of the shoulder may be treated conservatively with NSAIDs, steroid injections,
physical therapy and/or evaluation by one of our experienced rheumatologists. Surgical
treatment includes shoulder arthroplasty.
The experienced medical team at Black Hills Orthopedic and Spine Center will diagnose
and treat your shoulder condition. In addition to receiving an evaluation from one
of our experienced orthopedic surgeons, rheumatologists or orthopedic physician
assistants, we can treat the condition too. Your condition will be monitored by
our physicians, in-house physical therapy staff and we also offer a full complement
of fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons.