Shoulder Specialist - Shoulder Impingement, Rotator Cuff Tear, and Shoulder Joint Replacement

If you think you may need to see a shoulder specialist Brisbane, you should be prepared for a variety of procedures. You may be dealing with Shoulder impingement, rotator cuff tear, or shoulder joint replacement. The following is a basic outline of the procedure. After the procedure, you will be placed in a recovery room, monitored by a nurse. Your shoulder will be bandaged and immobilized. The nursing staff will help you prepare for discharge. You should make arrangements for someone to drive you home.

Shoulder joint replacement

Shoulder joint replacement surgery is a common procedure for people who are experiencing pain and are unable to manage it with nonsurgical treatments. Symptoms include progressive stiffness and a grinding or grating sensation. These are signs that the bones in the shoulder are rubbing against each other and the cartilage has worn away.

Complications from shoulder joint replacement surgery can occur during and after the procedure. Most are treatable, although some can lead to further complications. Infections are a potential concern and are often treated with antibiotics. Nerve damage can also occur. However, this rarely results in revision surgery.

Shoulder joint replacement surgery will usually last two to three hours and requires admission to a hospital. During the surgery, a general or local anesthetic is used. This will numb the arm and block nerves in the neck. Patients will need to meet with a medical doctor before surgery, and a unit of blood will be given before surgery. This unit of blood will be returned to the patient if they require it later.

The surgical procedure involves replacing all or part of the humerus with a metal ball and stem. The procedure can also involve removing a portion of the humerus closest to the joint. The surgeon then prepares the inside arm bone for the prosthesis stem, and implants it within the marrow space. After surgery, the patient may experience new pain and reduced mobility.

Shoulder impingement

A shoulder specialist can treat shoulder impingement in a variety of ways. Often, non-surgical treatment is enough to alleviate symptoms. The initial plan of treatment is a combination of medications, rest, and physical therapy. In some cases, a corticosteroid injection may be performed into the bursa, which acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory. This can help relieve pain, and may be more effective than NSAIDs.

Patients should contact a shoulder specialist as soon as they notice symptoms of shoulder joint pain or weakness. The inflammation associated with shoulder impingement can intensify quickly, making the symptoms of an injury more difficult to detect. The shoulder specialist will perform a thorough physical exam and order x-rays. In certain cases, he or she may also recommend MRI imaging to determine the precise cause of the impingement.

If the symptoms persist, a shoulder specialist may recommend arthroscopic surgery. This minimally invasive procedure is performed through tiny cuts in the shoulder. The surgeon will use special surgical instruments to examine the injured area. The goal is to remove bone spurs and provide pain-free range of motion.

Shoulder impingement is a common orthopedic problem. It occurs when the rotator cuff tendons rub against the acromion. This process can lead to significant weakness and difficulty lifting the arm overhead.

Rotator cuff tear

A rotator cuff tear can be a serious condition. Symptoms of a torn rotator cuff can include arm weakness and deformity. A specialist can help you decide which treatment is right for your specific injury. If you suspect a rotator cuff tear, you should see a reputable orthopedic surgeon.

Treatment for rotator cuff tears may include surgery or physical therapy. Both of these procedures can improve your range of motion and restore structural integrity to your shoulder. However, some patients may not be candidates for surgery. A specialist can recommend conservative measures to treat your condition before considering invasive surgery. These include at-home exercises that can help strengthen the injured tendons. A doctor may also prescribe anti-inflammatories or inject cortisone directly into the injured shoulder.

Surgery is usually necessary when a tear cannot be repaired using nonsurgical methods. Some patients may be candidates for a superior capsule reconstruction, which will help restore motion and alleviate pain. However, if your tear is too severe, a shoulder replacement surgery may be necessary. The surgery will involve fitting a ball and socket together.

Symptoms of rotator cuff tear include pain and weakness in the arm. A shoulder specialist should be consulted immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. Often, a tear is a result of repeated use of the shoulder. Repetitive activities such as lifting heavy objects can damage the tendon and cause a tear.

Queensland Orthopaedic Clinic is a group of like-minded, sub-specialist trained medical professionals providing personalised patient care.