Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Shoulder Problems? Ask the Kayal Orthopaedic Center Expert!

By Robert A. Kayal, MD, FAAOS

FAQs about Shoulder Injuries
Your shoulder joint is composed of a variety of bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Because of its extreme range of motion, it is an inherently unstable joint that is prone to injury. Shoulder pain occurs for a variety of reasons, including degeneration, arthritis, falls, impacts or traumatic accidents. 

Kayal Orthopaedic Center, PC is a leader in NJ shoulder repairs. Successfully treating hundreds of cases of shoulder pain, restricted mobility and structural damage each year, we’ve developed a unique treatment approach that’s customized to the individual needs of each patient. Educating patients in a detailed, easy-to-understand manner, we then perform thorough assessments and outline possible treatment options—so you can decide which course of action you’d prefer to follow. Most importantly, we prioritize aftercare to ensure complete rehabilitation and freedom from shoulder pain. 

Common Questions about Shoulder Injuries
1. HOW DO SHOULDER INJURIES OCCUR?
In cases where acute trauma did not cause your shoulder injury, we look for underlying causes. These may include wear and tear on your shoulder muscles and joints, the presence of arthritic conditions, and lifestyle or occupational factors that have led to repetitive stress. You can also injure your shoulder without realizing it by incorrectly lifting something heavy or carrying heavy objects over long distances.
2. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON SHOULDER INJURIES?
Some of the most frequently of the most frequently occurring shoulder conditions treated by the Kayal Orthopaedic Center include:

  • Tendonitis and bursitis: Tendonitis occurs when the shoulder tendons become inflamed, causing pain and mobility restrictions. Bursitis is a similar affliction that affects the bursa, a fluidic sac which shields and protects your shoulder.
  • Shoulder dislocation: A dislocated shoulder, which occurs when the humerus bone is physically separated from the socket of the shoulder, causes severe pain and impedes movement and range of motion.
  • Frozen shoulder: Generalized inflammation can restrict shoulder movement, typically leaving patients unable to raise the affected arm beyond a certain threshold.
  • Rotator cuff tears: Usually caused by repetitive stress, a rotator cuff tear occurs when tendons and muscles in the shoulder’s rotator cuff weaken and tear.
  • Sprains: A shoulder sprain occurs when shoulder ligaments tear, and is typically caused by acute stress.  
  • Labral tears: The shoulder’s labrum is a stabilizing tissue which compensates for the overall lack of support in the relatively shallow joint of the shoulder. A labral tear increases your likelihood of suffering a dislocated shoulder, and while this condition most commonly affects older patients, it can also occur suddenly as the result of an acute injury. Symptoms of a labral tear include aching pain in the shoulder joint, sudden restrictions of movement often described as a “catching” sensation, and activity-specific pain that occurs during shoulder movement.
  • Shoulder fractures and bone breaks: Both collar bone and shoulder bone fractures can cause shoulder pain, and usually occur as the result of heavy force being applied against the bone during an accident.
  • SLAP lesions: “SLAP” is an acronym for “Superior Labral tear, Anterior to Posterior.” It refers to an injury affecting the ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder, in which the superior labral ligament develops a lesion from overuse, typically as the result of strenuous or repetitive overhead movement. Symptoms include a constant but dull (rather than sharp) pain in the shoulder, and those affected by SLAP lesions typically report being awakened during the night by shoulder pain.
  • Shoulder problems for the “overhead athlete”: Athletes who engage in sports that require a lot of overhead movement, such as softball, baseball and tennis, often develop rotator cuff problems and are at increased risk of both SLAP lesions and labrum tears. Stretching both before and after activity—and taking care to use proper form—can help you avoid these conditions.


3. WHAT METHODS ARE USED TO DIAGNOSE THE SPECIFIC NATURE OF A SHOULDER INJURY?
In our clinic, we use cutting-edge imaging and diagnostic technologies which include arthrograms and arthroscopic examinations, CT scans, X-rays and MRI scans. These are used to supplement physical examinations, during which we will make an initial assessment of your injury.


4. HOW ARE SHOULDER INJURIES TREATED?
It depends on the nature of the injury, but we favor minimally invasive and rehabilitative treatments before resorting to surgery. During your aftercare, we prioritize physiotherapy and range-of-motion recovery techniques to speed healing and minimize the possibility of further injury.

WANT TO LEARN MORE?
CALL THE KAYAL ORTHOPAEDIC CENTER TODAY!

On behalf of my team of leading NJ orthopedic surgeons, I invite you to contact us if you have questions about shoulder pain, or wish to arrange a consultation appointment for shoulder pain or a shoulder injury. My staff has elite credentials and the breadth of experience to successfully treat any shoulder injury, no matter how minor or serious, with compassionate and attentive care. To schedule an appointment today, call 201-447-3880.