Common Procedures Performed by Orthopedic Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons

Orthopedic shoulder and elbow surgeons treat a wide range of shoulder and elbow conditions, including dislocations, rotator cuff tears, and joint stiffness. These specialists are highly trained to perform minimally-invasive, partial replacement, and complete replacement surgeries. Shoulder and elbow injuries can affect your arm movement or hinder your daily activities. Your orthopedic shoulder & elbow surgeon La Jolla treats your shoulder or elbow problem to help relieve pain and restore range of motion, improving your quality of life. Here are common procedures performed by orthopedic shoulder and elbow surgeons.

Shoulder replacement

Shoulder replacement surgery involves your surgeon replacing the ball and socket joint with an artificial metal ball and a plastic socket. Surgeons often use shoulder replacement in patients with advanced arthritis of the shoulder joint. But it can also be useful for complex fractures and other shoulder injuries that do not respond to other treatments. Shoulder replacement surgery help relieve pain and improves the range of motion.

Rotator cuff repair

Rotator cuff repair is the most common shoulder surgery. Your doctor can recommend this surgery if you have a fall, injury, inflammation, or tear that is not improving with non-invasive treatments. Rotator cuff repair involves your surgeon identifying the damaged section of the rotator cuff and reattaching any torn or damaged tendons. Research shows that approximately ninety percent of all patients report reduced pain and increased joint functioning after rotator cuff repair.

Arthroscopy for shoulder dislocation

A shoulder dislocation happens when the ball of your shoulder joint comes out of the socket. In young athletes, the injury mostly affects the labrum. Your surgeon can perform a Bankart repair that involves attaching the labrum to the joint capsule to help hold the ball in place. The surgeon may also tighten the joint capsule if your shoulder joint comes in and out of the socket easily. After shoulder dislocation arthroscopy, most individuals return to daily duties, and athletes resume pre-surgery athletic performance.

Arthroscopy for frozen shoulder

A frozen shoulder is among the most common shoulder injuries. When a frozen shoulder develops, the capsule surrounding your shoulder joint becomes tight and contracted. Frozen shoulder arthroscopy involves your surgeon loosening the contracted tissue, allowing your shoulder to move more freely. The surgeon cuts the capsule around the ball of your shoulder. Recover from frozen shoulder surgery can take up to three months. This surgery helps alleviate shoulder pain and improves your range of motion.

Elbow replacement surgery

Elbow replacement surgery involves your surgeon replacing your elbow joint with an artificial one. The surgery may involve your surgeon using a hinge to connect metal stems implanted into the ends of your humerus and ulna. The surgeon may use your joint tissue to connect the metal stems in your ulna and humerus. You may need elbow replacement surgery if arthritis wears out cartilage in your joints or you have a broken or cracked bone in your elbow.

Orthopedic shoulder and elbow surgeons treat various shoulder and elbow issues. The specialists perform many procedures, including shoulder replacement, rotator cuff repair, frozen shoulder surgery, elbow replacement, and shoulder dislocation arthroscopy. Schedule an appointment with Upper Extremity Specialists to relieve your shoulder and elbow pain from qualified and experienced orthopedic surgeons.