edicine is an ever-expanding field of science. Even within the specialty of orthopedic surgery, there are many different subspecialties. One of these is the shoulder specialist. This surgeon focuses o...

edicine is an ever-expanding field of science. Even within the specialty of orthopedic surgery, there are many different subspecialties. One of these is the shoulder specialist. This surgeon focuses on issues which require surgery for this particular joint, and modern techniques being developed to treat this unique variety of problems.

In order to specialize in an orthopedic field, a surgeon needs to complete some extra education beyond their orthopedic training:

- An extra year of training within a shoulder and elbow fellowship
- An extra year of training within a sports medicine fellowship
- Independent expertise within the field of shoulder surgery

These fellowships must be recognized by the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons organization, which focus on joint replacement and reconstruction as well as arthroscopic surgery. Or they must be recognized by the American Orthopedic Society for Sport Medicine, which focus solely on arthroscopic surgery.

Who Should See an Orthopedic Surgeon for Shoulder Problems?

Anyone who is continuously experiencing stiffness, pain, or inability to use the full range of motion may be a candidate for surgery. It's important to see a surgeon as soon as you realize the problem because waiting can exacerbate the issue. Some common problems a shoulder specialist treats include:

Instability - The joint was forced out of place. Typically your range of motion will be affected. For instance, if you have pain while raising your arm, you may be experiencing instability.

Impingement - A common sports injury that occurs when the cartilage wears away and the ligaments are weakened, allowing the blade to rub against the muscle. Impingement is typically caused by repetitive motion.

Rotator Cuff Injury - These muscles and tendons allow the joint to move in a 360-degree motion. When they are injured, the muscles pull away from each other and inhibit this 360-degree movement.

Dislocation - This injury typically occurs when the victim suffers a fall or sharp blow directly to the shoulder. You'll usually hear a "pop" followed by intense pain. Dislocation will cause intense discomfort until the joint is put back in place. While you may be able to fully recover with plenty of rest and relaxation, your doctor may refer you to see a shoulder specialist if you continue experiencing problems.

Fracture - A fracture needs to be seen immediately. You'll typically have a lot of pain coupled with swelling around the joint.

Separation - Slightly different from dislocation since the shoulder doesn't actually pop out of the socket, separation indicates that it has begun to move away from the muscle. You'll usually experience tenderness and swelling, but raising both arms helps to alleviate the pain.

When You See the Surgeon

At your initial visit, there are several helpful items you should bring:

- Copies of previous x-rays, MRI scans, or CT scans related to your injury, along with the radiologist report
- Your current prescription medications or over-the-counter medication you're taking
- Copies of operative reports or clinic notes from previous surgery or treatment
- Recent lab work results (if you're prone to infection)

It's also a good idea to bring a list of questions that you'd like to ask your shoulder specialist.

Article Tags: Shoulder Specialist