Orthopedic surgeons tend to see a lot of shoulder injuries and degeneration come through the office. Here are some of the most common shoulder and arm-related issues that they encounter.

Orthopedic surgeons, unless they specialize in a different specific part of the body, see a lot of shoulder injuries and degeneration come into the office. In what will come as no surprise to anyone, people use their shoulders and arms in all manner of applications. Some of these applications will create the possibility for injury to occur. A hundred years ago, a person may have been forced to live with an ill-healed injury or degenerative condition without proper treatment. Today, surgery and other possibilities exist to help those living with pain to get back on the right track. Here are some of the most common shoulder and arm-related issues.

- Tendinitis

Those who engage in repetitive activities (often found in sports such as swimming or activities such as weight lifting) can be susceptible to tendinitis. Over time, these repetitive activities cause the rotator cuff to squeeze underneath the joint. The first line of treatment for tendinitis (and its close cousin, bursitis) is to modify or cease the activity in question. There are often different ways to accomplish the same task, which can help the individual find relief and allow the tendons and rotator cuff to heal. In the case of severe impingement or tears, orthopedic surgeons may recommend going under the knife or getting a cortisone shot.

- Shoulder Instability

Orthopedic surgeons are often confronted with patients suffering from shoulder instability, which is to say that the arm bone comes out of the socket. While this sometimes occurs due to overuse of the ligaments, it is more common in situations of sudden injury. Not every instance of shoulder instability is considered a full dislocation. Subluxation is a possibility much of the time, where the bone is only partially dislodged. The ball joint can usually be replaced into the socket without surgery, though going under the knife may be necessary for those who suffer from repeat dislocations.

- Broken Collarbone

A broken collarbone is a common injury, particularly among children. It typically occurs as the result of a fall onto the side of the shoulder, which is something much more likely to happen to a child than an adult. Much of the time, orthopedic surgeons will not be necessary in these instances, as the fracture can be treated with a sling. In some cases, however, the fracture will be severe enough to require surgery. If you suspect you may have a broken collarbone, some of the most common symptoms include pain, swelling, an unfamiliar bulge around the shoulder area, and a crackling sound accompanying shoulder movement.

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