TREATING SHOULDER INJURIES: GETTING YOU IN THE SWING AGAIN
At the peak of the summer sea-
symptom of rotator cuff problems is shoulder pain, espe-
For some, a minimally invasive surgical technique called
son, activities and sports are in
cially when reaching overhead or behind your back or lifting.
arthroscopy is used, which means that a smaller incision is
full swing. And so are many sud-
den (acute) shoulder injuries and
PAUL LEWIS, DO
made to repair a torn rotator cuff. During an arthroscopic
TREATMENT OPTIONS Whether your shoulder pain is
rotator cuff repair, a physician inserts a series of tubes into
injuries related to overuse. Minor
caused by traumatic injury, by degeneration that comes
the shoulder joint through a small number of incisions and
aches and pains of the shoulder
with aging or by inflammation from tendonitis, bursitis or
is able to visualize the rotator cuff tear and repair it.
are common, but more extensive
arthritis, consulting an orthopedic surgeon for an evalua-
shoulder problems can be the
tion should be your first course of action.
result of wear and tear, overuse,
While a patient's overall condition will determine the form
of treatment, people who are eligible for minimally invasive
injury, or part of the natural aging process. The expert
"A thorough orthopedic evaluation consists of three com-
shoulder surgery will benefit from smaller scars, reduced
physicians of the St. Joseph Mercy Oakland (SJMO) or-
ponents: a medical history to gather information about
pain and improvements in shoulder function.
thopedic program can properly diagnose and treat your
symptoms, limitations and injuries; a physical exam to as-
shoulder injuries.
sess swelling, range of motion, strength or weakness; and
Please call our physician referral line at 800 372 6094 to
diagnostic tests, such as X-rays and magnetic resonance
find an SJMO orthopedic surgeon near you.
BACKGROUND The structure of the shoulder joint
imaging [MRI], to evaluate
allows a wide range of motion. It is the most flexible
the soft tissue and bones
joint in your body and allows you to place and rotate
in your shoulder," says
your arm in several positions. The shoulder is a ball-
Dr. Lewis.
Treatment varies from
(scapula). The rotator cuff is the group of muscles and
patient to patient. Non-
tendons that attach your upper arm to your shoulder
surgical alternatives to con-
blade. It covers the shoulder joint and joint capsule and
ventional and arthroscopic
can easily become injured or cause problems.
-
Rotator cuff injuries or inflammation are the
most common cause of shoulder joint pain.
and-socket joint with three main bones: the upper arm
bone (humerus), collarbone (clavicle) and shoulder blade
-
rotator cuff surgery should
all be considered. Resting
SYMPTOMS "There are many causes of shoulder pain,
the joint, applying heat,
including bursitis or tendonitis, rotator cuff tears, shoulder
getting physical therapy or
dislocation, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and collar-
taking anti-inflammatory
bone separation," says Paul Lewis, DO, an SJMO orthope-
medications are options.
dic surgeon. "The most common cause of shoulder joint
You and your physician
pain is rotator cuff injuries or inflammation."
may determine that sur-
gery will be the best
For women in the 50 to 60 age category, rotator cuff in-
treatment for your specific
juries are the No. I shoulder problem.The most common
situation.
ANKLE !OINT REPLACEMENT
A PROVEN TECHNIQUE TO RESTORE YOUR MOBILITY
The ankles support the entire
up the ankle joint. Artificial joint parts (prosthetics) are
body weight, and ankle injuries are
used to replace your own bones.They come in different
very common. Each year about
sizes to fit different-size people.
2 million patients are treated
for ankle sprains and strains, and
ankle fractures are one of the
Fibula
Calcaneofibular I
ligament
most common injuries treated
CHRISTOPHER
TISDEL, MD
by physicians.
Calcaneus
Tibia
Anterior
talofibular
ligament
Talus
Each artificial ankle prosthesis is made up of two parts:
• The tibial component is the metal and polyethylene
portion of the joint replacement that replaces the socket
of the ankle (the top portion).
• A metal component replaces the talus—the bone of the
foot that forms the lower part of the ankle joint.
Anyone, from the most well-
coordinated athlete to the most sedentary person, can
experience an ankle injury such as a bone fracture, and
These are made of a mixture of plastic and metal. Once
in some cases, the ankle joint can be damaged by osteo-
the replacement bone and socket are fitted, they are tested
arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
for friction and mobility.
Most ankle problems can be corrected through appropri-
"While recovery following ankle joint replacement surgery
ate non-surgical care, but for persistent ankle pain and de-
will take some time and require rehabilitation therapy, ankle
creased mobility caused by trauma, arthritis or tears, surgical
intervention may be necessary. Symptoms may include:
• Ankle stiffness
Some ankle pain can be relieved without surgery, but
persistent pain and decreased mobility may require
surgical intervention.
joint replacement permits a much wider range of motion
or a more normal day-to-day function," says Dr. Tisdel.
"Ankle replacement surgery does have risks, but with proper
diagnosis and testing, you and your physician may determine
• Swelling around the joint
• Bone spurs
effective option to restore arthritic ankles—ankle joint
that this procedure will benefit you by reducing pain and
• Joint deformity
replacement. According to Christopher Tisdel, MD, Chair
helping you to live a more active life."
• Instability of the ankle
of the SJMO Division of Orthopedics and a leader in foot
TREATMENT St. Joseph Mercy Oakland (SJMO) has an
and ankle surgery, ankle replacement surgery is done to
To locate an SJMO orthopedic surgeon near you, call the
replace the damaged parts of the three bones that make
physician referral line at 800 372 6094.
SUMMER 2011
MICHiGAN NE.DICAL REPORT
-
-