Iowa Orthopaedic
Center, P.C, provides patients with a comprehensive,
multidisciplinary approach for the evaluation, treatment,
and management of shoulder disorders and injury.
Our board-certified, fellowship trained, team of shoulder
and upper extremity physician’s, assist patients in
achieving success for the full spectrum of shoulder
injury and disease. Early diagnosis
and treatment are crucial when patients begin to experience
shoulder pain, weakness, or restriction of movement.Seeking
early intervention reduces the potential of shoulder
problems progressing with more serious consequences.
The shoulder is the most movable and flexible joint
in the body, this also makes it one of the most potentially
unstable joints. As a result, it is the site of many
common shoulder problems including:
Arthritis
The shoulder can be easily injured during
sporting activities and manual labor, however, the
primary source of shoulder problems appears to be
the natural age-related degeneration of the surrounding
soft tissues such as those found in the rotator
cuff.
The shoulder joint can be extremely troublesome
because it is a very fragile and vulnerable joint.
This joint is susceptible to injury because of its
structure. A little bony overhang that comes from
the shoulder blade joins with the bone in the upper
arm, called the humerus; however, there is not a
direct attachment. Capsules, ligaments, and muscles,
not bony structures, hold the bones of the shoulder
in place. This relationship is why the force of
gravity can easily pull the long arm bone down and
cause problems.
Common Injuries
One shoulder problem is subluxation, which occurs
when the bone in the arm pulls away from the little
bony overhang. A little flat plate allows the bone
in your arm to slide down as you lift your arm up.
Many times, when people are struck in the shoulder
joint, they are unable to move the arm bone down
that little plate.
The biggest problem in shoulders is overuse of
the muscles, leading to tendonitis around the shoulder
joint where the muscle begins. Bursae, little sacs
that allow the muscles to slide smoothly over each
other, can also become inflamed because of excessive
motion; this condition is called bursitis. In addition,
people can fall and tear the muscles around the
shoulder joint, as in a rotator cuff tear.
Other problems that may cause difficulty in shoulder
motion are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Treatment
Treatment generally involves altering your activities,
rest and a physical therapy regimen to improve your
strength and flexibility. Medication may be prescribed
to decrease the inflammation and reduce your pain.
Injections of drugs may also be used to treat pain.
Ninety percent of patient problems will respond
to conservative treatment. Surgery may be required
to resolve problems such as recurrent dislocation
and some rotator cuff tears.
All treatments are generally accompanied by a physical
therapy regimen specific to the injury.
IOC is here for all of your orthopaedic
shoulder care. You can be confident
of receiving excellent, comprehensive surgical and
non-surgical treatment – from a shoulder sprain,
steroidal injection, complex rotator cuff repair,
or shoulder replacement. Iowa
Orthopaedic Center is committed to providing patients
with excellent orthopedic care and unsurpassed personalized
service. We consider it a privilege
to be selected as your orthopaedic providers.
Don’t suffer with unnecessary shoulder pain,
call the experts at Iowa Orthopaedic Center, P.C.,
at 515-247-8400, or toll free 800-642-6381...you
can place your trust in us.
