The precise nature of a shoulder injury can be diagnosed when the surgeon evaluates the patient’s medical history, performs a physical exam, and conducts tests such as x-rays, ultrasound, or MRIs. Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler provide shoulder injury treatments to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, and surrounding locations.
Arthroscopic Surgery
Shoulder joint problems that are severe in nature may have to be treated surgically. Arthroscopy is a less invasive procedure to diagnose and treat such problems. The surgeon will assess the condition using a fiber optic light source and a tiny camera placed into the affected area through a small incision.
Another small incision will be made to perform the surgical correction, while the arthroscope magnifies the underlying joint structures for more accurate procedure. Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler are board certified orthopedic surgeons receiving patients from Las Vegas, Nevada, and nearby areas for shoulder joint treatments.
Treatment of Shoulder Injuries
Dislocation
If the ball at the top of the shoulder bone pops out of the socket, a dislocation will occur. The surgeon will perform a physical procedure to push the ball back into the upper arm socket. Additional treatment may include wearing a sling, applying ice, range of motion exercise, and plenty of rest. If the nerve or tissue around the shoulder is injured due to dislocation, surgery may be necessary.
Separation
If the ligaments between the shoulder blade and collarbone are torn, a shoulder separation will occur. The treatment for this condition includes a sling to keep the shoulder in position, ice to relieve swelling and pain, specific exercises after a certain period of rest, and surgery in case the tears are severe.
Rotator Cuff Disease: Tendinitis and Bursitis
If the tendons in the shoulder become inflamed, it is called tendinitis. Bursitis occurs when the bursa, which is a small fluid filled sac to protect the shoulder joint, is inflamed. Both conditions may occur together or separately.
Ice application, pain medications, ultrasound therapy to warm deep tissue and increase blood flow, gentle exercises and stretching to improve strength, and corticosteroid injections may be used for treatment. Surgery may be necessary if the shoulder does not improve even after six to 12 months.
Frozen Shoulder
A frozen shoulder will make the movement of the shoulder very restricted. Frozen shoulder may occur due to lack of use of shoulder due to chronic pain, worsening arthritis, bands of tissue growing in the shoulder joint, or lack of shoulder joint fluid.
Heat therapy, pain meds, gentle stretching exercises, electrical stimulation of the nerves, cortisone injections and surgery, as a last resort, may be used to treat a frozen shoulder.
Fracture
A crack through a portion or all of the bone is called a fracture. In case of shoulder, the upper arm bone or collarbone is usually involved. The surgeon will put the bones into a position that promotes healing. A sling may be used to keep the bones in position. Surgery may be required if the fracture does not heal with non-invasive procedures.
If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. call (702) 933-9393; Physical Therapy (702) 933-9394