Sports Medicine
Shoulder is the most movable joint in the body, making it vulnerable to sports injuries. These injuries may include sprains, strains, dislocations, separations, tendonitis, bursitis, torn rotator cuffs, frozen shoulder, fractures, and arthritis.
Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler provide sports medicine for shoulder injuries to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, and surrounding communities.
Shoulder Joint Separation
The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is where the collarbone converges with the highest point of the shoulder blade. It can separate due to a fall directly onto the shoulder. The injury may vary from a minor configuration change to a severe, deforming injury. RICE protocol may be used as a non-surgical treatment. But in severe cases of shoulder separation, surgery may be required.
Bankart Tear Repair
The bankart tear is an injury specific to the labrum part of the shoulder joint. If the labrum is torn, the stability of the shoulder joint will be compromised. When a person sustains a shoulder dislocation, a bankart lesion may occur. Treatments may include rest, physical therapy, use of a sling, or surgical repair.
Biceps Tendonitis
Biceps tendonitis involves inflammation in the main tendon that attaches the top of the biceps muscle to the shoulder. It typically occurs due to overuse. Treatment may include medication, cortisone injections, or physical therapy. Surgery may be performed if the condition is severe, such as biceps tenodesis.
Shoulder Joint Tear
Injuries of the shoulder joint tear are known as a glenoid labrum tear. Symptoms may include a popping of the shoulder, instability, weakness, or a reduced range of motion. Treatments include rest, medication, and physical therapy. Arthroscopic surgery may be an option if the tear is major.
HAG Ligament (HAGL)
HAGL is a surgical approach to repair shoulder instability. This condition can be caused when traumatic forces are applied to shoulder during sports activities. An open incision surgery or an arthroscopy may be preformed to repair this condition.
Proximal Biceps Tendon Rupture
Rupture in proximal biceps tendon may occur due to wear and tear or an unexpected for or injury. Treatment may include ice therapy, NSAIDs, rest and strengthening exercises. If the tear is major or completed, tenodesis surgery may be performed to reattach the tendon.
Rotator Cuff Tear
Rotator cuff tear in the shoulder may reveal symptoms including pain when lifting or lowering the arm, weakness, thinning muscles about the shoulder, or a crackling sensation. Treatments include rest, sling, NSAIDs, steroid injections, physical therapy, arthroscopic repair, or an open surgical repair.
Shoulder Dislocation
Shoulder may get partially or fully dislocated due to a fall or injury. Symptoms include swelling, weakness, numbness and bruising. Closed reduction procedure may be performed to place the ball of the upper arm bone back into the joint socket.
Shoulder Instability
A shoulder may become unstable due to a dislocation, repetitive strain or multidirectional instability. Non-surgical treatments may include activity modification, NSAIDs, and physical therapy. Arthroscopic or open surgery may be performed in severe case of torn ligament.
Board certified orthopedic surgeons at the Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada, and other communities and cities around this major American gambling mecca.
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) 933-9393.