The anatomy of the shoulder makes it susceptible to injury and shoulder pain. It is an amazing joint because the greater range of motion allows it to perform multiple functions. However, this range of motion can result in a lack of stability, which is why it is so easily injured. The shoulder surgeons at Missoula Bone & Joint specialize in treating both acute and chronic shoulder injuries and restoring your mobility.
About the Shoulder Joint
The shoulder is a ball and socket joint. The ball, or the rounded head of the upper arm bone (humerus), fits into the socket (glenoid) of the shoulder blade (scapula). A ring of cartilage called the labrum surrounds the socket to make it deeper. This joint is called the glenohumeral joint. Both the ball and socket are covered in cartilage, which helps the humerus move freely within the joint.
The joint is surrounded by the rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons that provide support and stability. A small sac of fluid called a bursa cushions and protects the rotator cuff. The top part of the shoulder, the acromioclavicular (AC) joint, is formed by the collarbone (clavicle) and acromion.
Shoulder Conditions
The shoulder’s complex construction allows for the rotation of the arm in all directions. This attribute also makes the shoulder highly susceptible to injury. Shoulder pain can result from several different causes: broken, dislocated, or separated bones; inflamed bursa; inflamed or torn tendons; torn labrum; cartilage degeneration (arthritis); impingement; and more.
Some of the most common shoulder problems we see and treat include:
- Arthritis of the shoulder
- Bursitis
- Calcific tendonitis
- Rotator cuff tear
- Shoulder impingement syndrome
- Biceps tendon tear
- Frozen shoulder
- Shoulder instability
- Dislocated shoulder
- Sprains and strains
- AC joint separation
- Clavicle fracture
Common symptoms of shoulder pain include:
- Pain with overhead activities (arm above head height)
- Pain while sleeping at night
- Pain over the outside of the shoulder/upper arm
When possible, our doctors prefer to address shoulder injuries with nonsurgical treatment such as ultrasound-guided cortisone injections or physical therapy, but if you need surgery, you can feel confident that our highly skilled surgeons have the training, experience, and expertise to perform common shoulder surgeries, such as:
- Shoulder arthroscopy for:
- Rotator cuff repair
- Bankart repair (for recurrent dislocations)
- SLAP lesion (labrum) repair
- Ligament repair
- Removal of inflamed tissue, loose cartilage, or bone spurs
- Total shoulder replacement
- Reverse shoulder replacement
If you have a minor injury or acute shoulder pain that can’t wait? You don’t need an appointment for our orthopedic urgent care clinic. Just walk in and you’ll be seen by one of our experienced Physician Assistants.
If you have been suffering with your shoulder condition or injury for longer than one month, you will be better served to schedule an appointment with one of our shoulder physicians.
