Shoulder

At The Shoulder Center at OCI, we specialize in minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures for the reconstruction or repair of shoulder problems, as well as non-operative rehabilitation of the shoulder.

Arthroscopic surgery has a much faster recovery period than open surgery and leaves almost no scarring. An arthroscopic shoulder surgery can be done on an outpatient basis, avoiding a stay in the hospital.

When necessary, our OCI specialists are also highly trained and experienced at performing total joint replacements of shoulders. We specialize in reverse total shoulder replacements for fractures and neglected rotator cuff problems.

This Center of Excellence works hand-in-hand with OCI Imaging at OCI to capture digital x-rays and images for an accurate diagnosis of what ails you, OCI Therapy at OCI for physical rehabilitation, and The Injury Center at OCI to get you back to work quickly after a shoulder injury. All services are in one location, for your convenience.

Common procedures performed at The Shoulder Center at OCI include:
Shoulder arthroscopy: In this procedure, a tiny camera (scope) is inserted into the shoulder joint through small incisions. This allows the surgeon to visualize the problems inside the shoulder joint as well as problems of the rotator cuff. Arthroscopic management allows us to treat patients on an outpatient basis using a light general anesthetic and local anesthesia for patient comfort.

Rotator cuff repair: Over time, repetitive use of the shoulder may wear out the tendon and a rotator cuff tear can develop. Traumatic injuries, such as a fall on an outstretched arm, can also cause rotator cuff tears. The diagnosis is made by medical history and a physical exam as well as x-rays and MRI.

Initially shoulder problems are treated with conservative management, using anti-inflammatory medications, exercises, physical therapy, and occasionally cortisone to reduce inflammation. If conservative management fails, arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery may be recommended. With this technique, special suture anchors are passed through the tendon back into the bone using arthroscopic knot tying techniques. This arthroscopic technique does not require any muscle to be cut and, therefore, causes less pain and smaller cosmetic scars. Physical therapy is required after surgery to reach maximum medical improvement. Many shoulder problems can be corrected with arthroscopy including rotator cuff tears, impingement pain, and instability (loose joint).

Shoulder stabilization: When you’ve injured your shoulder to the point that the joint itself is loosened, it is likely to slip out of the socket repeatedly if it is not treated. An arthroscopic shoulder stabilization involves tightening and repairing the torn or stretched ligaments that keep the joint in place, using a small incision and an arthroscope as a guide. You will need physical therapy or an exercise program to rehabilitate the  shoulder from surgery.

Shoulder replacement: About 53,000 Americans have shoulder replacements each year to relieve osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-trauma arthritis. The device used for a total shoulder replacement mimics the normal anatomy of the shoulder. It uses the rotator cuff muscles to power the arm. This procedure works great for pain relief, patients experience approximately 95% pain relief after a total shoulder replacement.

Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement: Rotator cuff arthropathy is a very specific type of arthritis that develops from a large or long standing rotator cuff tear. In this situation, a standard shoulder replacement cannot be performed because the rotator cuff is torn and beyond repair. Instead, a reverse total shoulder replacement is performed. With a reverse shoulder replacement the deltoid muscle becomes the main muscle power moving the shoulder instead of the rotator cuff. Function of the arm is restored with only slight limitations regarding rotation following the reverse shoulder replacement, but the primary goal of surgery is pain relief.

AC Joint Reconstruction: The AC (acromioclavicular) joint is where the clavicle (collarbone) meets the acromion (shoulder blade). Nonoperative care—such as ice, stabilizing the shoulder in a sling, and physical therapy—may be enough to treat an injury. In severe cases, if the patient has severe AC joint instability, surgery might be recommended to stabilize this joint. Occasionally these can be done arthroscopic, but sometimes open surgery is required. Rehabilitation will be required to restore mobility and strength.