Shoulder Disorders Spearfish, SD
Introduction to Shoulder Disorders
The shoulder is one of the body’s most versatile and active joints, allowing for a wide range of motion essential to daily life. However, this makes the shoulder susceptible to injuries, degeneration, and other disorders. Whether from wear and tear, injury, or underlying conditions, shoulder problems can significantly impact your quality of life if left untreated.
Dr. Jensen, a highly skilled orthopedic surgeon with extensive experience in treating shoulder disorders, is committed to helping patients restore function and reduce pain. His patient-focused approach focuses on personalized care for each unique condition.
(605) 569-6000
311 N 27th St, Spearfish, SD 57783
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Dr. Jensen Services
Shoulder Anatomy
The shoulder is capable of a wide range of motion and is one of the most complex joints in the human body. It consists of three primary bones:
- The scapula, or shoulder blade
- The clavicle, commonly known as the collarbone
- The humerus, the upper arm bone
These bones connect through intricate joints, including the acromioclavicular joint, the glenohumeral joint, and the sternoclavicular joint. Together, they allow seamless movement and stability.
The rotator cuff muscles and their associated tendons support these bones, which are crucial for strength and motion. The shoulder’s ligaments form the joint capsule, stabilizing and holding the bones in place, while the bursa acts as a cushion, reducing friction and allowing smooth motion.
The complexity of these interconnected structures enables the shoulder’s exceptional flexibility but also makes it vulnerable to injury and degeneration, especially with overuse or trauma.
Common Shoulder Disorders
Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)
Adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder, is a condition that causes pain and stiffness, significantly limiting shoulder movement. It often develops after an injury or surgery but can also arise gradually without a known cause.
Non-surgical treatments, including physical therapy and injections, are common, though severe cases may require surgery. Recovery may take several months, with physical therapy playing a vital role in gradually improving strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
Biceps Tendonitis
Biceps tendonitis is inflammation of the tendon connecting the biceps muscle to the shoulder, often caused by overuse or age-related wear. Symptoms include pain in the front of the shoulder and tenderness along the tendon.
Treatment options include rest, medications, physical therapy, or, in severe cases, surgical intervention. Recovery typically involves strengthening exercises to prevent recurrence.
Glenohumeral Arthritis
Glenohumeral arthritis is a degenerative condition that occurs when the cartilage within the shoulder joint wears down, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It can result from wear and tear, previous injuries, or inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Treatment options include non-surgical approaches like physical therapy, medications, and injections, while advanced cases may require shoulder replacement surgery. Recovery involves ongoing therapy to manage symptoms and restore joint function.
Impingement Syndrome
Impingement syndrome occurs when the rotator cuff tendons are compressed, leading to pain and inflammation. Repetitive overhead movements or structural abnormalities often cause this.
Treatment includes physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or arthroscopic surgery for severe cases. Recovery focuses on reducing inflammation and restoring shoulder strength and mobility.
Rotator Cuff Tears
Rotator cuff tears happen when the tendons of the rotator cuff become damaged or torn, often due to age-related wear, repetitive overhead movements, or trauma. Common symptoms include pain, weakness, and difficulty lifting the arm.
Treatments range from physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications to surgical tendon repair. Recovery typically involves a structured rehabilitation program to restore function and strength.
Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Total shoulder replacement is a surgical procedure designed to relieve pain and restore function in the shoulder joint, most commonly due to glenohumeral arthritis. This condition occurs when the cartilage cushioning the joint wears down, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
During the procedure, the damaged ball of the humerus and the glenoid are replaced with artificial components designed to replicate the anatomy and mechanics of a healthy shoulder. Patients typically experience significant pain relief and improved function after surgery, though full recovery may take several months, including physical therapy, to rebuild strength and motion.
Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Reverse shoulder replacement is a surgical option for individuals whose shoulder function is compromised by rotator cuff injuries. Unlike total shoulder replacement, this procedure reverses the mechanics of the joint by attaching a ball to the shoulder blade and a socket to the humerus.
This design allows the deltoid muscle, rather than the rotator cuff, to power shoulder movement. Patients often achieve improved stability and the ability to lift their arms again, with a recovery process that includes physical therapy to adapt to the new joint function.