At Shoreline Orthopaedics, our orthopaedic surgeons use a truly collaborative approach so our patients have the benefit of multiple expert opinions, without having to go elsewhere to obtain them.
Shoreline Orthopaedics provides more comprehensive services, state-of-the-art options, technologies and techniques than anyone else in the area.
The following information is provided to help you understand what you can expect from us regarding policies and procedures, and also what is expected of you before and after treatment or procedures.
The following information is provided to help you gain a better understanding of anatomy, terminology, certain orthopaedic procedures, and more. If you have any questions, feel free to ask your physician.
The shoulder is a complex, ball-and-socket joint made up of three bones: the upper arm bone (humerus), shoulder blade (scapula), and collarbone (clavicle). The ball, or head, of the upper arm bone fits into a rounded socket (glenoid) in the shoulder blade. A combination of muscles and tendons (rotator cuff) keeps the arm bone centered in the shoulder socket.
The shoulder capsule is made up of bands of strong, connective tissue (ligaments) that surround the shoulder joint and hold it together. The undersurface of the shoulder capsule is lined by a thin membrane (synovium) that releases synovial fluid to lubricate the joint and eliminate friction, helping the shoulder to move more easily.
In frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, the tissues of the shoulder capsule become thick, stiff and inflamed. Stiff bands of tissue (adhesions) develop and, in many cases, there is a decrease in the synovial fluid needed to lubricate the joint properly. Over time the shoulder becomes extremely difficult to move, even with assistance. Frozen shoulder generally improves over time, however it may take up to 3 years. The focus of treatment is to control pain and restore motion and strength through physical therapy. Frozen shoulder develops in three stages:
In addition to the shoulder becoming stiff and difficult to move, symptoms of frozen shoulder include a dull or aching pain located over the outer shoulder area, or at times, the upper arm. Painful symptoms are typically most severe in the early course of the disease, or when moving the arm, especially when movement is sudden.
Although the causes of frozen shoulder are not fully understood, there are several factors that may increase the risk for developing this condition.
More than 90% of patients improve with relatively simple treatments to control pain and restore motion.
If symptoms are not relieved by medication and physical therapy, your doctor may recommend surgery to stretch and release the stiffened shoulder joint capsule. The most common surgical methods are manipulation under anesthesia and shoulder arthroscopy. In many cases, they are used in combination to obtain maximum results. Most patients have very good outcomes with these procedures.
With any surgery there are some risks, and these vary from person to person. Complications are typically minor, treatable and unlikely to affect your final outcome. Your orthopaedic surgeon will speak to you prior to surgery to explain any potential risks and complications that may be associated with your procedure.