Dr. Rosenblum: Service Page for EmergeOrtho—Triangle Region

Whether it be from working, overuse, playing sports, or an accident, shoulder injuries are one of the most common injuries people face. EmergeOrtho—Triangle Region’s shoulder specialist Dr. Stephen Rosenblum offers great shoulder care to get you back to a functional life. 

Dr. Rosenblum is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic shoulder surgeon who specializes in sports medicine. He also provides excellent Hip & Knee treatment. His expertise treats a range of sports-related injuries and problems related to degenerative conditions such as rotator cuff tears. Dr. Rosenblum offers several treatment options. He will suggest conservative management when applicable, but he also offers the most advanced, minimally invasive surgical techniques available to his patients.

When to See an Orthopedic Shoulder Specialist

Shoulder pain is not uncommon, and because of the anatomy of the shoulder, pain will likely occur at some point in your life. But when exactly is the right time to schedule an appointment with your shoulder doctor? 

There are telltale signs you should schedule an appointment with a shoulder specialist. These include: 

• Pain that does not get better in two to four weeks

• Pain that lasts more than four weeks

• Pain gets progressively worse from day to day or week to week

• Difficulty sleeping due to pain

• Pain when reaching backward, above, or across the body

Understanding the Shoulder

The shoulder is comprised of three bones: the upper arm bone (humerus), shoulder blade (scapula), and the collarbone (clavicle). The head of the upper arm bone sits within a socket called the glenoid. A network of muscles and tendons (rotator cuff) covers the head of the upper arm bone and secures it within the socket. The shoulder has a wide range of motion, yet it is unstable, making the shoulder susceptible to many injuries such as:

• Sprains and strains

• Separations

• Dislocations

• Tendinitis

• Bursitis

• Frozen shoulder

• Fractures (broken bones)

• Arthritis

With common shoulder injuries, you may be advised to undergo nonsurgical practices such as rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, corticosteroid injections, and physical therapy. Following the instructions of your shoulder doctor is integral in strengthening and recovering your shoulder.

Common Shoulder Surgeries

Though some injuries can be treated with nonsurgical practices, depending on the severity of the injury, you may be advised to undergo a surgical procedure. Shoulder surgeries are common, and about 53,000 people in the U.S. have shoulder replacement surgery each year. The most common types of shoulder surgeries are:

• Rotator cuff repairs: The rotator cuff is made of muscles and tendons that hold the shoulder in place. The rotator cuff allows you to lift your arm and reach. An injury can occur when falling on an outstretched hand or develop over time due to overuse or age. Surgery is done by shaving off bone spurs that are pinching the shoulder or repairing torn tendons or muscles in the shoulder. Surgery recovery will take approximately six to nine months.

• Total shoulder replacement: Usually from arthritis pain or a severe fracture, a total shoulder replacement is when the ball (humeral head) is replaced with a metal ball attached to a stem. The shoulder socket may be replaced with a plastic piece depending on the severity. With rehab, your recovery will take six months to a year. After a year, 95% of patients will have pain-free functioning. 

• Frozen shoulder arthroscopy: Frozen shoulder is pain and stiffness in the shoulder where the shoulder becomes hard to move. Your orthopedic shoulder surgeon will cut through the tight areas in the joint capsule. Recovery will take three weeks to six months.

• Arthroscopic SLAP repair: A SLAP repair stands for superior labrum anterior and posterior (the top, front, and back point where the biceps tendon attaches to the labrum). Usually, an accident or overuse causes a SLAP tear. Symptoms of a SLAP tear include catching, locking, or popping in the shoulder, pain in overhead activities, pain in lifting heavy objects, and instability or joint dislocation. A SLAP repair is a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure. Using a tiny camera and miniature surgical instruments, your shoulder doctor will remove damaged tissue and repair the area. You can expect to regain arm use in four to six months.

• Impingement syndrome arthroscopy: A shoulder impingement is caused by improper alignment of the bones and tissues in the upper arm. Surgery for shoulder impingement involves cleaning out damaged or inflamed tissue that may be done by shaving down areas of bone growth. You are likely to recover in six to eight weeks. 

If advised to undergo surgery for your shoulder pain, be sure to follow proper recovery instructions provided by your orthopedic shoulder specialist. Failure to do so may cause prolonged recovery, cause more pain, or require another surgery.

With unparalleled treatment offered by shoulder specialist Dr. Rosenblum, EmergeOrtho—Triangle Region provides comprehensive, patient-centered orthopedic shoulder care with the goal of helping you Emerge Stronger, Healthier, and Better.

To learn more about shoulder treatments, request a consultation with Dr. Stephen Rosenblum or call us at 919-220-5255.