Capital City Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine

Shoulder Arthroscopy in Atlanta, GA

Anatomy of the Shoulder

Allowing the movement and rotation of the arm through several positions, the shoulder is the most flexible joint in the human body. However, the flexibility of the shoulder also makes the joint vulnerable to instability and injuries.

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint formed by three bones: the upper arm bone (humerus), collarbone (clavicle) and shoulder blade (scapula). The ball at the top end of the arm bone fits into a small socket (glenoid) within the shoulder blade, forming the shoulder joint, which is also known as the glenohumeral joint.

Soft-tissues, called the labrum, surround the socket of the glenoid. The articular cartilage on the head of the arm bone, and a thin inner lining, called synovium, allows the smooth motion of the shoulder joint. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that attach the upper arm to the shoulder blade. This group of muscles covers the shoulder joint and joint capsule, and enable the patient to lift their arms. Finally, a sac-like membrane (bursa) between the rotator cuff and shoulder blade cushions and helps lubricate the motion between these structures.

Common Shoulder Problems

The most common shoulder problems include bursitis, rotator cuff tear, instability, collarbone fracture, and arthritis.

Bursitis

Also known as tendonitis, this problem can result as a consequence of overuse from repetitive activities such as painting, weight lifting, and swimming. These activities cause rubbing or squeezing (impingement) of the rotator cuff, and can be treated by simply modifying the activity causing pain and through a rehabilitation program.

Rotator Cuff Tears

Rotator cuff tears can be associated with chronic inflammation and the development of spurs in the joint. A rotator cuff tear can be treated with non-surgical procedures, such as light exercises and medications. Surgery may be necessary to remove the spurs on the underside of the acromion and to repair the rotator cuff afterwards.

Instability

Instability occurs when the head of the upper arm bone is forced out of the shoulder socket. This usually results from a traumatic injury, or from the overuse of the shoulder ligaments. Shoulder instability includes two different forms:

• Subluxation is a partial or incomplete dislocation.
• Dislocation is when the head of the arm bone slips out of the shoulder socket.

Some patients may have several dislocations in the same shoulder overtime. Patients with several dislocations usually require surgery.

Collarbone Fracture

A fractured collarbone is a common injury amongst children who fall on the side of their shoulder when playing. Most of these injuries can be treated through non-surgical procedures, such as common slings or splints; however, severe fractures may require surgical repair.

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can destroy the shoulder joint and surrounding tissue. Osteoarthritis occurs when the articular surface of the joint wears out, while rheumatoid arthritis is associated with chronic inflammation of the synovium lining. Both types of arthritis result in pain and limit the range of motion.

Shoulder Arthroscopy in Atlanta, GA

Dr. Fowler will evaluate the shoulder through three methods: a medical history, physical examination, and test including X-rays, MRIs, and other computed scans. After the results, Dr. Fowler will decide and discuss the best treatment options for each patient.

During the procedure, Dr. Fowler will insert a thin device with a small lens and a lighting system into a tiny incision to look inside the shoulder joint. The images from inside the joint are transmitted to a TV monitor, which allows Dr. Fowler to better diagnose the problem. If the orthopaedic surgeon can repair the problem, additional surgical instruments will be inserted through a second small incision.

Shoulder arthroscopy may benefit the patient with less pain after surgery, quicker recovery time, and less scarring. The procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis, eliminating the need for an overnight stay.

Arthroscopic Surgery with Dr. Fowler

Dr. Fowler is a board certified orthopaedic surgeon that specializes in alternative methods of care; however, Dr. Fowler is also a specialist in general orthopaedics, sports medicine and minimally invasive surgery. To make an appointment with Dr. Fowler please call our Atlanta, GA, office at (404) 303-8665.