SHOULDER
Continuous pain, swelling, fatigue, or discomfort in the shoulder are usually indicators that it might be time to see a doctor. Although, not all injuries and conditions in this muscle require surgery, some of them do.
The wide range of movement and demands on the shoulder joint is not only a source of instability. But also, poses a risk for injury. A painful shoulder can occur as a result of an injury or overuse, gradually causing you pain and discomfort. This could be as a result of a rotator cuff injury.
Consulting with Dr. Odette Koch, a trained Orthapaedic surgeon, could help you to determine what is needed. Dr. Koch is able to provide an expert medical opinion on the best course of treatment. All the wile, ensuring that the patient remains the number one priority.
To learn more about Dr. Odette Koch, her experience please read her short bio here…
How this muscle works
This is one of the more complex joints in the body, also offering the greatest range of motion of any joint.
Its three bones are:
- Humerus (upper arm bone)
- Scapula (shoulder blade)
- Clavicle (collarbone)
As a ball-and-socket joint, the shoulder depends on an extensive variety of elements for stability and assistance to move comfortably and rotate properly.
Atop the humerus is the ball, which rests on a socket (glenoid), which is part of the scapula. The socket is surrounded by soft tissue called labrum, which stabilizes the joints and ligaments. The humerus is enabled to rotate and move, by means of the deltoid and rotator cuff muscles. This allows you to raise and rotate your arm. The shoulder joint’s ability is compromised in the event of an injury or illness.
Causes of shoulder pain
Causes of extreme and continuous shoulder pain or stiffness may be due to injuries, arthritis and general wear and tear to the cartilage in the joint.
Orthopaedic shoulder specialists, such as Dr. Koch, handles a variety of shoulder injuries and afflictions that may be caused by or related to:
- Arthritis
- Bursitis (Swelling around the shoulder joint)
- Tendonitis (Swelling of the tendons)
- Fractures or dislocations to any and all bones in the shoulder
- Muscle tears
- Shoulder impingement, which tends to make it painful when lifting your arm.
The elastic tissues, referred to as cartilage in your shoulder allows your bones to rub smoothly against each other when moving your shoulder. Therefore the effects of arthritis can break down cartilage, resulting in continuous pain, discomfort and sometimes loss of motion.
Determining the best course of treatment for you, begins with an accurate diagnosis. The Orthapaedic surgeon could use a variety of medical imaging and exams to identify and locate the cause of your pain or discomfort.
Imaging procedures that could be utilized to assess and diagnose your shoulder injury include:
- X-rays
- MRIs
- CT scans
- Ultrasound
Treatment options:
At first, Dr. Koch looks to approach injuries with nonsurgical options, such as:
- Physical therapy
- Injection of an anti-inflammatory medication
- Lifestyle and activity modification
A few variations of surgeries in this field, performed by Dr. Koch include:
- Shoulder arthroscopy – this surgery aims to repair the of the shoulder or to eliminate bone fragments.
- Total or partial replacement – to surgically replace part or all of the joint.
- Revision surgery -In the procedure the surgeon repairs a previous joint replacement.
- Rotator cuff surgery – The rotator cuff connects the muscle which enables your shoulder to rotate. In the surgery, tears and injuries to the rotator tendon are repaired.
Dr. Odette Koch and her team aims to ensure that you as the patient receives the best care possible. Depending on your course of treatment, other specialists may be be involved, such as; physical therapists, orthapaedic nurses and anesthesiologists. All of these members and measures are there to ensure the optimum outcome to your healing process.
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(012) 998 4203
(012) 998 4204
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Pretoria East Hospital Suite M 33 C/o Garsfonteinweg & Netcare Road Moreleta Park, 0044
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