Shoulder Surgery

The shoulder is the most flexible joint in the body, allowing you to rotate your arm in many different directions. Unfortunately this flexibility opens up the door to instability and injury. Orthopaedic Associates of St. Augustine boasts two of the best shoulder specialists around in Albert Volk, MD and Sina Kasraeian, MD – both of which are experienced in arthroscopic surgery and shoulder replacements.

As with any shoulder injury our physicians will first explore if conservative treatments like physical therapy are an option. However if surgery is recommended, there are a number of procedures available to repair the muscles, tissues and damaged joints of the shoulder.

Types of Shoulder Injuries

Before we discuss specific injuries or ailments of the shoulder, let’s first outline the anatomy of the shoulder joint. The shoulder consists of three bones, including the humerus, scapula and clavicle. It is a ball and socket joint and these bones are connected by muscles, tendons and cartilage.

Some of the most common shoulder injuries that may require surgery include:

• Dislocations – When a shoulder pops out of its socket, either from a sudden injury or overuse, it is referred to as a dislocation. There are partial (subluxations) and full dislocations. Patients with repeat dislocations often require surgery to repair any damage and fix the recurring problem.
• Partial and Full Rotator Cuff Tears – These injuries are typically caused by heavy lifting or falls. If non-surgical treatments fail to repair the damage and eliminate pain, surgery may be recommended. Rehabilitation will be required to restore the shoulder after surgery.
• Fractures – A fractured clavicle (collarbone) may require surgery if it is severely displaced or separated. A fractured humerus (arm bone) may need surgical repair if it is fragmented and displaced. Such injuries are often caused by a fall.
• Arthritis – Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can slowly break down the shoulder joint and surrounding tissue. When pain becomes severe and range of motion is limited, shoulder replacement surgery may be necessary.

Our shoulder specialists will discuss treatment options for your specific condition based on your medical history, a physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRIs and CT scans.

If you have experienced an injury or are suffering from shoulder pain, we encourage you to make an appointment online or call us at 904-825-0540.