 |
|
|
|
During an arthroscopic procedure, a thin fiberoptic light, magnifying lens and tiny television camera are inserted into the problem area, allowing the doctor to examine the joint in great detail. Because it is minimally invasive, arthroscopy offers patients many benefits over traditional surgery:
Shoulder arthroscopy is performed under sterile conditions following an injection of a local anesthetic into the joint and/or general anesthesia. A small incision is made to introduce a cannula with tubing attached. This tubing is connected to bags of saline used to irrigate and fill the joint space for better viewing. It also distends the joint space allowing for easier passage of instruments. A second small incision is made to insert the arthroscope, which is attached to a camera and light source. These, in turn are attached to a video monitor to view and record the findings. Pictures may be taken and saved for later reference. A third incision may be made to introduce instruments for repair and to correct injuries. They may also correct tears and remove loose bodies. To learn more about Shoulder Arthroscopy, click here Click here to view animation on Shoulder Arthroscopy repair
A rotator cuff injury may result from:
Most rotator cuff tears can be repaired using arthroscopic surgery techniques. Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is Dr. Mochizuki's primary method for treating rotator cuff tears that can not be treated with rest, medication and/or physical therapy. Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair should be distinguished from mini open rotator cuff repair. In mini open rotator cuff repair, a small incision is made through the skin and deltoid muscle and the surgical repair of the rotator cuff is carried out. The major disadvantage of the mini open repair is the potential injury to the deltoid muscle which can result in deltoid muscle atrophy and additional scar tissue. This can lead to muscle weakness and the loss of shoulder movement. Additionally, the surgical scar from the mini open incision can be unsightly and create a shoulder asymmetry. Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair can overcome most of the disadvantages of mini open repairs. The incisions are much smaller and generally involve the skin only. A probe is then used to push between the deltoid muscle fibers which helps to prevent injury to the deltoid muscle. Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair also reduces the amount of scar tissue formation and provides a better range of motion. The scars from arthroscopic rotator cuff repair are cosmetically more pleasing. Furhter, shoulder asymmetry is a rare occurrence. Postoperative rehabilitation is generally less painful and normal range of shoulder motion is achieved more rapidly with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. To learn more about Rotator Cuff Tears, click here Click here to view animation on Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff repair
Continuous or repetitive shoulder actions can cause overuse of the biceps tendon. Damaged cells within the tendon don't have time to recuperate. The cells are unable to repair themselves, leading to tendonitis. This is common in sport or work activities that require frequent and repeated use of the arm, especially when the arm motions are performed overhead. Athletes who throw, swim, or swing a racquet or club are at greatest risk. To learn more about Biceps Tendonitis, click here Click here to view animation on Biceps Tendonitis repair Calcific tendonitis of the shoulder happens when calcium deposits form on the tendons of your shoulder. The tissues around the deposit can become inflamed, causing a great deal of shoulder pain. This condition is fairly common. It most often affects people over the age of 40.
Calcium deposits usually form on the tendon in the rotator cuff called the supraspinatus tendon. There are two different types of calcific tendonitis of the shoulder: degenerative calcification and reactive calcification. The wear caused by aging is the primary cause of degenerative calcification. As we age, blood flow to the tendons of the rotator cuff decreases. This makes the tendon weaker. Due to the wear and tear as we use our shoulder, the fibers of the tendons begin to fray and tear, just like a worn-out rope. Calcium deposits form in the damaged tendons as a part of the healing process. Reactive calcification is different. Why it occurs is not clear. It doesn't seem to be related to degeneration, though it is more likely to cause shoulder pain than degenerative calcification. Doctors think of reactive calcification in three stages. In the pre-calcific stage, the tendon changes in ways that make calcium deposits more likely to form. In the calcific stage, calcium crystals are deposited in the tendons. Then they begin to disappear. The body simply reabsorbs the calcium deposits. Ironically, it is during this stage that pain is most likely to occur. In the post-calcific stage, the body heals the tendon, and the tendon is remodeled with new tissue. To learn more about Calcific Tendonitis, click here
Labral tears are often caused by a direct injury to the shoulder, such as falling on an outstretched hand. The labrum can also become torn from the wear and tear of activity, a condition called overuse. An injured labrum can lead to shoulder instability. The extra motion of the humerus within the socket causes additional damage to the labrum. An extremely unstable shoulder may slip or dislocate. This can also cause the labrum to tear. The biceps tendon attaches to the front part of the labrum. The biceps is the large muscle on the front of your upper arm. Sports can cause injuries to the labrum when the biceps tendon pulls sharply against the front of the labrum. Baseball pitchers are prone to labral tears because the action of throwing causes the biceps tendon to pull strongly against the top part of the labrum. Weightlifters can have similar problems when pressing weights overhead. Golfers may tear their labrum if their club strikes the ground during the golf swing. To learn more about Labral Tears, click here |
In cases where surgery is necessary, arthroscopy is the orthopedic gold standard. Dr. Mochizuki specializes in arthroscopy, a minimally-invasive procedure that allows doctors to diagnose and sometimes treat joint injuries and disease through small incisions in the skin. It is often performed to confirm a diagnosis made after a physical examination and other imaging tests such as MRI, CT Scan or X-rays.
Trauma or overuse can cause the shoulders soft tissues (ligaments, tendons, muscles and cartilage) to stretch or tear. Where they can no longer provide the necessary support. A feeling of "looseness" may develop and the shoulder may "pop out" with some activities such as work, sports, or sleep.
A rotator cuff injury is a strain or tear in the group of tendons and muscles that hold your shoulder joint together and help move the shoulder.
Biceps tendonitis, also called bicipital tendonitis, is inflammation in the main tendon that attaches the top of the biceps muscle to the shoulder. The most common cause is overuse from certain types of work or sports activities. Biceps tendonitis may develop gradually from the effects of wear and tear, or it can happen suddenly from a direct injury. The tendon may also become inflamed in response to other problems in the shoulder, such as rotator cuff tears, impingement, or instability.
Calcific tendonitis occurs in the tendons (tendons attach muscles to bones) of the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is actually made up of several tendons that connect the muscles around your shoulder to the humerus (the larger bone of the upper arm).
One of these conditions is an injury to a small structure in the shoulder called the labrum. A labral tear can cause pain and a catching sensation in the shoulder. Labral tears can be very difficult to diagnose.Home |
 |
