Anatomic Total Shoulder Replacement
What is an Anatomic Total Shoulder Replacement? An anatomic total shoulder replacement involves replacing the damaged humeral head and worn-out glenoid caused by arthritis. The humeral head is replaced with a prosthetic head, typically made of metal like cobalt-chromium or Titanium. The glenoid is usually replaced with a polyethylene implant, though some designs use a […]
Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty
When is a reverse shoulder arthroplasty indicated? The most common reason for a reverse shoulder arthroplasty is irreparable rotator cuff tears (see separate module). After exhausting conservative treatments, it is typically recommended for patients with persistent pain and functional limitations. Due to excellent outcomes, the indications have expanded to include other conditions, injuries, or complications, […]
Rotator Cuff Tear
What is the rotator cuff? The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons originating from the rotator cuff muscles of the shoulder blade. These tendons attach in a cuff-like manner to the head of the upper arm bone (humerus), allowing for rotational shoulder movements—hence the name “rotator cuff.” However, the primary function of the […]
Biceps Tendon Problems in the Shoulder
Introduction A biceps tendon tear in the shoulder primarily involves the long head of the biceps muscle. The biceps brachii has two origins: • The long head (caput longum) • The short head (caput breve) While tears of the short head are extremely rare, injuries to the long head tendon are much more common. These […]
Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tear
What Does Irreparability Mean? When the tendon(s) of the rotator cuff are torn, the associated muscles undergo degeneration (aging). This results in muscle atrophy (shrinkage) and fatty infiltration. These degenerative changes occur independently of inactivity or a high-fat diet and can even affect very slim individuals. In a healthy state, the tendon and muscle form […]
Proximal Humerus Fracture
What is a proximal humerus fracture? The proximal humerus (the upper arm bone near the shoulder joint) is one of the most commonly fractured bones, especially in older patients. However, it can also occur in younger patients due to severe accidents involving significant force. In medical terminology, these fractures are collectively referred to as proximal humerus […]
Shoulder Instability
Why is the shoulder commonly affected by instability? The shoulder joint is the most mobile joint in the human body. Its bony socket, called the glenoid, is approximately four times smaller than the bony head, the humeral head, leading to a significant mismatch. To compensate for this, nature has equipped the shoulder with a labrum, […]
Frozen Shoulder
What is a Frozen Shoulder? Frozen Shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition where the shoulder joint capsule becomes thickened, inflamed, and stiff, leading to significant limitations in mobility and often causing severe pain. What causes a Frozen Shoulder? The causes of Frozen Shoulder can be divided into three main categories: 1. Idiopathic […]
AC Joint Injury (Acromioclavicular Injury / Shoulder Separation)
What is an AC Joint Injury? The AC joint (acromioclavicular joint) is the connection between the collarbone (clavicle) and the shoulder blade (acromion = roof of the scapula). This joint is stabilized by ligaments: • The AC ligaments directly around the joint. • The coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments, which connect the clavicle to the coracoid process […]
Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow
What are Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow? Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) are caused by overuse, improper loading, or wear and tear of the tendons at the elbow. These conditions result in small degenerative tears in the tendon origin areas: • Tennis Elbow: affects the tendon attachments on the outer epicondyle […]