Shoulder
Shoulder Arthroscopy
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Rotator Cuff
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles in the shoulder and upper arm. The muscles help to move the arm at the shoulder and also help to stabilize the joint. The muscles are connected to the shoulder bone by tendons, which are strong, flexible cords. Shoulder problems affect people of all ages, with symptoms caused by trauma or through repetitive overuse activity.
Dr. Augustin is dedicated to providing a comprehensive approach to the management and treatment of all shoulder conditions from instability to rotator cuff disease.
TREATMENT
Sometimes conservative treatments are all you need to recover from a rotator cuff injury. Dr. Augustin may suggest the following:
• Rest
• Physical Therapy
• Anti-Inflammatory Medicine
• Cortisone Injection
If you do not see an improvement with the conservative treatments Dr. Augustin may suggest rotator cuff repair surgery. While there are many different types of surgeries for rotator cuff injuries, the doctor will discuss with you which procedure will offer the optimal outcome.
Shoulder Instability
A shoulder is deemed unstable when it frequently dislocates or slips partially out of the joint, known as subluxation. This condition commonly occurs after an injury or from a naturally loose joint capsule that does not hold the ball of the joint in its socket. Patients with instability may experience pain when lifting the arm and a constant feeling that the shoulder is slipping out of place.
Patients with shoulder instability are often treated with physical therapy and rehabilitation to strengthen the shoulder and help it stay in place. Surgery may be required if conservative methods are unsuccessful. The type of surgical procedure performed depends on the cause of the instability, but may involve tightening the shoulder capsule or repairing damaged or torn ligaments.
Total shoulder Replacement
For more info: orthoinfo.aaos.org
This tremendously successful procedure is for treating the severe pain and stiffness that is often a result of arthritis or degenerative joint disease of the shoulder joint. In shoulder replacement surgery, the damaged parts of the shoulder are removed and replaced.
Upon physical examination and x-rays of the shoulder Dr. Augustin will evaluate you carefully before making any decisions. He will then discuss with you which type of replacement would best meet your specific needs.
The ultimate goal of shoulder replacement surgery for our patients is pain relief. Also, we understand how important is for you to return to your normal activities. Dr. Augustin will recommend physical therapy to help achieve the best results from your surgery. Many of our patients are able to return to the sports they love such as swimming, golf and tennis within six months after surgery.
Slap Tear
For more info: orthoinfo.aaos.org
A SLAP tear is an injury to the superior labrum of the shoulder, which is the ring of cartilage that surrounds the socket of the shoulder joint stabilizing the shoulder.
What causes a SLAP tear?
A slap tear is usually the result an injury. Possible causes of a SLAP tear are:
• Fall on your outstretched arm, such as falling over the handlebars on a bike.
• Fall on your shoulder.
• Repetitive overhead activities, such as throwing a baseball
• Brace yourself with your outstretched arm in a car accident.
• Lift heavy objects repeatedly or too suddenly.
• Repetitive overhead activities, such as throwing a baseball
TREATMENT
• In many cases, the initial treatment for a SLAP injury is nonsurgical such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy.
• Surgical Treatment
If you are not experiencing pain relief from nonsurgical methods Dr. Augustin may suggest surgical treatment. Arthroscopy is the most common surgical technique used by Dr. Augustin for repairing a SLAP tear. The doctor will insert a small camera, called an arthroscope, into your shoulder joint. The camera displays pictures on a screen which are used to guide miniature surgical instruments. Because the arthroscope and surgical instruments are thin, very small incisions are made.
When you follow up at the office, Dr. Augustin will discuss with you when you can return to sports activity. Throwing athletes can return to early interval throwing approximately 12 weeks after surgery.
Labral Tear
The shoulder is a ball on the upper arm that rests in a shallow socket joint called a the glenoid. A shoulder labral tear is an injury to the cartilage in the shoulder joint.
Shoulder labral tears occur from an injury or through long-term wear and tear. Common causes include the following:
-
- Dislocated shoulder
- Falling onto shoulder
- Repetitive movements of shoulder
- Lifting heavy objects
- Breaking a fall with arms
- Direct blow to shoulder
The type of labral repair depends on the type of tear that has occurred in the shoulder. Most labral tears can be treated with nonsurgical methods. When painful symptoms persist, labral repair surgery could be necessary and is often done arthroscopically.
Shoulder arthroscopy is a surgical procedure using a small camera to view the shoulder joint through small incisions. The camera is inserted into the shoulder joint and a complete examination of the shoulder is performed. Dr. Augustin is able to see your shoulder joint in detail to repair or remove damaged tissue. This is the most predictable option for treatment of tears in younger, active patients. Small, frayed tears are best treated with arthroscopic debridement and large, unstable tears are best treated with arthroscopic repair.
Call  201.437.9700 for our Bayonne location or call  973.680.4200 for our Bloomfield location to schedule a consultation and learn more.