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Specialties | Orthopaedic Shoulder Care

Orthopaedic Shoulder Care in Central GA

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Care for Orthopaedic Shoulder Conditions and Injuries at OrthoGeorgia

The shoulder is responsible for countless movements within the daily lives of both athletes and those who do not participate in sports. This hard-working joint consists of three bones (the scapula, the clavicle, and the humerus) and two joints. The acromioclavicular joint and the glenohumeral joint each allow the shoulder to move in different ways, aided by muscles and tendons in the shoulder area. Since the shoulder is a complex and often-used part of the body, it is not uncommon to face a condition or injury that causes pain and reduced shoulder joint mobility. Our orthopaedic specialists at OrthoGeorgia perform shoulder arthroscopic procedures, shoulder replacement surgery along with conservative shoulder treatments to address shoulder issues and help patients live more comfortably. Learn more about the orthopaedic shoulder care we provide in Central GA.

woman talking to doctor about shoulder pain

Comprehensive Shoulder Care in Central GA

Injuries and conditions that cause pain and discomfort in the shoulder can happen suddenly, occur due to overuse or years of wear and tear. Our orthopaedic specialists will spend the time needed to determine the cause of your pain and formulate a personalized treatment plan depending on the severity of the cause of the problem. We diagnose and treat a wide range of orthopaedic shoulder problems and utilize the latest techniques for total shoulder joint replacement and arthroscopic shoulder procedures.

Shoulder Conditions and Injuries

Shoulder Replacement and Shoulder Surgery

Bankart Repair
Care and treatment of shoulder arthritis
Reverse total shoulder joint replacement
Revision shoulder replacements
Shoulder arthroscopy
Shoulder fracture care
Shoulder joint restoration/preservation
Shoulder labral repair
Total shoulder joint replacement
Total shoulder joint revision

Shoulder Joint Replacement and Surgery in Central GA

At OrthoGeorgia, we perform various joint replacement procedures to address debilitating arthritic pain and disability in the joints, including shoulder joint replacement. During the procedure, the arthritic joint is replaced with a prosthesis. Joint replacement surgery is often pursued when pain can no longer be controlled with conservative treatment and joint problems significantly interfere with a patient’s daily life and activities. Our joint replacement specialists at OrthoGeorgia are well-versed in shoulder joint replacement procedures and utilize the latest technology to support patient comfort and recovery. Our shoulder surgery specialties include:

Total shoulder joint replacement is just what it sounds like – a surgical procedure where the glenoid (socket) is resurfaced with a polyethylene platform and the humeral head (ball) portion of the ball-and-socket joint that makes up the shoulder is replaced with a metal prosthesis attached to a stem that sits inside the humerus.

Reverse total shoulder joint replacement is different from total shoulder joint replacement as it does not closely follow the body’s anatomy. During this procedure, the rounded head of the upper arm bone, humeral head (ball), is replaced with a socket and the glenoid (socket) has a ball placed on it. This is opposite of the normal anatomy, and hence the name of a reverse shoulder replacement. By “reversing” the ball and socket, this type of procedure allows the shoulder to function in the setting of a patient with a non-fixable rotator cuff tear and significant arthritis.

Revision shoulder replacement is a procedure used to address an issue with a previous shoulder replacement, such as persistent pain, infection, stiffness, or instability. Placement of a prosthesis that was the incorrect size can also lead to surgical failure and later revision, along with overstraining the rotator cuff tendons too soon after the original surgery. The process of revision surgery depends on what is wrong with the shoulder and original prosthesis.

One of the most common surgical procedures of the shoulder is repair of the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles/tendons in the shoulder and are commonly torn as we age. Rotator cuff tears can occur during traumatic injuries, or as wear and tear over time. Using the arthroscope, our surgeons at OrthoGeorgia are able to repair the rotator cuff through small incisions which allows for faster recovery and less pain.

A Bankart repair is a surgical procedure to treat recurrent shoulder joint dislocations or instability. Recurrent shoulder dislocations can occur in those with a previous traumatic shoulder dislocation. If conservative care is not successful (physical therapy and strengthening) an arthroscopic procedure can be performed to reattach and secure the stabilizing ligaments of the shoulder (labrum) to restore the normal function and stability of the shoulder.

Orthopaedic Shoulder Care for Athletes in Central Georgia

Since many sports require sudden and intense shoulder movements, injuries to this area are not uncommon in athletes of all kinds. Proper treatment as soon as possible following the injury is crucial to ensuring that the athlete can return to play without pain or discomfort. Our joint replacement and general orthopaedics specialists also specialize in sports medicine, creating a seamless care journey for our patients.

What are the Most Common Shoulder Injuries in Sports?

Various types of shoulder injuries and conditions can affect an athlete and make it difficult for them to participate in their sport. Some of the most common shoulder issues affecting athletes in GA include:

Rotator cuff tear

Rotator cuff tendonitis

Shoulder dislocation

Shoulder fracture

Shoulder sprains, strains, and bruising

SLAP tear

Man holding his shoulder while exercising

Fantastic surgery all the way through.

"best part about it was being home that night…did rehab here, xrays here, pharmacists here, you name it...OrthoGeorgia was my choice for orthopaedic excellence."

Tom Gibbons, Fly Fisherman and OrthoGeorgia patient