Shoulder Conditions

Arthritis
Illness that can cause pain and swelling in the joints.

Symptoms (vary depending on the type of arthritis)
  • Stiffness
  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Decreased grip strength
  • Bump formation

Diagnosis
  • Patient history
  • Physical examination
  • Pressure and movement tests
  • X-ray

Treatment
  • Pain medication, topical agents, splinting, injections, therapy, and surgery
  • Common surgical procedures include:
    • Removal of arthritic bone
    • Joint reconstruction
    • Bone fusion
    • Bone realignment

Brachial Plexus Injury
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that control the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. The nerves can be damaged by pressure, stretching, or cutting. Although some brachial plexus injuries will completely recover with time and therapy other more severe injuries can cause permanent disability.

Diagnosis
  • Examination of the arm and hand, checking muscle strength and sensation
  • MRI or CT scan
  • Nerve Conduction Study: Measures the electrical activity transmitted by nerves and muscles

Bursitis
Inflammation of a tiny fluid-filled sac that acts as a gliding surface to reduce friction between tissues of the body located next to the tendons near shoulders, elbows, etc.

Symptoms
  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Tenderness

Diagnosis
  • Physical examination

Treatment (depends on whether or not it is infected)
  • Ice compresses
  • Rest
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Pain medications
  • Aspiration
  • Cortisone injection

Dislocation
When two bones at a joint become displaced, misaligned or separated.

Symptoms
  • Visibly out-of-place
  • Discoloring
  • Limited movement
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Intense Pain

Diagnosis
  • Physical examination
  • X-ray

Treatment
  • Splinting
  • Joint realignment
  • Surgery

Fracture
Break or crack in a bone.

Symptoms
  • Visibly out-of-place
  • Limited movement
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Intense Pain

Diagnosis
  • Physical examination
  • X-ray

Treatment
  • Restoring the fractured pieces of bone to their natural positions and splinting or casting the bone to ensure the bone remains in the correct position during the healing process

Rotator Cuff Damage
The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons in the shoulder which provides stability and facilitates motion. If the tendons are damaged or deteriorate, a patient may experience pain and movement impairment.

Symptoms
  • Pain
  • Weakness
  • Restricted motion
  • Instability
  • Shoulder locking up

Diagnosis
  • Patient history
  • Physical examination
  • X-rays: To check for various bone problems
  • MRI: To check the tendons for inflammation and tears

Treatment
  • Patient education
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Therapy
  • Surgery

Tendonitis
The inflammation and irritation of the tissues that connect muscles to bones.

Symptoms
  • Pain
  • Restricted movement
  • Area is swollen, red, warm, or lumpy

Treatment
  • Rest
  • Support Brace
  • Anti-inflammatory medication
  • Physical therapy
  • Massage therapy
  • Ultrasound: Breaks down scar tissue around the tendon
  • Surgery


For more details on The Hand and Upper Extremity Center at Geauga Medical Center or for a physician referral please call 440-285-7757.