Shoulder Center of Excellence

Conservative Care | Conditions | Treatments

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The shoulder is a ball and socket joint. The ball is called the head of the humerus and the socket is called the glenoid (it’s part of your shoulder blade, also known as the scapula). Sometimes, arthritis can form here. On top of this ball and socket joint is another bone known as the acromion. This is a frequent place for bone spurs to form. Right next door to the acromion is the acromioclavicular joint or “AC joint” for short. This is a common place for shoulder separations. A group of 4 muscles helps to move your shoulder joint; they are called the rotator cuff. These muscles work together to help get your arm up over your head, as well as rotate it in and out. That’s why rotator cuff injuries usually result in weakness, especially in trying to raise the arm overhead. One of the 4 muscles is injured much more frequently than the others; it is known as the supraspinatus muscle. In addition, these rotator cuff muscles function to help keep your shoulder “in socket”, or “located” (when the shoulder comes out of socket, it’s called “dis-located”). You have several ligaments in your shoulder that help to keep it in place. Finally, there’s an “O-ring” around the socket, called the labrum, which also helps keep your shoulder in socket and causes pain and popping when it’s torn. At some time in life, you may experience shoulder pain.

Conditions of the Shoulder

Shoulder joints allow us to bend, flex, reach and rotate our arms. However, repetitive overhead movements that are common to jobs and sports frequently overstress the shoulder joints resulting in injury. Your orthopaedic surgeon will review the results of your evaluation with you and discuss the best treatment.

When issues related to tendon tears, instability, fracture arthritis and other conditions impair movement, both surgical and non-surgical treatments are considered to ease pain and assist in restoring movement. You and your Peninsula Bone & Joint Clinic doctor may agree that surgery is the best treatment option

Treatments of the Shoulder

Conservative Treatment Options

Dr. Paul Abeyta – Specializing in Orthopedic Sports Medicine

Dr. Paul Abeyta ~ Orthopedic Surgeon

““I believe that excellent outcomes can be achieved with clear communication and treatment plans that are tailored to the individual needs of the patient. I emphasize injury prevention and utilize a multidisciplinary team which includes highly trained physical therapists. Careful diagnostic evaluation, compassionate care, and application of current medical information and surgical technique are all important for returning patients to their pre-injury level of activity.”

Dr. Paul Abeyta is a board-certified, orthopedic and Sports Medicine surgeon treating patients at Peninsula Bone & Joint Clinic in Burlingame, California.

Dr. Paul Abeyta – Procedural Spotlight

Rotator Cuff Repair w/Regenesorb

Dr. Paul Abeyta utilizes the latest in bio-compatible and advanced healing suture systems available in his Rotator Cuff Repair procedures.  Building on the success of the innovative HEALICOIL PK design, this new suture anchor is the first device to use Smith & Nephew’s proprietary REGENESORB material — an advanced biocomposite that has been shown in pre-clinical studies to be absorbed and replaced by bone within 24 months.

Dr. Todd Kim ~ Specializing In Total Shoulder & Reverse Shoulder Procedures

Dr. Todd Kim ~ Orthopedic Surgeon

“Although I treat many patients with similar orthopedic injuries, I believe that the best outcomes for patients result from individualized treatment plans. Not every injury is the same. And to be sure, every patient has his or her own goals. Whether your hope is to return to a high level of competitive sports or to be able to walk your dog without pain, forming the best treatment plan requires excellent communication and trust with your surgeon. I am committed to listening and working with you to find the best treatment approach for your injury and lifestyle.”

Dr. Todd Kim is an Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in complex and traditional shoulder, elbow, knee and ankle conditions and treatments.

Dr. Todd Kim – Procedural Spotlight

Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement

Dr. Todd Kim provides innovative shoulder replacement options to patients with shoulder joint compromise.

A standard total shoulder replacement is designed to work only if the rotator cuff muscles and tendons are in tact and working properly. If the rotator cuff muscles are not working properly, a Reverse Total Shoulder replacement is needed.

In a Reverse Total Shoulder replacement, the glenoid component is shaped like a ball and anchored to the scapula by screws. The humeral component then becomes the new socket of the joint and attaches to the upper end of the humerus.

The joint configuration of a Reverse Total shoulder replacement allows the patient to now us the deltoid muscle instead of the torn rotator cuff to lift the arm.

Total Shoulder Replacement Procedure

Dr. Todd Kim provides innovative shoulder replacement options to patients with shoulder joint compromise.

Total shoulder replacement arthroplasty is a well-established surgery for restoring comfort and function to the arthritic shoulder.

In this procedure the arthritic ball is replaced by a smooth metal ball fixed to the arm bone (humerus) by a stem that fits within it.

The arthritic socket (glenoid) is resurfaced with high-density polyethylene prosthesis. Among the different surgical options this procedure appears to provide the most rapid and complete improvement in comfort and function for shoulders with arthritis.

Success requires technical excellence of the surgery and a commitment to the exercise program until the desired range of motion can be achieved comfortably.

Disclaimer

The information found on this site is for general orthopedic purposes only. In a medical emergency please dial 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Room.