Shoulder & Elbow

A collarbone fracture, or clavicle fracture, is a common injury often caused by falls, sports injuries, or trauma. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the arm. Treatment typically involves immobilization with a sling or brace, pain management, and physical therapy to aid in recovery. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to realign the fractured bone. Seeking prompt medical attention is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment of collarbone fractures.

Cubital tunnel syndrome results from pressure on the ulnar nerve at the elbow, hampering its functionality. It ranks as the second most prevalent nerve entrapment syndrome, following carpal tunnel syndrome.

The ulnar nerve governs sensation in half of the ring finger and the pinkie finger, as well as motor functions in the hand's fine movements. Affected individuals may struggle with object handling and gripping actions. Common symptoms encompass pain, numbness, and a tingling sensation similar to the feeling experienced when hitting the funny bone.

Golfer’s elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is a form of tendonitis that arises where the tendons of forearm muscles connect to the inner (medial) side of the elbow bone (epicondyle). It stems from the repetitive stress of activities like golfing, leading to tendon degeneration.

Common symptoms include pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow, exacerbated during wrist flexion or grasping movements. The discomfort may extend down the forearm. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, pain management, physical therapy, and possibly splinting. Surgery is considered only if pain persists despite conservative measures over six months.

Pitcher's elbow, also termed Little League Syndrome, manifests as pain on the inner side of the elbow, commonly affecting athletes engaged in repetitive throwing sports like baseball. Particularly prevalent among children and teenagers, this condition poses heightened concerns due to the ongoing bone growth process.

The condition arises from the repetitive strain placed on the elbow's tendons and ligaments during throwing motions, leading to stretching, tearing, or detachment from the bone. In severe cases, bone involvement may impede normal growth and result in deformity.

The rotator cuff, comprising four shoulder muscles and associated tendons, facilitates arm rotation and movement in various directions. Age, degeneration, and weakening of these muscles and tendons elevate the risk of rotator cuff damage. In younger individuals, tears may result from shoulder injuries like fractures or dislocations, while overuse or repetitive activities can also lead to such tears.

Treatment options range from rest and pain relievers to corticosteroid injections, limiting overhead arm movements, utilizing slings, undergoing physical therapy, or opting for surgery.

Osteoarthritis, a prevalent degenerative joint ailment, commonly affects the shoulder. While typical among adults aged 50 and above, younger adults may develop arthritis following shoulder trauma, like fractures or dislocations.

The shoulder houses four joints, with the glenohumeral and acromioclavicular (AC) joints most susceptible to osteoarthritis. The glenohumeral joint, formed by the humerus's head and the glenoid cavity, and the AC joint, linking the clavicle to the acromion, endure cartilage degradation, leading to bone-to-bone contact and eventual osteoarthritis.

Shoulder impingement syndrome, a distressing condition, arises when shoulder tendons undergo irritation, inflammation, or degeneration due to repetitive overhead movements or structural anomalies. Symptoms encompass aching pain in the shoulder and upper arm, weakness, and discomfort during arm elevation, often aggravated at night.

Treatment typically involves activity adjustments, medication, and physical therapy. In cases resistant to nonsurgical measures, surgical intervention may be necessary to alleviate symptoms and restore functionality.

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, manifests as tendonitis where forearm muscle tendons attach to the outer (lateral) side of the elbow bone (epicondyle). Chronic stress on the forearm muscles, often from repetitive motions like those in tennis, can lead to tendon degeneration.

Symptoms include intense burning pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow and forearm. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, pain relief, physical therapy, and cortisone injections. Surgery is a consideration if significant pain persists despite six months of treatment.

Upper extremity fractures encompass fractures occurring in the arm, elbow, wrist, or hand regions. These fractures can result from various causes, such as falls, sports injuries, or accidents.

Symptoms may include pain, swelling, deformity, and difficulty moving the affected limb.

Treatment varies depending on the severity and location of the fracture but may include immobilization with splints or casts, pain management, physical therapy, and, in some cases, surgical intervention to realign the fractured bones. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are crucial for optimal recovery and restoring function to the affected limb.