Shoulder Center
The Shoulder Center at Carolina Orthopaedics & Neurosurgical Associates is home to the most highly-trained physicians who are experienced in the treatments of the shoulders. Our specially-trained physicians provide advanced treatment for problems related to the shoulder–from chronic pain related to arthritis or other athletic injuries.
There are a variety of conditions and disorders that affect the shoulder. If you do not see a condition below, please contact our office and we will answer any questions you may have.
Common Shoulder Conditions
Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain is a common condition that affects many patient populations. Shoulder pain and associated symptoms can make upper extremity movements difficult and everyday activities difficult, or even impossible to perform. Shoulder pain patients should make an appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) shoulder specialist as soon as possible. Early treatment reduces pain and preventative measures ensure pain does not return.
Shoulder Fracture
The collar bone, upper arm bone and shoulder blade are the three shoulder bones. A shoulder fracture occurs when one or more of the bones break, usually after a serious accident or injury. A Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) should see a shoulder fracture as soon as possible. An effective treatment plan is prescribed so the bone(s) can heal as quickly as possible.
Rotator Cuff Tear
The rotator cuff is a group of tendons that stabilize and move the shoulder. A rotator cuff tear occurs when one or more of the tendons are partially or completely torn. Patients who injure their shoulder and experience rotator cuff tear symptoms should make an appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) shoulder specialist as soon as possible. Delaying treatment may make the injury and its symptoms worse.
Separated Shoulder
A separated shoulder occurs when the acromion and clavicle bone separate. Normally, the two bones articulate to form the shoulder stabilizing and protecting AC joint. A Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) should see a separated shoulder as soon as possible. Delaying diagnosis and treatment may make the separation and associated symptoms worse.
Broken Clavicle (Collar Bone)
The clavicle or collar bone is one of the main shoulder bones. A clavicle break is a serious injury that requires medical treatment. An appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) shoulder specialist should be made as soon as possible.
Shoulder Dislocation
A shoulder dislocation occurs when the shoulder pops out of the socket. Immediate medical attention may be needed to put the shoulder back in place in some cases. In others, the shoulder may easily put itself back in place. Regardless, an appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) shoulder specialist should be made after a shoulder dislocation. Delaying a diagnosis and treatment greatly increases the chances of another dislocation.
Labral Tear
A labral tear is a tear of the shoulder labrum, a rim of soft cartilage that helps stabilize the shoulder. A unique type of labral tear is a SLAP tear. The acronym SLAP stands for “superior labrum tear from anterior to posterior”. As its name indicates, a SLAP tear is a serious injury that requires as soon as possible medical attention. An appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) shoulder specialist should be made at the first sign of symptoms.
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Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder is severe shoulder stiffness. When left untreated, frozen shoulder becomes worse and decreases the quality of life. A Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) shoulder specialist’s customized treatment plan quickly reduces symptoms and improves shoulder mobility.
Shoulder Impingement
Shoulder impingement occurs when the shoulder bones impinge or press on the rotator cuff tendons. Because the rotator cuff helps move and stabilize the shoulder, shoulder impingement and associated symptoms can be problematic. Mild cases can be uncomfortable, aggravating and annoying. Moderate and severe cases can make day-to-day living activities difficult or impossible. Early diagnosis and treatment are always best—symptoms are reduced and the shoulder impingement is treated before it gets worse.
Shoulder surgery is suggested only when all other options have been exhausted. Our Shoulder Center Team is dedicated to treating patients with the most effective course of treatment available.
Common Shoulder Treatments
Shoulder Surgery
Shoulder surgery treats a variety of shoulder injuries and conditions that nonsurgical treatment options cannot treat. A Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) shoulder specialists perform all types of shoulder surgeries. If you experience shoulder pain and other unpleasant symptoms and would like to find out if shoulder surgery is something that can help you, please make an appointment with a CONA specialist.
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Rotator Cuff Surgery
Rotator cuff injuries are perhaps the most common types of shoulder injuries. Nonsurgical treatment options treat the majority of rotator cuff injuries. Surgery may be recommended to treat complete rotator cuff tears. Rotator cuff surgery is more advanced than ever. Board-Certified and Fellowship-Trained Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) shoulder specialists are rotator cuff surgery experts.
Rotator Cuff Repair
A rotator cuff repair is a minimally invasive procedure that treats a partially or completely torn rotator cuff. Board-Certified and Fellowship-Trained Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) shoulder specialists are rotator cuff repair experts. Patients who experience rotator cuff tear symptoms are encouraged to make an appointment to receive an official diagnosis and find out if a rotator cuff repair is an appropriate treatment option.
Shoulder Stabilization
Shoulder destabilization injuries are common because the shoulder is the body’s most mobile joint. Physical therapy and other nonsurgical treatment options treat the majority of shoulder destabilization injuries. Surgery may be recommended to treat severe destabilization injuries, especially those that cause frequent shoulder subluxations or dislocations. Board-Certified and Fellowship-Trained Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) shoulder specialists are shoulder stabilization surgery experts.
Reverse Shoulder Replacement
A reverse total shoulder replacement is a surgical treatment option for a movement-related shoulder arthritis pain. Board-certified and Fellowship-Trained Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) shoulder specialists are reverse total shoulder replacement experts.
Shoulder Joint Replacement
A shoulder joint replacement treats an arthritic shoulder joint. The procedure is usually recommended to treat severe shoulder arthritis that does not respond to nonsurgical treatment options, like anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, physical activity, and lifestyle modifications. Patients who suffer from shoulder arthritis are encouraged to make an appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) shoulder specialist to find out if shoulder joint replacement is an appropriate treatment option.