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Shoulder
The shoulder is a very sophisticated and complicated part of the body. It is made up of mainly two joints:
• Shoulder Joint: It is a ball and socket joint. The ball is the head of the upper arm bone (humeral head), and the socket is a small saucer-shaped part of the shoulder blade called Glenoid. There are four tendons of the shoulder forming a ‘cuff’ around the humeral head, known as the “Rotator Cuff”.
• The acromio-clavicular joint (ACJ): It is a joint at the top of the shoulder. It is the junction between the acromion (part of the shoulder blade that forms the highest point of the shoulder) and the clavicle (collar bone).
Both joints are stabilised by a complex of capsule and ligaments.
The shoulder (like most of joints in the body) is subject to injury and degenerative (wear & tear) processes. Patients would usually present with one or a combination of any of the following symptoms;
1. Pain
2. Stiffness (lack or reduced movements)
3. Instability (i.e. repeated dislocations (popping out) of the joint)
4. Reduce function (deterioration of the use of the shoulder/arm)
Here below are some of the common conditions/problems affecting the shoulder:
Subacromial Shoulder Pain Syndrome
This is the most common causes of shoulder pain. It is often related to irritation and inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons and the bursa that lie beneath the acromion, which is part of the shoulder blade forming the roof over the shoulder. This can develop through overuse, age-related tendon change, or repeated overhead activity. Learn More...
Calcific Tendinitis
Calcific tendinitis is a painful shoulder condition caused by a build-up of calcium within one of the rotator cuff tendons around the shoulder. The deposit may be small or large, and it is often clearly visible on a plain X-ray. An ultrasound scan is also very useful, as it helps confirm the diagnosis and shows the exact size and position of the deposit within the tendon.
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Rotator Cuff Tear
The rotator cuff is formed by four muscles and their tendons around the shoulder. These tendons join together to form a cuff around the ball of the shoulder joint and help with lifting and rotating the arm, as well as keeping the shoulder stable.
A rotator cuff tear can happen after an acute injury, such as a fall or sudden pull, but it can also develop gradually over time as part of wear and tear within the tendon.
Patients usually complain of pain and weakness in the shoulder, particularly when carrying out activities above shoulder level, such as combing the hair or reaching up to a high shelf. Pain at night is also common, especially when lying on the affected shoulder. Learn More...
Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder is a painful condition in which the lining of the shoulder joint, known as the capsule, becomes inflamed, thickened and tight. As a result, the shoulder gradually becomes stiff and loses movement. The condition usually develops slowly and often passes through stages, beginning with pain, followed by increasing stiffness, and then a gradual recovery. It is more common in people with diabetes, but it can also occur in other people, sometimes after a minor injury or a period of reduced shoulder movement. The main features are severe pain and stiffness in the shoulder, leading to deterioration in the function and use of the arm. Everyday activities such as dressing, washing, reaching overhead and sleeping can become very difficult. Learn More...
Shoulder Dislocation
The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. Because the socket is naturally shallow, the joint depends on the labrum, the capsule, the ligaments, and the surrounding muscles to keep it stable. A shoulder dislocation happens when the ball comes out of the socket, most commonly to the front. This is usually caused by a significant injury such as a fall, collision, sporting tackle, or other accident. A first dislocation can tear the labrum and stretch or tear the capsule and ligaments, and sometimes may also damage the bone. This can then lead to ongoing shoulder instability, with further dislocations, partial slipping of the joint, or a persistent feeling that the shoulder may give way. Learn More...
Acromio-Clavicular Joint (ACJ)
The acromio-clavicular joint (ACJ) is the small joint at the top of the shoulder where the collarbone meets the acromion. Although it has only a small range of movement, it plays an important part in normal shoulder function. Problems in this joint are usually caused either by an injury or by arthritis. Learn More...
Biceps Conditions
The biceps is the large muscle at the front of the upper arm. It has two tendons at the shoulder (proximal biceps) and one tendon at the elbow (distal biceps). Problems can affect either end of the muscle and may include inflammation, partial tearing, complete rupture, or instability of the tendon. These problems may develop after a sudden injury, repeated strain during work or sport, or gradually as part of wear and tear. Typical symptoms include pain in the front of the shoulder or elbow, weakness, cramping, bruising, and sometimes a change in the shape of the muscle. Learn More...
Shoulder Fracture
Fractures in the bones around the shoulder are relatively common and usually occur as a result of a significant injury, such as a fall or a direct blow to the shoulder. Depending on the severity and the exact location of the fracture, these injuries can cause severe pain, swelling, bruising and marked restriction of shoulder movement.. Learn More... |
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