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The
shoulder is the only joint in the body that
can accomplish
a 360 degree rotation, although this level
of mobility translates into a lesser
degree
of stability than other joints. The primary function of the shoulder is to support,
or anchor, the different positions of the hand and arm. |
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The bony structures of the shoulder include the scapula, humerus,
and clavicle, which together create two separate joints -- the
glenohumeral joint
and the acromioclavicular joint. Some of the
muscles and tendons that support
the shoulder joint are referred
to as the rotator cuff.
The elbow joint connects the bone of the upper
arm, the humerus,
with the two bones of the lower arm, the radius and the ulna. Within
the joint structure are three smaller joints, created by the communication
of the three separate bones. The humerus-ulna joint and the humerus-radius
joint contribute to the hinge-like motion of the arm. The radius-ulna
joint and the humerus-radius joint permit rotation of the forearm
and the palm-up, palm-down positioning of the hand.
Common Shoulder & Elbow Problems:
• Dislocation
• Shoulder Instability
• Arthritis
• Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
• Frozen Shoulder
• Rotator Cuff Injury
• Elbow Fractures
• Bursitis
• Tennis Elbow
Common Procedures:
Shoulder Arthroscopy
Labral tears, such as Bankart lesions and SLAP tears, are commonly
treated
with arthroscopy.
Arthroscopic Subacromial Decompression
Patients with impingement syndrome that is not cured with conservative
treatments may consider a procedure called an arthroscopic
subacromial decompression.
This procedure removes the inflamed
bursa and some bone from the irritated area around the rotator
cuff tendons. By removing this tissue, more space is created
for the tendons and the inflammation often subsides.
AC Joint Removal
The AC joint, or acromioclavicular joint, is occasionally affected
by arthritis. When arthritis of the AC joint is severe, the
end of the clavicle (collarbone) can be removed.
By removing the damaged joint, the symptoms of AC arthritis are
often relieved.
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