Problem Locator
Treatment Specialties
Shoulder
The shoulder is a "ball-and-socket" joint made up of the upper arm bone (humerus), shoulder blade (scapula) and collarbone (clavicle). This joint is the most flexible one in the body and allows for a full range of motion, but also makes the shoulder a common source of injury and instability.
Some of the most common shoulder conditions include:
- Bursitis
- Tendonitis
- Impingement
- Rotator cuff tear
- Instability
- Fractures
- Osteoarthritis
While many of these conditions can be effectively managed through nonsurgical techniques, surgery is often needed to thoroughly correct the condition and allow patients to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that can be used to treat many shoulder conditions by inserting a fiber-optic device and tiny surgical instruments into small incisions. Patients can benefit from less tissue damage, shorter recovery times and less scarring with arthroscopic techniques. This procedure can also be used for diagnostic purposes after a physical examination and other imaging procedures have been performed.
Also known as shoulder scope, arthroscopy can be used to treat rotator cuff tears, labral tears, impingement, biceps tendonitis and AC joint arthritis. The type of repair performed depends on each patient's individual condition, but often involves removing inflamed tissue, reattaching torn tissue or replacing damaged cartilage. The incisions are closed with sutures and usually heal well.
Total Shoulder Replacement
Severe shoulder conditions with persistent symptoms that have not responded well to conservative treatments may benefit from shoulder replacement surgery. Shoulder replacement surgery replaces the damaged joint with an artificial one that allows patients to enjoy painless motion and resume their regular activities.
During the shoulder replacement procedure, the damaged bone and cartilage are replaced with a metal and plastic implant that helps relieve pain, stiffness and swelling, while improving range of motion and allowing patients to resume their regular activities.
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| Healthy Shoulder | Arthritic Shoulder |
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| After Surgery | Shoulder Implant |
Knee
The knees are the strongest joint in the human body, allowing the legs to bend and straighten while carrying almost all of the weight of the individual when they are standing. The knees are a hinge joint, but still have substantial capacity for lateral (side-to-side) motion.
As an active, weight-bearing joint, the knee is a source of pain and problems for many people. This pain may be acute or chronic, and may be a result of injury, overuse or growth. It can stem from the tendons, ligaments, bones, cartilage or any other structure within the knee. Some of the most common knee conditions include:
- Arthritis
- Bursitis
- Dislocated kneecap
- Meniscal tear
- Ligament injuries
- Patellar tendonitis
ACL Injury
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) works together with the other ligaments in the knee to connect the femur to the tibia and support the knee joint. A tear in the ACL is one of the most common knee injuries, causing the joint to become unstable and slide forward too much. This injury occurs most often in athletes and causes pain, swelling, tenderness and limited motion.
ACL reconstruction is usually not performed until several weeks after the injury, when swelling and inflammation have been reduced. The torn ligament is completely removed and replaced with a new ACL. Simply reconnecting the torn ends will not repair the ACL. Part of another ligament, usually in the knee or hamstring, is used to create a graft for the new ACL.
Arthroscopy
Some knee conditions that can often be treated through arthroscopy include meniscal tears, ACL or PCL tears, synovitis, patellar misalignment, arthritis and more. During the arthroscopy procedure, a thin tube with a camera on the end (arthroscope) is inserted into the joint, along with several tiny surgical instruments so that your surgeon can adequately visualize the area while repairing any damage that is found.
Total Knee Replacement
A knee replacement is recommended for patients with arthritis and certain knee injuries or diseases that have not responded well to conservative treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications or cortisone injections. The replacement devices are designed to relieve pain caused by cartilage damage, and usually last up to 20 years in most patients.
During the knee replacement procedure, the entire joint is replaced with an artificial prosthesis. The end of the femur is replaced with a metal shell, while the end of the tibia is fitted with a plastic cup and metal stem that fit into the shell. The posterior cruciate ligament and kneecap may be replaced if needed or may be left in place. This procedure can take up to three hours to perform and usually provides immediate pain relief and a return to regular activities.
