Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Injuries Subluxation Dislocation Instability

The Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint is the small joint on top of the shoulder where the clavicle attaches. If the AC joint is hit head-on, such as when falling off a bike or tackling somebody without shoulder pads, the clavicle may detach, raise up and become noticeably 'out of joint'. A

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Clavicle (Collarbone) Fractures

Clavicle (collarbone) fractures are very common injuries. If the clavicle fracture is not significantly displaced (translated) or angulated (bent), then it can be treated in a sling for 6 weeks. For people who do a lot of deskwork, a 'figure-8' brace that leaves the arms free is also fine, and

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Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

The rotator cuff is made up of the muscles and tendons that help you elevate your shoulder (for details, please see the rotator cuff section in my main website). If the rotator cuff becomes damaged enough, a tear may occur. However, not all rotator cuff tears require surgery.
Rotator cuff tears

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Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Arthritis

Arthritis of the AC joint leads to pain at the top of the shoulder. This happens more frequently in laborers and weight-lifters, but is very common in the general population as well. The diagnosis of AC joint arthritis is best made on physical examination. This is because arthritic changes of

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SLAP Lesions

SLAP lesions are tears of the superior labrum (meniscus-like tissue around the glenoid socket) that include the attachment of the biceps tendon. These are uncommon injuries, except in throwing athletes and in patients who have had significant trauma (ski accidents, bad falls, motor vehicle

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Rotator Cuff Tears

Rotator cuff tears are a common source of shoulder pain, weakness and dysfunction. However, not all rotator cuff tears need to be fixed surgically. Many rotator cuff tears are a natural part of the aging process. Over time, many of us lose our hair, many lose their bone density, and many of us

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Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Frozen shoulder is a very painful condition in which the shoulder freezes up and becomes stiff. It may or may not be due to trauma. People with diabetes, thyroid dysfunction or gout are more commonly affected. While the reason this happens is unclear (many blame a virus), it is an inflammatory

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Shoulder Instability and Dislocations

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body. Consequently, it is also the most commonly dislocated large joint in the body. There are things you should know if you or someone you care about has dislocated his or her shoulder. For example, the first shoulder dislocation leads to a 20% rate

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