Shoulder and Elbow

Strength is essential to carry out the functions of the shoulder. Many different muscles are required to power the shoulder because of the need to control both humeroscapular and scapulothoracic positions and to allow the vast range of motions of these articulations. For normal function, each muscle must be healthy, conditioned, securely attached, and coordinated. 

Most of the common causes of shoulder stiffness are related to problems between the humerus and scapula. The normally supple capsule around the joint can become stiff--a condition known as frozen shoulder. Frozen shoulders can come on after a period of disuse of the arm. A frozen shoulder can also come on for no apparent reason at all. Frozen shoulders can be particularly severe in individuals with diabetes.

Shoulder arthritis is a condition in which the cartilage that normally provides a smooth covering over the ball and socket is lost. This cartilage loss can result from degeneration, wear and tear, inflammatory disease (i.e. rheumatoid arthritis), injury or prior surgery

1. Shoulder Arthritis

Mechanical Problems of the Shoulder
Mechanical problems of the shoulder are common. They are often revealed by the answers to some simple questions:

Although not as common as severe arthritis of the hip, knee, or shoulder, rheumatoid arthritis of the elbow is among the most prevalent causes of severe pain and loss of function of the elbow. Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis involving one joint are likely to have involvement of other joints as well.

Elbow joint replacements are highly technical procedures which can relieve pain and help restore function. These procedures are performed less often than knee and hip replacements, thus it may be necessary to search for surgeon who has considerable experience with them.

• Read more about Shoulder osteoarthritis, chondrolysis, rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative joint disease, and arthritis after shoulder arthroscopy and open surgery

Last updated: Wednesday, January 26, 2005

The skin

Skin incisions

Rotator cuff surgery can usually be accomplished through cosmetically acceptable incisions in the lines of the skin (see figure 1). These skin lines run obliquely from superior lateral to infero medial. The usual "superior" approach to the cuff is made through such an oblique incision which runs over the anterior corner of the acromion.