Shoulder / Arm / Elbow

Shoulder Arthritis

Although many people think of shoulders as a group of joints, shoulders are made up only of two joints, the glen humeral joint and the acromioclavicular, also known as AC joint. All joints are covered by cartilage and as a consequence of gradual wear and tear of the shoulder, cartilage joints can be affected by arthritis on many different levels, to treat this condition effectively the orthopedic specialist must determine the stage of development and the area affected.

Shoulder Arthritis

Although many people think of shoulders as a group of joints, shoulders are made up only of two joints, the glen humeral joint and the acromioclavicular, also known as AC joint. All joints are covered by cartilage and as a consequence of gradual wear and tear of the shoulder, cartilage joints can be affected by arthritis on many different levels, to treat this condition effectively the orthopedic specialist must determine the stage of development and the area affected.

Bicep tendon injuries and tear

Biceps are muscles that aid in the mobility of important structures like elbows and forearms, a combination of muscles and tendons help the shoulder be centered and in proper function.  Usually, injuries and tears at the bicep tendon can result in swelling, difficulty with mobility, loss of strength, pain, or bulge, these tears can be partial or complete. These injuries can occur with age, overuse or repetitive movements, accidents that affect the shoulder, upper arm, rotator cuff, etc.

Most bicep injuries occur progressively and in some cases by accident while lifting heavy objects. With the use of simple treatments, some bicep injuries can be treated successfully while improving function and symptoms. In cases where there is tear at the bicep tendon, some surgical procedures may be required.

Bicep tendon injuries and tear

Biceps are muscles that aid in the mobility of important structures like elbows and forearms, a combination of muscles and tendons help the shoulder be centered and in proper function.  Usually, injuries and tears at the bicep tendon can result in swelling, difficulty with mobility, loss of strength, pain, or bulge, these tears can be partial or complete. These injuries can occur with age, overuse or repetitive movements, accidents that affect the shoulder, upper arm, rotator cuff, etc.

Most bicep injuries occur progressively and in some cases by accident while lifting heavy objects. With the use of simple treatments, some bicep injuries can be treated successfully while improving function and symptoms. In cases where there is tear at the bicep tendon, some surgical procedures may be required.

Clavicle fracture (broken collarbone)

Posterior Sternoclavicular Dislocation

The majority consolidate without surgery

Middle third clavicle

DIAGNOSIS:

Pain and deformation at the middle of the bone

Crepitation

TREATMENT:

  • Ice pack to injured area
  • Shoulder blades squeeze
  • Sling placement figure-of-eight brace
  • Suspend physical activity
  • Request X-ray

Posterior Sternoclavicular Dislocation is an injury that can become potentially fatal because of the vital structures that lie underneath. Usually this type of injury is a consequence of a serious accident.

DIAGNOSIS:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Dysphagia (trouble swallowing liquids or food)
  • Change in coloration of the hand (pale or purple)
  • Paresthesias in arms and hands (tingling sensation)

TREATMENT:

  • Immediate reduction (urgent)
  • Rolled towels under shoulder
  • Shoulder pendulum
  • Elbow Flexion mobilization
  • If there isn’t any immediate reduction seek urgent care

Clavicle fracture (broken collarbone)

The majority consolidate without surgery.

Middle third clavicle

DIAGNOSIS:

Pain and deformation at the middle of the bone
Crepitation

TREATMENT:

  • Ice pack to injured area.
  • Shoulder blades squeeze.
  • Sling placement figure-of-eight brace.
  • Suspend physical activity.
  • Request X-ray.

Posterior Sternoclavicular Dislocation

Posterior Sternoclavicular Dislocation is an injury that can become potentially fatal because of the vital structures that lie underneath. Usually this type of injury is a consequence of a serious accident.

DIAGNOSIS:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Dysphagia (trouble swallowing liquids or food)
  • Change in coloration of the hand (pale or purple)
  • Paresthesias in arms and hands (tingling sensation)

TREATMENT:

  • Immediate reduction (urgent)
  • Rolled towels under shoulder
  • Shoulder pendulum
  • Elbow Flexion mobilization
  • If there isn’t any immediate reduction seek urgent care

Posterior Sternoclavicular Dislocation is an injury that can become potentially fatal because of the vital structures that lie underneath. Usually this type of injury is a consequence of a serious accident.

DIAGNOSIS:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Dysphagia (trouble swallowing liquids or food)
  • Change in coloration of the hand (pale or purple)
  • Paresthesias in arms and hands (tingling sensation)

TREATMENT:

  • Immediate reduction (urgent)
  • Rolled towels under shoulder
  • Shoulder pendulum
  • Elbow Flexion mobilization
  • If there isn’t any immediate
  • reduction seek urgent care

Leg and thigh hematomas

Hematomas or bruises appear when blood vessels bleed under the skin causing swelling, usually, they appear after falls, accidents, they can be painful and bring discomfort, and in some cases if bleeding under the skin is continuous hematomas can enlarge and bring compression to the affected area.

Bad treatment can increase bleeding, cause infection or calcification.

DIAGNOSIS:

  • Increase in volume appears as a consequence of direct traumatism.
  • Change in the coloration of the skin.
  • Palpable liquid content (mainly superficial).
  • If bump feels “hard” to the touch, rule out the presence of muscular rupture

TREATMENT:

  • Ice to injury (20 minutes minimum).
  • Never apply heat to lesion during the acute state.
  • Use a folded towel as a bandage to apply pressure to hematoma.
  • Don’t pinch hematoma.
  • If the hematoma is large or close to a joint, immobilize.
  • Suspend activities.