Comprehensive Shoulder & Elbow Treatment Expertise

Nationally Recognized Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Offer Innovative Surgical Advances

While the majority of shoulder and elbow conditions can be treated with conservative treatments such as rest, ice application, injections, anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy, surgery may be necessary. Our team of orthopedists provide high-volume specialized surgeries such as total shoulder replacement surgery, including reverse shoulder replacement and revision, and the most complex shoulder and elbow surgeries. Through evidence-based research, studies indicate patients have the best results and fewer complications when surgery is performed at a high volume center whose surgeons are specially trained and experienced in the most advanced surgical techniques.

We offer minimally invasive arthroscopy surgical procedures that use small incisions and a tiny camera to pinpoint the source of the problem and quickly repair it. Arthroscopic surgery uses a viewing instrument called an arthroscope to see inside of the joint. This surgical approach allows for a more efficient and effective diagnosis and treatment. In addition, minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures provide faster recovery and less pain, scarring and blood loss.

Our team of orthopedic surgeons actually teach these innovative arthroscopic techniques to the next generation of surgeons. Because our orthopedic specialists are full-time faculty members at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, they influence and pioneer some of the medical industry’s latest technological and procedural advances.

With a skilled surgical team of orthopedic specialists at University Hospitals, we are ready in the event more complex surgery is needed, including:

• Arthroscopic labral repair: With repetitive motion use of the shoulders, or due to an accident or trauma, a labral tear can occur in the shoulder cartilage which can cause pain and limited flexibility. Our team is skilled in labral tear shoulder surgery, including minimally invasive options for the two most common types of labral injuries, SLAP tears and Bankart tears.
• Reverse total shoulder replacement surgery: For complex shoulder injuries that may include a combination of arthritis, significant rotator cuff tears and shoulder instability, our team provides high-quality surgical solutions that in essence re-invent the shoulder function by reversing the ball and joint functionality. This approach is done when the muscles and tendons around the shoulder joint are not intact, such as when a significant rotator cuff tear occurs. This surgical option is available by skilled UH orthopedic surgeons for patients that in many cases have been told they have no other options for repair.
• Revision of shoulder replacement: When a shoulder replacement fails and needs to be revised because of infection, injury or the return of unbearable shoulder pain or unacceptable stiffness, our team has the expertise to perform this technically complex procedure.
• Rotator cuff repair: Identified as the muscles and tendons that hold your shoulder in place, injury to your rotator cuff can cause restricted movement and shoulder joint pain. Our specialized UH orthopedic team has the expertise for rotator cuff repairs to restore function and relieve pain.
• Total shoulder replacement surgery: By creating new joint surfaces, our team replaces the damaged shoulder joint that is causing pain and a stiff shoulder. Our skilled orthopedic surgical team provides expert care for this complex total joint replacement surgery when the pain of osteoarthritis is limiting shoulder function or a traumatic fracture has occurred.

Our orthopedic surgeons have the expertise and experience for high-quality surgical results. With decades of expertise, research and development of new techniques, our team can take care of even the most complex elbow and shoulder injuries.

Orthopedic Shoulder and Elbow Conditions We Treat

Our shoulder and elbow specialists have the national expertise and high-volume experience for the diagnosis and treatment of all types of shoulder and elbow conditions including:

• AC (acromioclavicular) joint injury
• AC joint tendonitis
• AC separation
• Arthritis
• Baseball elbow/medial epicondylitis
• Bicep tear or rupture
• Bursitis
• Cartilage injury
• Clavicle collarbone fracture
• Cubital tunnel
• Elbow pain/strain/sprain
• Frozen shoulder
• Impingement
• Instability/dislocations
• Labral tears
• Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
• Ligament injuries
• Little leaguer’s elbow
• Little leaguer’s shoulder
• Loose bodies
• Medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow)
• Osteoarthritis
• Overuse injuries
• Rotator cuff tear / tendonitis
• Shoulder arthritis
• Shoulder dislocation
• Shoulder instability
• Shoulder tendonitis
• SLAP (superior labral tear from anterior to posterior) lesions
• Swimmer’s shoulder
• Tendonitis
• Tendon pain
• Tommy John/ulnar collateral ligament sprains
• Triceps rupture