The shoulder is one of the largest and most complex joints in the body. Formed by the articulation of the upper arm bone (humerus), the collarbone (clavicle), and the shoulder blade (scapula), the shoulder joint is responsible for a wide range of motion. For example, it allows the upper extremity to flex and extend, perform internal and external rotations, rotate in a full circle, and move toward and away from the midline of the body. In fact, this hardworking joint does so much and does it so well that you may not even notice how often you use your shoulder until an injury, illness, or other problem causes it to stop working the way it should.

Sound familiar? If you’re suffering from shoulder pain, instability, or mobility limitations that disrupt daily tasks or force you to give up the activities you enjoy, you’ve come to the right place for help.

Experienced Orthopedic Surgical Care for the Portland Metropolitan Area

Northwest Extremity Specialists’ highly-skilled orthopedic surgeons provide complete care for the shoulder, from conservative treatment to surgical solutions. We work closely with patients to develop a personalized treatment plan based on their medical needs, goals, and lifestyle. Our treatment options include a variety of non-surgical approaches like physical therapy, activity modifications, and or corticosteroid injections. When these options fail to deliver the desired results, surgical intervention may more effectively relieve pain and restore function. However, we’ll never try to push you into an unwanted surgical procedure and will work to ensure that you feel confident in and empowered by your treatment and recovery plans before we proceed.

Shoulder Problems Our Surgeons Address

In addition to the humerus, clavicle, and scapula bones, the shoulder joint is also made up of multiple muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other tissues—all of which work together to create elegant movements. Unfortunately, a problem with any one of these components can negatively affect overall shoulder and arm function, resulting in pain, instability, loss of mobility, and other issues. Here are just a few examples of the shoulder conditions our exceptional orthopedic surgeons treat:

  • Arthritis
  • Rotator cuff tendon tears
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Cartilage tears, such as labral tears
  • Shoulder impingement (rotator cuff tendonitis)
  • Shoulder instability
  • Fractures
  • Dislocations

Orthopedic Shoulder Surgery Options

If you opt for surgical intervention, the surgery you’ll have will vary based on your condition, its severity, and your overall goals. Our orthopedic surgeons have extensive experience with both minimally-invasive and traditional open shoulder surgery techniques. However, most shoulder surgeries use minimally-invasive methods like arthroscopy, in which small cameras and tools are inserted through quarter-inch “portal” incisions that allow doctors to better visualize the affected joint. This approach offers numerous benefits, from reducing post-operative pain, bleeding, and infection risks to helping you return to activity sooner than after more invasive procedures. Common types of shoulder surgeries include:

  • Total shoulder replacement surgery
  • Reverse total shoulder replacement surgery
  • Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair
  • Arthroscopic instability repair

Recovering From Orthopedic Shoulder Surgery

Not surprisingly, the length of your recovery and what it entails can vary depending on the shoulder condition and surgery you have. You can generally expect to wear an immobilization device for a time to ensure your shoulder stays in the proper position and to experience some discomfort in the initial days after the procedure. However, your road to recovery doesn’t end there. Our caring and capable pain management team can help you reduce your pain while our physical therapists help you build the strength you need to return to your daily activities and get back to the life you love.

Give Your Shoulder the World-Class Orthopedic Care It Deserves

Don’t live life limited by shoulder pain and dysfunction. The exceptional orthopedic care you deserve is just a call or click away. Ready to find out what the Northwest Extremity Specialist orthopedic surgical team can do for you? Complete our online contact form or call us at 503-245-2420 to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.