Shoulder Conditions

What is Rotator Cuff Tendonitis?Rotator cuff tendonitis is inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons of the shoulder. The most common rotator cuff tendon to be inflamed is the supraspinatus tendon. This tendon is positioned on top of the shoulder between two bones: the acromion (which is a part of the shoulder blade or scapula) [...]

What is a Torn Labrum in the Shoulder? The shoulder joint is comprised of the upper portion of the arm bone (humeral head) sitting in the shoulder socket (glenoid, which is connected to the shoulder blade or scapula). The labrum is a fibrous bumper of tissue that attaches around the edge of the [...]

What is an AC Joint Injury? Acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries are commonly caused by a forceful impact to the shoulder. The acromioclavicular joint connects the scapula (posteriorly) to the clavicle (anteriorly) with stabilizing tendons, ligaments, and muscles. These stabilizers facilitate a wide range of movement. A blow to the shoulder--most frequently a fall [...]

What is a Biceps Tendon Injury? A bicep tendon injury consists of inflammation or tearing of the bicep tendon. Tendons are strong bands of tissue that connect a muscle to a bone. A bicep tendon injury can be acute or chronic. An injury can cause a partial or complete tear of the tendon. [...]

What is Biceps Tendonitis? Biceps tendonitis is an inflammation of the bicep tendon. The bicep tendon serves to attach the bicep muscle to a bone in the elbow (distal attachment) and to a bone in the shoulder (proximal attachment). The upper tendon--called the long head--is more susceptible to developing tendonitis. Overuse activities of [...]

What is Frozen Shoulder? Frozen shoulder, or Adhesive Capsulitis, is a condition most commonly seen in adult females, ages 40 to 60. People with diabetes or those who have had their shoulder immobilized for a period of time are also at higher risk of developing frozen shoulder. Thickened bands of tissue or adhesions [...]

What is a Rotator Cuff Tear?A rotator cuff tear is a tearing of one or more of the four muscle tendon units that are responsible for moving and powering the shoulder joint. The shoulder joint has the greatest degree of mobility compared to all other joints of the body. Rotator cuff tears are commonly [...]

Pain in the ShoulderWhat is Normal Shoulder Anatomy?The shoulder is one of the most complex joints in the body. Normal shoulder anatomy is made up of muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bone that help facilitate the widest range of motion of any joint in the body. The shoulder blade (scapula) located posteriorly meets the [...]

What Causes Shoulder Arthritis?According to national health statistics from 2011, 50 million people in the US were diagnosed with arthritis. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, or “wear and tear” arthritis. Shoulder osteoarthritis is less common than osteoarthritis in the hip and knee joints, as the shoulder is not a weight bearing [...]

What is a Shoulder Fracture? A shoulder fracture is a break of one of the bones that make up the shoulder. Fractures are almost always due to an acute, traumatic injury. Most often, a shoulder fracture is caused by a fall, with someone landing directly on the shoulder or landing on one’s outstretched [...]

What is Shoulder Instability? The shoulder is comprised of three bones; the humerus (upper arm bone), scapula (shoulder blade), and the clavicle (collarbone). The top of the humerus bone (humeral head) joins the shoulder socket (the glenoid, which is part of the scapula) to form the shoulder joint (glenohumeral joint). The glenoid is [...]