The shoulder is a highly complex joint that is susceptible to a range of injuries, as well as issues caused by wear and tear over time. Athletes who participate in sports such as baseball, swimming, tennis, and weightlifting may experience shoulder injuries. This is due to repetitive and frequent overhead motions required by these activities. Osteoarthritis, which involves stiffness and swelling in the shoulder joint, can come about as a result of aging or following sports-related injuries. Dr. Stephen R. Soffer, a board certified orthopedic surgeon shoulder specialist, has expertise in treating shoulder issues of all types.
Orthopedic Surgeon Shoulder Specialist
After your examination, Dr. Soffer may start by trying to alleviate your pain with conservative treatment methods. These include injections, medications, exercise, and rest. If these options do not offer you relief, Dr. Soffer may prescribe one of the following types of cutting-edge shoulder surgeries:
- – Torn Rotator Cuff Surgery – When rotator cuff tears do not respond well to non-surgical treatments, three different types of surgery may be used: arthroscopic, open, or mini-open (a hybrid of the first two). For complete tears, the shoulder orthopedic surgeon will typically need to reattach the tendon(s) to the head of the humerus (upper arm bone.) For partial tears, the tendon(s) may only need to be smoothed or trimmed. Dr. Soffer is able to repair almost all rotator cuff tears without an incision, using the arthroscopic, minimally invasive technique.
- – Shoulder Arthroscopy – Dr. Soffer specializes in this minimally invasive procedure. Arthroscopy allows the shoulder orthopedic surgeon to get a clear view inside of the shoulder joint using a tiny viewing device called an arthroscope. This surgery can be useful in the diagnosis and treatment of many types of shoulder arthritis, as well as tendon and ligament strains and tears, cartilage tears, and other injuries.
- – Total Shoulder Replacement – This procedure is also known as total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). It is used to lessen pain and increase range of motion in those suffering from arthritic conditions of the shoulder. For patients with large rotator cuff tears or cuff tear arthropathy, a complex kind of shoulder arthritis, reverse shoulder replacement is typically beneficial. In either type of shoulder replacement, the orthopedic surgeon shoulder specialist removes the damaged parts of the shoulder and replaces them with artificial components.
Before recommending one of these shoulder surgery options to you, Dr. Soffer will carefully consider your unique set of circumstances, including your age, activity level, and condition.
Trust Dr. Soffer for Skilled Shoulder Care
If you are suffering from a painful shoulder condition, shoulder surgery may be the solution you’ve been waiting for. To find out if this is the right option for you, schedule an appointment with Dr. Soffer, a leading orthopedic surgeon shoulder specialist, by calling 610-375-4949. We look forward to making your acquaintance and showing you what makes Dr. Soffer a provider of orthopedic surgery Ephrata, PA patients can rely on.
