There are many types of shoulder surgery, up to and including total shoulder replacement surgery.  For state-of-the-art treatment in Reading, PA and throughout Berks County, consider a consultation with Dr. Stephen Soffer.

Dr. Stephen R. Soffer, in Wyomissing, is a board certified orthopedic surgeon who has been included in U.S. News & World Report’s Top Doctor listing for the last five years because of his orthopedic expertise.

He is a leading expert in arthroscopy and specializes in the treatment of many sports-related injuries, as well as the open and arthroscopic treatment of knee, shoulder and elbow injuries. He also performs artificial joint replacement for arthritis of the knee, shoulder and hip.

About Shoulders

Shoulder Surgery in Reading PAThe shoulders are among the most complex and important joints in the human body. They are made up of three bones: the clavicle (collarbone), the scapula (shoulder blade) and the humerus (upper arm bone), as well as a combination of muscles and tendons, called the rotator cuff, that keep the arm bone centered in the shoulder socket and attached to the shoulder blade.

Unfortunately, as we age, many of us experience shoulder pain related to arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, with swelling and stiffness that develops slowly but worsens over time. Sometimes the osteoarthritis is related to sports activities, but can also be the result of chronic wear and tear.

Shoulders are also susceptible to injuries caused by the excessive, repetitive, overhead motions involved in our athletic activities, such as baseball and other ball-throwing sports, tennis, swimming and weightlifting. But injuries also occur during everyday tasks, including hanging curtains and gardening. The result is significant shoulder pain and limited arm motion.

Shoulder pain often responds to simple treatment methods such as altering activities, rest, exercise, injections and medication. Certain problems may require surgery.  Surgery can involve arthroscopy to remove scar tissue or repair torn rotator cuff tissues, or traditional, open procedures for reconstruction or shoulder replacement.

Shoulder Arthroscopy

Orthopedic surgeons like Dr. Soffer perform arthroscopic procedures that allow them to see, diagnose and repair problems inside of joints, such as the shoulder, with a tube-like viewing instrument called an arthroscope.

Arthroscopic shoulder surgery can be helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of many types of arthritis as well as for cartilage tears, tendon and ligament strains and tears, and other types of injuries. The surgeon uses very small incisions, resulting in less pain for patients, and shortening the time it takes to recover and get back to your favorite activities.

Your doctor may recommend shoulder arthroscopy if you have a painful condition that does not respond to nonsurgical treatment.

Rotator Cuff Tears & Treatment 

The rotator cuff can be torn from a single traumatic injury or from long-term overuse. Heavy lifting, repetitive arm movements, and falls can also cause the rotator cuff to become irritated or inflamed.

Surgical repairs of the rotator cuff most often involve reattaching the tendon(s) to the head of humerus (upper arm bone). Partial tears, however, may only need to be trimmed or smoothed.

If you have a rotator cuff injury, Dr. Soffer will help you decide if your range of motion, muscle strength, and coordination can be restored through physical therapy or by altering your activities, or if you should consider surgery.

Total Shoulder Replacement

A total shoulder replacement, also known as total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), may be able to reduce pain and improve range of motion in patients with a variety of arthritic conditions. A reverse shoulder replacement is often more beneficial for patients with large rotator cuff tears who have developed a complex type of shoulder arthritis called “cuff tear arthropathy.” In both procedures, the damaged parts of the shoulder are removed and replaced with artificial components.

If you suffer from a nagging shoulder problem, Dr. Soffer will evaluate your situation carefully and discuss shoulder surgery and other treatment options with you. To reach us in Reading, PA, call 610-375-4949 to find out how Dr. Soffer can help.


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