Shoulder

Considered one of the top programs for shoulder surgery in Philadelphia and Nationally, Rothman Orthopaedics’ Shoulder and Elbow program provides highly specialized care.

Why Rothman?

Rothman Orthopedic Institute’s shoulder team offers patients options for both surgical and non-surgical treatments to ease pain and restore range of motion. We are the area’s leaders in repairing shoulder injuries. In addition to performing thousands of procedures each year, our specialists are pioneering advances in shoulder repair and joint replacement.

Our specialists are board-certified, fellowship-trained and have many years of extensive experience. Some have been team physicians for area professional sports teams.
Rothman specialists regularly publish research in prestigious medical journals and lecture worldwide to share their vast knowledge with the next generation of orthopedic specialists.

Our nationally recognized orthopedic team has consistently ranked among the best in the Delaware Valley by US News & World Report.

How does the shoulder joint work?

The shoulder is a ball and socket joint. The ball is the head of the upper arm bone (humerus). That bone fits into the socket (glenoid). It's part of your shoulder blade (scapula).

The shoulder is a ball and socket joint. The ball is the head of the upper arm bone (humerus). That bone
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What are the parts of the shoulder?

On top of this ball and socket joint is another bone known as the acromion. This is a frequent place for bone spurs to form. The acromioclavicular joint (AC joint) is right next to the acromion. This is a common place for shoulder separations.

On top of this ball and socket joint is another bone known as the acromion. This is a frequent place for
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What are the parts of the shoulder? (Cont.)

The rotator cuff’s four muscles keep the humerus bone in the socket and let you rotate and lift your arm. A circular ring of cartilage, called the labrum, helps keep your shoulder in socket and eases the joint’s movement.

The rotator cuff’s four muscles keep the humerus bone in the socket and
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What causes shoulder problems?
As a complex joint with a wide range of movement, the shoulder is susceptible to a variety of injuries from overuse, stressful motions, falls and other accidents.
- Osteoarthritis: When cartilage in the ball-and-socket area wears away due to stressful and repetitive motions. Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause shoulder pain and inflammation.
- Shoulder separations: When damage to the ligament that connects the shoulder blade to the collarbone causes the AC joint to separate.
As a complex joint with a wide range of movement, the shoulder is susceptible to a variety of injuries from
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What causes shoulder problems? (Cont.)
- Shoulder dislocation: When the top of the arm bone (humerus) loses contact with the shoulder socket.
- Rotator cuff tears: Tears weaken the muscles, making it more difficult to raise the arm.
- Torn labrum: Flaps of this cartilage can fold or roll in the shoulder joint, causing pain, a catching or popping sensation, and a reduced range of motion.
- Shoulder dislocation: When the top of the arm bone (humerus) loses contact with the shoulder socket.
- Rotator cuff tears: Tears
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Common Conditions
- Bankart Lesion
- Biceps Tendon Rupture
- Broken Collarbone
- Bursitis
- Floating Shoulder
- Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Deficit
- Labral Tear
- Little League Shoulder (Proximal Humeral Epiphyseolysis)
- Proximal Biceps Rupture
- Rotator Cuff Tear
- Rotator Cuff Tendinitis — Impingement Shoulder Tendinitis
- Shoulder Arthritis
- Shoulder Dislocation
- Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
- Shoulder Instability
- Shoulder Separation
- Sternoclavicular Joint Dislocation
- Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior (SLAP) Lesion Tear
- Throwing Injuries
Health Tips
- Apply heat to shoulder muscles to help the joint move more easily when you start exercising.
- Do stretches. Keep your arm below shoulder height while doing easy stretching movements.
- Big circles
- Across-body movements
- Trunk twists
- Shoulder blade rolls
- Forward and backward squeezes
- Do muscle-strengthening exercises. Focus on building up the rotator cuff muscles to give your shoulder more stability.
- Note: If you think you have injured your shoulder, consult a physician or physical therapist before starting an exercise program.

Shoulder

Why Rothman?

How does the shoulder joint work?

What are the parts of the shoulder?

What are the parts of the shoulder? (Cont.)

What causes shoulder problems?

What causes shoulder problems? (Cont.)

Common Conditions

Health Tips