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Top Shoulder Orthopedic Surgeons in New Orleans

Orthopedic Specialists for Shoulder Pain

The shoulder is a “ball-and-socket” joint made up of the upper arm bone (humerus), shoulder blade (scapula) and collarbone (clavicle). This joint is the most flexible one in the body and allows for a full range of motion -- however, this flexibility also makes the shoulder a common source of injury and instability.

Pain and loss of motion in the shoulder can put you on the bench from sports, work, and even your daily life. As the best shoulder surgeons in New Orleans, the board-certified team at Jefferson Orthopedic Clinic have been providing expert treatment for shoulder injuries for 41 years and counting. With same-day appointments and a commitment to compassionate care, the shoulder orthopedic surgeons at Jefferson Orthopedic can help you find relief.

Whether you’re looking for non-invasive solutions to shoulder pain or minimally-invasive arthroscopic shoulder surgery, you’ve found the right place. To schedule your first appointment, call 504-349-6804 or use our online scheduling tool below.

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doctor examining shoulder

Treatment Options for Shoulder Injuries & Rotator Cuff Tears

Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Conditions of the Shoulder

At Jefferson Orthopedic Clinic, our board-certified shoulder orthopedic specialists treat a wide variety of shoulder conditions and injuries. These treatments allow patients to regain the freedom to move their shoulders without pain or discomfort and eventually return to peak performance as quickly and effectively as possible.

Some of the most common conditions we treat include:

  • Broken Collarbone: The clavicle, commonly known as the collarbone, is the bone of the shoulder joint that connects the arm to the rest of the body. Clavicle fractures most frequently occur as a result of trauma from a blow to the shoulder, fall or motor vehicle accident.
    • X-rays will be taken to determine the type and severity of the fracture. Many fractured collarbones can be treated at home through non-surgical treatment such as immobilization and a sling. Healing occurs in 6-8 weeks depending on your age and the severity of your fracture. Patients with severe clavicle fractures may require surgery to repair the bone and allow it to heal properly, using a plate.
  • Frozen Shoulder: Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a common condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder as a result of a tightening or thickening of the capsule that protects the structures of the shoulder. Although the specific cause of this condition is not known, it most often occurs after recent immobilization of the joint or as a complication of diabetes. Frozen shoulder most often affects patients between the ages of 40 and 60. X-rays and MRI may be needed for the diagnoses.
    • Treatment for frozen shoulder may include anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroids, injection with cortisone and physical therapy. Minimally invasive surgical procedures such as arthroscopy and manipulation, may also be performed with a goal of stretching or releasing the contracted joint capsule. 
  • Rotator Cuff Tear: The rotator cuff is a group of tendons and muscles that support the shoulder joint and allow for complete movement while keeping the ball of the arm bone in the shoulder socket. These tendons and muscles may become torn or otherwise damaged from injury, overuse, or degeneration with age can lead to pain, weakness and inflammation.
    • Surgery is often needed to treat this serious condition. Rotator cuff repair surgery may be performed arthroscopically or through an open procedure, depending on the type and severity of the condition. Both procedures are performed under general anesthesia as reattach the tendon back to the arm. This is an outpatient surgery and usually requires physical therapy.
  • Labral Injury: A labrum is a protective ring of cartilage found in the shoulder that provides stability, cushioning and a full range of motion. A tear in the labrum, known as a labral tear or SLAP tear, is caused by injury or overuse and can lead to pain and “catching” of the joint while moving. 
    • While SLAP tear treatment often involves simply managing pain symptoms and undergoing physical therapy, some cases require arthroscopic labrum tear surgery.
  • Shoulder Dislocation: The shoulder is a “ball-and-socket” joint where the “ball” is the rounded top of the arm bone (humerus) and the “socket” is the cup. In most cases, the dislocated shoulder can be manipulated back into place by a doctor in a process known as closed reduction.
    • Shoulders that have dislocated once are more likely to dislocate in the future, and reoccurrence of the dislocation usually requires arthroscopic repair.
  • Shoulder Impingement: One of the most common causes of shoulder pain, impingement occurs when the front of the shoulder blade rubs against the rotator cuff as a person lifts his/her arm. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilizes the shoulder and permits lifting and rotating movements. If the rotator cuff weakens or is injured, the bone of the upper arm (humerus) can lift up, pinching the rotator cuff against the shoulder blade. The muscles can then swell further, creating a vicious cycle of pain and weakness that will not improve without intervention. 
    • Treatment usually includes exercise, anti-inflammatories, cortisone injection and occasionally arthroscopic shoulder impingement surgery.
  • Arthritis: Arthritis is inflammation of one or more of your joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis causes cartilage — the hard, slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones where they form a joint — to break down. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that first targets the lining of joints (synovium).
    • Treatments vary depending on the type of arthritis. Treatment includes use of anti-inflammatory medication, cortisone injection, arthroscopic surgery, physical therapy and possible shoulder replacement surgery.  The main goals of arthritis treatments are to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of non-surgical shoulder treatments do you offer?

While some conditions will require surgery in order for a patient to make a full, long-term recovery, others can find relief using non-invasive methods, including:

  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Corticosteroids
  • Physical therapy

How can I find short-term relief for shoulder pain?

If the injury you’ve sustained is a severely painful emergency, it’s important to have it treated as soon as possible. In the meantime try the RICE method to alleviate pain:

  • Rest
  • Ice
  • Compression
  • Elevation

How long will I have to wait for my appointment at Jefferson Orthopedic Clinic?

The sooner you receive treatment, the better your outcomes. That’s why Jefferson Orthopedic Clinic is proud to offer same-day appointments, including same-day surgeries for patients who are in need of immediate treatment for an injury.

How can I get started with the best shoulder surgeons near me?

The team at Jefferson Orthopedic Clinic wants to make it as easy as possible for patients to get the top-quality care they need. Just schedule your appointment using our online tool. If you’re more comfortable talking to our friendly, knowledgeable staff, give us a call at 504-349-6804.