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Rotator Cuff

Phoenix Orthopedic Surgeon Speaks About Rotator Cuff Disease

Dr. Shelden Martin spoke to Sun Lakes, Arizona residents about rotator cuff disease on Nov. 1.

The Phoenix orthopedic surgeon, who treats patients in Chandler, spoke to a group of active adults at the Cottonwood Country Club at Sun Lakes.

Phoenix Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Shelden Martin

In addition to discussing rotator cuff disease, the orthopedic surgeon also discussed the reverse total shoulder replacement he performs.

The team physician for the Arizona Rattlers, Dr. Martin will speaking throughout the Valley during the fall and winter months.

Dr. Martin’s office is located on the southeast corner of Loop 101 and Warner Road at 2905 W. Warner Road, Suite 23 in Chandler, AZ 85224.

To schedule an appointment, call (480) 685-2850.

Understanding Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement

In certain patients with shoulder arthritis, a total shoulder replacement does not suffice. Conventional total shoulder replacements are adequate for patients with shoulder arthritis, but in cases where patients have shoulder arthritis with large rotator cuff tears, known as rotator cuff tear arthropathy, a reverse total shoulder replacement is necessary.

A reverse total shoulder replacement is a revolutionary new technology that was initially developed in Europe and FDA approved in the U.S. in 2004.  This device essentially switches the  internal components of a traditional shoulder replacement, which consists of a metal ball attached to a metal stem that is inserted into the humerus and a plastic liner implanted into the scapula which forms the socket of the shoulder ball and socket joint.  The rotator cuff tendons balance the ball against the socket during arm motion.

In patients that have large rotator cuff tears and therefore dysfunctional rotator cuff tendons, a standard shoulder replacement cannot be utilized.  The reverse shoulder replacement consists of a plastic liner on top of the metal stem in the humerus, and a metal hemisphere screwed to the socket.  This device relies on the deltoid muscle to compress the humerus against the hemispherical glenosphere, which acts as a fulcrum to provide arm motion.

Ideal candidates for this procedure are elderly patients who have had untreated rotator cuff tears or previous failed rotator cuff surgeries and developed arthritis, previous failed shoulder replacement surgeries, or patients that sustain severe shoulder fractures.

With appropriate postoperative physical therapy, the surgery successfully increases mobility and decreases pain.

Dr. Martin uses the latest nonoperative and surgical treatments for a wide range of shoulder, elbow, knee and sports related injuries. With the most advanced treatments, Dr. Martin is able to get you back to activity as soon as possible.

Schedule a visit with Dr. Shelden Martin today by calling (480) 685-2850.

Rotator Cuff Injuries and Orthopedic Surgery

rotator cuff injury_phoenix orthopedic surgery

One of the most common orthopedic injuries that we operate on here in Phoenix is directly related to the rotator cuff in the shoulder. Phoenix orthopedic surgeons are  very familiar with rotator cuff repair, surgery and recovery, and Dr. Martin is highly trained to not only treat related injuries, but diagnose them properly as well.

Rotator Cuff Injuries

The rotator cuff consists of the muscles and tendons that make up your shoulder. This region is not only intricate, it is extremely important in shoulder movement, range of motion, and strength. The rotator cuff quite literally is the cuff of ligaments holding the ball of your upper arm bone in your shoulder socket.

Injury to this area is quite common among athletes, specifically those in repetitive motion sports like tennis, and weekend warriors. Rotator cuff tears can be from a bad fall, lifting, or repetitive activities. Pitchers are quite often seen by Phoenix orthopedic surgeons for rotator cuff injuries due to the repetitiveness of that position.

In many cases, nearly 50% of all rotator cuff injuries, treatment involves some good, old R and R. However, there are instances with a Phoenix orthopedic surgeon is needed to repair a tendon or muscle tear.

Rotator Cuff Repairs

Conditions such as tendinitis and/or bursitis, left untreated, can lead to necessary orthopedic surgery, but in most cases you will need to see a Phoenix orthopedic surgeon for tears in the rotator cuff.

Orthopedic surgery on a rotator cuff involves either making more room for the irritated tendons and muscles or sewing torn edges of a ligament tear. Your Phoenix orthopedic surgeon will make an incision 2 inches to 3 inches in the shoulder. Any lose fragments of tendon will be removed and shaving or removing bone spurs might be executed, depending on the condition or injury.

Your Phoenix orthopedic surgeon will sew any torn tendons, repairing the injury.

Recovery involves a short stay in the hospital, followed by immobilization of the arm for a defined period of time to allow for healing. Many times, physical therapy is needed for a full recovery, especially for athletes. 

If you are suffering from chronic shoulder pain, Dr. Martin can help. If you’ve just experienced a recent injury to the shoulder, give Dr. Martin a call today to have the injury and shoulder examined by the best orthopedic surgeon in Arizona. Waiting to have pain in the shoulder properly examined can lead to greater complications and more pain down the road.