Overview of Shoulder Injuries

Because the shoulder is one of the body’s most mobile joints it is susceptible to certain injuries and conditions. These problems may progress over time, or a sudden action may result in an immediate injury. Most treatments are usually non-invasive, but surgery may be indicated in some cases. Either way, our physicians are able to find the cause of the problem and treat it at the same time.

What Are The Most Common Shoulder Injuries?

Most shoulder injuries are not related to broken bones. The most common issues are damage to the ligaments, tendons, or cartilage. Many shoulder injuries are caused not by singular events but long-term repetitive motions.

Rotator cuff tears and tendonitis are among the most common cause of shoulder pain. Other common shoulder injuries include impingement syndrome, labrum tears, biceps tendonitis, and osteoarthritis.

When To See A Doctor For Shoulder Pain?

Minor shoulder injuries can often be treated at home through rest, application of ice treatments, and over the counter pain medication. However, if issues persist or are accompanied by more severe symptoms such as bruising, swelling, difficulty with motion, or joint tenderness a doctor visit is advisable.

What Is A Torn Rotator Cuff?

Rotator cuff injuries are common and affect over four million people every year. The rotator cuff is a collection of four tendons that connect the upper arm bone to the shoulder joint. A torn rotator cuff tears can be partial or full thickness tears. Rotator cuff tears can be caused by a sudden trauma or a gradual degeneration over time.

What Is The Best Treatment For A Rotator Cuff Injury?

A rotator cuff injury may be treatable without surgery. Commonly doctors advise rest, not to overuse the joint, nonprescription pain medication such as ibuprofen, strengthening workouts, physical therapy, and in situations where the pain is ongoing steroid injections to reduce inflammation. In situations where the injury does not heal (symptoms continue for six months to a year), the tear to the rotator cuff is large, or there is a notable loss of function surgery may be recommended. Rotator cuff surgery involves reattaching the tendon to the upper arm bone (humerus) where it usually connects.

What Is Impingement Syndrome?

Impingement Syndrome can result from repeated overhead shoulder movement. This can cause aching and inflammation in the shoulder area as well as constant pain. With continued use, the pain may persist. When the tendons that connect muscle to bone in the shoulder become irritated, the area may develop tendinitis. Fluid may fill the bursa, resulting in bursitis. Treatments for Impingement Syndrome may include ice, heat, medication, physical therapy and injection therapy. If the patient’s pain is not decreased to within their tolerance by conservative measures, then arthroscopic surgery may be indicated.

What Is Shoulder Tendonitis?

Shoulder tendonitis is inflammation of the shoulder joint tendons causing pain. This irritation can be caused by minor injuries, overworking the shoulder, or repetitive actions. It is an ailment often reported by athletes or those who perform repetitive physical labor. This inflammation can lead to swelling, a reduced range of motion, and pain when at rest or performing activities.

What Is The Best Treatment For Shoulder Tendonitis?

Treatment methods include both nonsurgical and surgical solutions. Advised nonsurgical methods include rest, reduced activity, nonprescription anti-inflammatory pain medication such as ibuprofen, physical therapy, and injections of anesthetic and cortisone to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Surgery may be advised in more severe cases. In arthroscopic surgery bone and soft tissue is removed to give the rotator cuff more room to move reducing inflammation. Arthroscopic surgery makes use of small puncture wounds and cameras and is a less invasive form of surgery. Traditional open surgery may be performed as well where an incision is made, and the tendons are directly operated on. After surgery, rest and rehabilitation follow to strengthen the joint.

What Are The Main Types Of Shoulder Surgeries?

As noted above surgery is often a solution for shoulder injuries that cannot heal on their own. In addition to rotator cuff repair surgery, common shoulder surgeries also include shoulder stabilization for shoulder instability, shoulder replacements for arthritis, and shoulder decompressions for impingement.

Discover the Benefits of the Rotator Cuff Procedure

Download the Rotator Cuff Patient Kit Today.

evere impingement or tendinitis can result in a tearing of the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is a network of muscles and tendons that attaches the upper arm to the shoulder blade. When these muscles and tendons are damaged or inflamed, it can become painful. Treatment follows a conservative approach for impingement with further diagnostic testing such as MRI if indicated. A discussion of the risks, benefits and alternatives of rotator cuff tear treatment helps the patient decide if they want non-operative treatment, open repair or arthroscopic repair for the rotator cuff.Rotator Cuff Injury Resources for Patient
Rotator Cuff

  • Jeremy M. Burnham, M.D.

    Dr. Jeremy BurnhamDr. Burnham is a fellowship-trained sports medicine orthopedic surgeon specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of sports injuries in athletes of all ages and competition levels. He has trained with internationally recognized sports medicine experts and has treated athletes from the NCAA, NFL, NHL, MLS, NBA, MLB, professional ballet, and more. He currently serves as team physician for several teams and sporting events throughout the region.

    Dr. Burnham is a Baton Rouge native and LSU Graduate. Dr. Burnham was a member of the 2005 LSU Football Team. During orthopedic surgery residency and sports medicine fellowship, he served as a sports medicine physician for high school, college, and professional teams and treated athletes from the University of Kentucky, Carnegie Mellon University, Dusquene University, University of Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

    Dr. Burnham’s clinical and research focus has centered on ACL injury treatment and prevention. His specialties also include Meniscus Transplant and Meniscus Repair, Cartilage Restoration, Biologics, Stem Cells, and PRP. He has authored over 40 papers and book chapters and has presented research and instructional lectures at national and international sports medicine meetings.

     

    Request An Appointment with Dr. Jeremy Burnham

  • Arthur E. Hess, M.D.

    Dr. Arthur HessDr. Arthur Hess is a board certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon. His fellowship training in orthopaedic traumatology allows him to treat complex conditions in nearly every part of the body. Dr. Hess specializes in pelvic and acetabular (hip socket) surgeries, hip and knee arthritis and joint replacement, hip preservation, and complex reconstruction of knee, pelvic and acetabular fractures. 

    Dr. Hess performs periacetabular osteotomies, a surgery that reorients a dysplastic (I.e., shallow) hip socket to improve coverage, minimize pain, and delay or even entirely prevent the need for a hip replacement.  

    For those patients with end-stage arthritis, Dr. Hess, performs his minimally invasive hip replacements through the direct anterior approach, meaning the joint is accessed from the front.  This approach spares muscles, in contrast to conventional posterior hip approaches, that require dividing muscle groups to access the joint.  This approach may lead to smaller incisions, less muscle disruption, and a faster recovery.

    REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT WITH DR. HESS

  • Mathew J. Mazoch, M.D.

    Dr. Mathew MazochDr. Mazoch grew up on a beef cattle farm and is an avid outdoorsman. He is an LSU fan and a Baton Rouge native. He graduated Valedictorian from Catholic High School where he was an all-state wrestler for the Bears.

    Dr. Mazoch graduated Summa Cum Laude from LSU with numerous other awards and honors. He graduated at the top of his class in medical school at LSU, receiving Honors in all his clinical rotations and serving as president of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honors Society. 

    Dr. Mazoch is a Fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon in arthroscopic surgery and sports medicine. He spent additional time after orthopedic residency working with many of the internationally recognized leaders in the field of arthroscopic and minimally invasive surgery to master complex procedures in the shoulder, knee, hip, and elbow.

     

    REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT WITH DR. MAZOCH

  • Gerard L. Murtagh, M.D.

    Dr. Gerald MurtaghDr. Murtagh earned his BS Degree from Nicholls State University in 1978. He graduated Magna cum Laude and was a member of Phi Kappa Phi honor society. He received his MD from LSU in New Orleans in 1983 and was class president for three years. He completed an internship at LSU Medical Center in Shreveport and an orthopedic residency. He served as chief resident of Orthopaedic Surgery from July – October of 1987.

    He was certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery in 1990. He has served as Chairman of the Orthopaedic Leadership Committee and Chief of Orthopaedic Surgery at OLOL Regional Medical Center as well as a clinical instructor for LSU Medical School. Society memberships include the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Arthroscopy Association of North America. Subspecialty interests include arthroscopic and minimally invasive surgical reconstruction.

     

    REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT WITH DR. MURTAGH

  • Julie Neumann, M.D.

    Dr. Julie Neumann

    Dr. Neumann is a Baton Rouge native who is excited to return home & treat patients of all ages & abilities with orthopedic conditions or injuries. She is dual fellowship-trained in sports medicine & foot/ankle.

    Dr. Neumann grew up in Baton Rouge and played just about every sport possible. As a student at St. Joseph Academy, she became more concentrated in soccer. She completed her undergraduate degree at LSU, where she was a scholarship student-athlete on the women’s soccer team. She graduated with Upper Division Honors Distinction from the LSU Honor’s College & was selected for Leadership LSU. She went on to earn her medical degree at LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. She completed her residency at Duke University Medical Center where she received the 2016 Award for Excellence in Orthopaedic Research. During her time at Duke, she was a member of the medical team for the 2015 Duke Men’s Basketball National Championship team.

    Dr. Neumann completed her first fellowship in sports medicine at Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic in Los Angeles where she helped care for the Rams, Kings, Dodgers, & Sparks. Then she completed an additional yearlong fellowship in foot & ankle at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. She is a member of AOFAS, AOSSM, RJOS, & AAOS. Dr. Neumann looks forward to serving you & your family & friends when orthopedic conditions arise.

     

    REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT WITH DR. JULIE NEUMANN

  • David M. Pope, M.D.

    Dr. David PopeDr. Pope, a Baton Rouge native, attended Catholic High School where is starred on the football team. Team sports were always a part of his youth, and his passion for athletics drove him to pursue a career in orthopedics.

    Dr. Pope graduated Summa Cum Laude from LSU in 1989 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology. He received his Medical Degree from LSU School of Medicine-New Orleans in 1993, where he was the recipient of several distinguished awards, including the Louisiana Orthopaedic Association Award, the McGraw-Hill Book Award for the Highest Ranking Freshman Medical Student and the Urban Maes Memorial Award for the Most Outstanding Four Year Medical Academic Achievement.

    Dr. Pope completed his orthopedic residency in 1998 at the Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He practices general orthopedic surgery with a subspecialty interest in knee arthroscopy, sports medicine, and knee joint replacement. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Pope is an official finisher of the 2006 Detroit Marathon and the 2007 San Diego Marathon. He was recognized by Louisiana Life as a Top Doctor in 2015 & 2016.

     

    REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT WITH DR. POPE

  • Alan C. Schroeder, M.D.

    Dr. Alan SchroederDr. Schroeder is Board certified in Orthopedic Sports Medicine and one of the only Baton Rouge area orthopedic surgeons to have completed Fellowship training in Sports Medicine. His professional memberships include the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine and the Arthroscopy Association of North America where he serves as an Associate Master instructor. He completed a dually accredited arthroscopy and sports medicine fellowship (extra subspecialty training) at MSMOC after orthopedics at UMMC. At LSU Medical School in New Orleans, his academic achievement earned AOA honors. Prior degrees include Health Systems Management and Biomedical Engineering.

    Dr. Schroeder treats athletes at all levels, with acute or repetitive injury, and people with shoulder pain during overhead activities find solutions to their problem. Conditions such as shoulder rotator cuff bursitis, shoulder dislocation, ACL tear, knee pain or instability, elbow pain, and hand numbness can all be treated conservatively or by minimally invasive methods when necessary.

     

    REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT WITH DR. SCHROEDER

  • Other Orthopedic Surgeons

    The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge was the first Baton Rouge orthopedic clinic, established in 1948. In nearly 70 years of service to South Louisiana, we have grown to a family of 17 specialized orthopedic physicians and a friendly, caring support staff. We offer same day appointments and three convenient locations to serve you.

    To learn more about each physician and their specialty, visit our physician section of the site. 

     

 
  • Jeremy M. Burnham, M.D.
  • Arthur E. Hess, M.D.
  • Mathew J. Mazoch, M.D.
  • Gerard L. Murtagh, M.D.
  • Julie Neumann, M.D.
  • David M. Pope, M.D.
  • Alan C. Schroeder, M.D.
  • Other Orthopedic Surgeons

Jeremy M. Burnham, M.D.

Dr. Jeremy BurnhamDr. Burnham is a fellowship-trained sports medicine orthopedic surgeon specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of sports injuries in athletes of all ages and competition levels. He has trained with internationally recognized sports medicine experts and has treated athletes from the NCAA, NFL, NHL, MLS, NBA, MLB, professional ballet, and more. He currently serves as team physician for several teams and sporting events throughout the region.

Dr. Burnham is a Baton Rouge native and LSU Graduate. Dr. Burnham was a member of the 2005 LSU Football Team. During orthopedic surgery residency and sports medicine fellowship, he served as a sports medicine physician for high school, college, and professional teams and treated athletes from the University of Kentucky, Carnegie Mellon University, Dusquene University, University of Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Dr. Burnham’s clinical and research focus has centered on ACL injury treatment and prevention. His specialties also include Meniscus Transplant and Meniscus Repair, Cartilage Restoration, Biologics, Stem Cells, and PRP. He has authored over 40 papers and book chapters and has presented research and instructional lectures at national and international sports medicine meetings.

 

Request An Appointment with Dr. Jeremy Burnham

Arthur E. Hess, M.D.

Dr. Arthur HessDr. Arthur Hess is a board certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon. His fellowship training in orthopaedic traumatology allows him to treat complex conditions in nearly every part of the body. Dr. Hess specializes in pelvic and acetabular (hip socket) surgeries, hip and knee arthritis and joint replacement, hip preservation, and complex reconstruction of knee, pelvic and acetabular fractures. 

Dr. Hess performs periacetabular osteotomies, a surgery that reorients a dysplastic (I.e., shallow) hip socket to improve coverage, minimize pain, and delay or even entirely prevent the need for a hip replacement.  

For those patients with end-stage arthritis, Dr. Hess, performs his minimally invasive hip replacements through the direct anterior approach, meaning the joint is accessed from the front.  This approach spares muscles, in contrast to conventional posterior hip approaches, that require dividing muscle groups to access the joint.  This approach may lead to smaller incisions, less muscle disruption, and a faster recovery.

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT WITH DR. HESS

Mathew J. Mazoch, M.D.

Dr. Mathew MazochDr. Mazoch grew up on a beef cattle farm and is an avid outdoorsman. He is an LSU fan and a Baton Rouge native. He graduated Valedictorian from Catholic High School where he was an all-state wrestler for the Bears.

Dr. Mazoch graduated Summa Cum Laude from LSU with numerous other awards and honors. He graduated at the top of his class in medical school at LSU, receiving Honors in all his clinical rotations and serving as president of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honors Society. 

Dr. Mazoch is a Fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon in arthroscopic surgery and sports medicine. He spent additional time after orthopedic residency working with many of the internationally recognized leaders in the field of arthroscopic and minimally invasive surgery to master complex procedures in the shoulder, knee, hip, and elbow.

 

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT WITH DR. MAZOCH

Gerard L. Murtagh, M.D.

Dr. Gerald MurtaghDr. Murtagh earned his BS Degree from Nicholls State University in 1978. He graduated Magna cum Laude and was a member of Phi Kappa Phi honor society. He received his MD from LSU in New Orleans in 1983 and was class president for three years. He completed an internship at LSU Medical Center in Shreveport and an orthopedic residency. He served as chief resident of Orthopaedic Surgery from July – October of 1987.

He was certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery in 1990. He has served as Chairman of the Orthopaedic Leadership Committee and Chief of Orthopaedic Surgery at OLOL Regional Medical Center as well as a clinical instructor for LSU Medical School. Society memberships include the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Arthroscopy Association of North America. Subspecialty interests include arthroscopic and minimally invasive surgical reconstruction.

 

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT WITH DR. MURTAGH

Julie Neumann, M.D.

Dr. Julie Neumann

Dr. Neumann is a Baton Rouge native who is excited to return home & treat patients of all ages & abilities with orthopedic conditions or injuries. She is dual fellowship-trained in sports medicine & foot/ankle.

Dr. Neumann grew up in Baton Rouge and played just about every sport possible. As a student at St. Joseph Academy, she became more concentrated in soccer. She completed her undergraduate degree at LSU, where she was a scholarship student-athlete on the women’s soccer team. She graduated with Upper Division Honors Distinction from the LSU Honor’s College & was selected for Leadership LSU. She went on to earn her medical degree at LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. She completed her residency at Duke University Medical Center where she received the 2016 Award for Excellence in Orthopaedic Research. During her time at Duke, she was a member of the medical team for the 2015 Duke Men’s Basketball National Championship team.

Dr. Neumann completed her first fellowship in sports medicine at Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic in Los Angeles where she helped care for the Rams, Kings, Dodgers, & Sparks. Then she completed an additional yearlong fellowship in foot & ankle at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. She is a member of AOFAS, AOSSM, RJOS, & AAOS. Dr. Neumann looks forward to serving you & your family & friends when orthopedic conditions arise.

 

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT WITH DR. JULIE NEUMANN

David M. Pope, M.D.

Dr. David PopeDr. Pope, a Baton Rouge native, attended Catholic High School where is starred on the football team. Team sports were always a part of his youth, and his passion for athletics drove him to pursue a career in orthopedics.

Dr. Pope graduated Summa Cum Laude from LSU in 1989 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology. He received his Medical Degree from LSU School of Medicine-New Orleans in 1993, where he was the recipient of several distinguished awards, including the Louisiana Orthopaedic Association Award, the McGraw-Hill Book Award for the Highest Ranking Freshman Medical Student and the Urban Maes Memorial Award for the Most Outstanding Four Year Medical Academic Achievement.

Dr. Pope completed his orthopedic residency in 1998 at the Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He practices general orthopedic surgery with a subspecialty interest in knee arthroscopy, sports medicine, and knee joint replacement. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Pope is an official finisher of the 2006 Detroit Marathon and the 2007 San Diego Marathon. He was recognized by Louisiana Life as a Top Doctor in 2015 & 2016.

 

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT WITH DR. POPE

Alan C. Schroeder, M.D.

Dr. Alan SchroederDr. Schroeder is Board certified in Orthopedic Sports Medicine and one of the only Baton Rouge area orthopedic surgeons to have completed Fellowship training in Sports Medicine. His professional memberships include the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine and the Arthroscopy Association of North America where he serves as an Associate Master instructor. He completed a dually accredited arthroscopy and sports medicine fellowship (extra subspecialty training) at MSMOC after orthopedics at UMMC. At LSU Medical School in New Orleans, his academic achievement earned AOA honors. Prior degrees include Health Systems Management and Biomedical Engineering.

Dr. Schroeder treats athletes at all levels, with acute or repetitive injury, and people with shoulder pain during overhead activities find solutions to their problem. Conditions such as shoulder rotator cuff bursitis, shoulder dislocation, ACL tear, knee pain or instability, elbow pain, and hand numbness can all be treated conservatively or by minimally invasive methods when necessary.

 

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT WITH DR. SCHROEDER

Other Orthopedic Surgeons

The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge was the first Baton Rouge orthopedic clinic, established in 1948. In nearly 70 years of service to South Louisiana, we have grown to a family of 17 specialized orthopedic physicians and a friendly, caring support staff. We offer same day appointments and three convenient locations to serve you.

To learn more about each physician and their specialty, visit our physician section of the site. 

 

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