SC Joint Injury

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful condition that restricts normal joint movement and causes significant discomfort. This condition develops when the soft tissue of the shoulder joint capsule begins to thicken and contract due to the formation of scar tissue. In some cases, a "stiff shoulder" can lead to a near-total loss of joint function and range of motion. Dr. Serkan Sürücü is highly experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of frozen shoulder.

As the shoulder's soft tissues thicken and contract, scar tissue (adhesions) forms. This tissue leads to pain and the loss of normal shoulder function. Over time, patients tend to move their shoulder less to avoid pain, which unfortunately increases joint stiffness—a cycle that characterizes the condition.

• Primary Adhesive Capsulitis: Occurs without an apparent underlying cause and results in a slow loss of shoulder mobility.
• Secondary Adhesive Capsulitis: Develops following a shoulder injury, fracture, or previous shoulder surgery.

The symptoms of frozen shoulder typically progress through three distinct phases:

1. Freezing Stage (6 weeks to 9 months): The shoulder becomes increasingly stiff and painful, and the range of motion begins to decrease.
2. Frozen Stage (2 to 6 months): The shoulder remains stiff, but the intense pain may start to diminish. However, using the arm remains difficult.
3. Thawing Stage (6 months to 2 years): Pain continues to decrease, and the shoulder gradually regains its normal function and range of motion.

Diagnosis: Dr. Sürücü makes a diagnosis after reviewing the patient's medical history and performing a physical examination. MRI and X-ray scans may be requested to rule out other causes of joint function loss and pain, such as rotator cuff tears or arthritis.

Treatment:

• Conservative Care: In most cases, rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and targeted physical therapy are recommended.
• Surgical Intervention: In severe cases that do not respond to conservative treatment, arthroscopic shoulder surgery (capsular release) is performed to remove scar tissue and restore joint movement.

Shoulder impingement is a condition where the rotator cuff tendons become trapped or compressed inside the shoulder joint. This leads to swelling, inflammation, and pain in the shoulder joint. Repetitive movements or bony spurs can worsen the impingement.

Symptoms:

Pain in the shoulder (especially in the outer part of the forearm and upper arm)

Weakness

Frictioning or clicking sensation

Diagnosis:

Made through physical examination and diagnostic tests.

Treatment:
Non-surgical methods are used first: rest, physical therapy, medications, and corticosteroid injections if necessary. If pain persists, arthroscopic shoulder surgery may be performed.

The glenohumeral joint has a ball-and-socket structure. Due to its wide range of motion, it is prone to shoulder instability. If ligaments are damaged as a result of trauma, shoulder dislocation and recurrent instability can occur.

Symptoms:

Shoulder pain

Reduced range of motion

Swelling and bruising

Feeling of the shoulder giving way

Recurrent shoulder dislocations

Diagnosis:

Made with medical history, physical examination, X-rays, MRI, and arthrography if necessary.

Treatment:

Non-surgical: Reduction, sling, rest, ice, NSAIDs, corticosteroid injections, and physical therapy

Surgical: Arthroscopic surgery in cases of unsuccessful conservative treatment or severe instability

The labrum is a C-shaped ring of specialized cartilage that deepens the shoulder socket (glenoid), providing stability to the joint. When the labrum is torn, it can lead to shoulder instability and significant pain.

• SLAP Tear (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior): This tear occurs at the top (superior) part of the labrum, specifically where the biceps tendon attaches to the shoulder socket.
• Bankart Tear: This occurs at the lower front (anterior) or back (posterior) part of the labrum. It is most commonly caused by a shoulder dislocation, as the humeral head (arm bone) forces the labrum away from the socket.

Rotator cuff disease occurs when any of the muscle-tendon units are damaged. It can result from sports, falls, repetitive movements, or degeneration.

Symptoms:

Pain in the shoulder and upper arm

Weakness

Tenderness

Pain may radiate to the arm and elbow

Diagnosis:

Made through physical examination, muscle and bone examination, X-rays, and MRI.

Treatment:

Non-surgical: Rest, ice, heat, physical therapy, medication, cortisone injections

Surgical: Arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery

Recovery varies with the diagnosis, tissue damage, treatment and the demands of work or sport. Progress is judged through pain, movement, strength and safe function rather than one fixed timetable.

No. Many patients begin with diagnosis-specific activity changes and rehabilitation. Surgery is considered when a clear structural problem continues to cause important functional loss despite appropriate non-surgical care, or when the injury pattern makes early repair appropriate.

Seek assessment for deformity after trauma, progressive weakness, fever or redness, new numbness, repeated instability or severe pain that does not settle. Persistent symptoms that limit sleep, work or sport also deserve a structured examination.