Elbow & Shoulder Surgery
The muscles and joints in your elbows and shoulders are essential to your ability to perform a host of everyday tasks, such as writing, driving, lifting, and carrying – along with practically every sporting activity. The elbow joint enables you to flex and extend your forearm relative to your upper arm as well as to rotate your forearm and wrist. The ball-and-socket glenohumeral joint in your shoulder increases the range of motion and use of your upper extremity by providing more degrees of freedom to place your hand and wrist in space relative to the rest of your body.
Shoulder and Elbow Pain Conditions
Both your elbow and shoulder joints are susceptible to orthopedic injuries. In particular, your shoulder’s complex rotator cuff is sensitive to trauma or overuse damage. These various injuries include:
- Arthritis
- Dislocations
- Fractures
- Frozen shoulder syndrome
- Golfer’s elbow
- Olecranon bursitis
- Shoulder impingement / bursitis
- Shoulder labrum injuries
- Rotator cuff tears
- Tendinitis
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), for which PRP therapy is a treatment modality
- Tendon injuries
- Upper extremity nerve injuries, including nerve palsies
Also:
The cubital tunnel is an anatomic space located around the level of the elbow. There are three major nerves in the upper extremity including the radial nerve, median nerve, and ulnar nerve. The ulnar nerve is the nerve affected in cubital tunnel syndrome.
Cubital tunnel syndrome is a condition where the ulnar nerve is compressed while it travels through the cubital tunnel. This can cause discomfort, tingling, and a loss of sensation of the ring and small (pinkie) fingers. Additionally, compression of the ulnar nerve at the level of the cubital tunnel can cause weakness in the muscles that are innervated by the ulnar nerve.
Treatment options are dependent on the severity of the compression. Initial treatment options may include avoiding direct pressure on the nerve or postural education to avoid extended periods of time where the elbow is held bent in a position of more than 90 degrees. Dr. Yoon will recommend treatment for your problem after a comprehensive evaluation.
The biceps muscle is located on the front of the arm and crosses the elbow joint to attach to the radius.
Illustrations credit: ASSH.
The biceps muscle/tendon unit is a strong forearm supinator (rotates forearm/palm). Complete distal biceps tendon ruptures will not heal without surgical intervention. Distal biceps tendon tears/ruptures can occur with trauma. However, they can also commonly occur without warning. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, weakness after feeling a “pop “or tearing sensation around the front of the elbow. The best treatment outcomes for complete distal biceps ruptures include avoiding a delay in seeking evaluation and treatment for the problem.
Dr. Yoon specializes in elbow and shoulder disorders, treating these injuries and conditions by first performing a comprehensive examination of the affected area to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Depending on your particular condition and the severity of the problem, Dr. Yoon will use the most effective minimally invasive techniques to help eliminate your pain and restore your range of motion to improve your quality of life.
Elbow Pain and Shoulder Pain Treatment in Schaumburg/Chicago Northwest Suburbs
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Cortisone injections
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection therapy
- Stem cell injection therapy
- Surgery
Dr. Yoon is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who is trained and equipped to successfully perform a wide range of surgical procedures.
Orthopedic Hand Specialist in Schaumburg, Chicago Northwest Suburbs & Chicago Metropolitan Area
Don’t let elbow or shoulder pain prevent you from enjoying your normal activities to the fullest. Dr. Michele Yoon can relieve your pain, restore your range of movement, and improve your quality of life so you can return to the activities you enjoy. To schedule a one-on-one consultation with hand surgeon Dr. Yoon, please call our Schaumburg office at (847) 957-4183 or use our convenient online request form and we will confirm your appointment promptly.
