Shoulder Injuries

Learn about the four major types of SLAP tears (labral tears) and how each type is typically treated.

SLAP tear symptoms are similar to the symptoms are other shoulder injuries and include shoulder pain, stiffness, weakness and reduced range of motion.

The shoulder is enveloped by tough and resilient soft tissues that aid joint movement. Shoulder pain often stems from soft tissue injuries.

Surgery may be recommended for patients who do not experience relief from their shoulder dislocation symptoms after several months of nonsurgical treatment. The type of procedure a patient undergoes is determined by several factors.

While it is not common, surgical treatment may be recommended for some cases of shoulder impingement where nonsurgical options do not adequately relieve pain.

Fractures in the shoulder usually occur in the scapula (shoulder blade), clavicle (collarbone), or humerus (upper arm) bones.

The goal of surgical and non-surgical treatment for a clavicle fracture is to restore shoulder strength and mobility as the fractured bone pieces mend.

The majority of proximal humerus fractures can be treated non-surgically; however, there are certain cases that require surgical treatment.

Nonsurgical treatments are often effective in treating scapula fractures; however, surgery to repair a broken scapula is necessary in certain cases.

After a dislocated shoulder is reduced (shifted back into place) by a medical professional, the patient will usually continue with nonsurgical treatment for pain management.