Broad range of shoulder injuries treated
- Shoulder fractures are usually caused either during simple forward falls onto the hands while attempting to break the fall, or as a result of a direct injury. During impact, the head of the bone breaks and the tendons tear from the bone. It is very important to repair the break anatomically, to return the bone’s ball structure and prevent joint degeneration, which if not restored properly, can heavily limit function. Because shoulder fractures are common in the senior population, it is important to restore shoulder function to promote independence.
These types of fractures are treated with innovative, surgically affixed metal plates designed specifically for this purpose or with special screws that facilitate successful healing and return of joint movement. In more elderly patients shoulder replacement should be considere.
- Torn shoulder tendons are common in seniors, resulting from falls or sharp pulling on the bone. However degenerative tears are also very common. The area typically injured is the rotator cuff, the tendons set into the shoulder socket. Repairing this area and returning it to functioning is done by stitching the tendons under arthroscopic surgery, which does not require large incisions into the joint.
- Recurring Dislocations, surprisingly common in young patients, are often caused by an acute motion that pulls the joint out of place. This is extremely painful and requires a skilled orthopedist to reset the bones in place (routinely performed in the emergency department). However, typically in young patients, when the joint is dislocated, there is also a tear in the joint capsule or fracture of the socket. As a result, the shoulder becomes unstable and shoulder dislocation can recur during routine activity, even during sleep.
Arthroscopic surgery is ordinarily performed to treat the injury—to repair the damage and to strengthen the joint capsule. Most tendon and joint repair surgeries are now done on an ambulatory basis in the day hospital.
- Additional surgeries conducted by the unit include shoulder replacements—both total and partial—including unique prosthetic implantation, and procedures to treat function-limiting joint degeneration or severely torn tendons.
Surgical leadership
The Shoulder Surgery Department has earned its reputation throughout Israel and the world, for hosting a broad range of Israel-based and international orthopedic educational forums, conferences, instructional sessions, and surgery demonstrations. The department offers residency programs for local and international doctors, and partners in clinical trials featuring innovative methods for treating a variety of should injuries as well as
Fellowship program (clinical and research).
