How best to repair the labrum, a cartilage structure that deepens the socket of the shoulder joint, remains somewhat controversial, but technological advances, including knotless sutures and bioabsorbable tissue anchors, are greatly improving outcomes for patients who require surgery, says noted hand and upper limb orthopedic surgeon Alejandro Badia MD. In fact, Dr. Badia reports significant clinical success in performing minimally invasive, arthroscopic surgery, proving particularly beneficial for closing SLAP tears, namely injuries to the upper portion of the labrum, the fibrous cartilage that surrounds the rim of the shoulder socket or glenoid socket.

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a com- mon but poorly understood condition that can affect the shoulder in a variety of patients. Its name suggests the fact that the shoulder loses range of motion, and deep pain is a common component of this troublesome malady. Very frequently, the condition develops because of trauma to the shoulder, which includes prior surgical interven- tion; however, many patients development this condition spontaneously for unknown reasons. It is commonly seen in older woman as well as patients with certain metabolic conditions including diabetes, thyroid hormone imbal-ances, and even Parkinson’s disease.

Un agudo y persistente dolor en el hombro puede afectar tanto a jóvenes como a mayores; sin embargo las causas pueden ser muy variadas y requerir de un proceso de diagnóstico meticuloso, para comprender el problema fundamental que conduzca a la solución.

Do you ever notice your shoulder clicking, cracking, popping or grinding during your workouts? If so, you’re experiencing crepitus. This strange-sounding word refers to a condition that encompasses any abnormal noise a joint makes during movement. It might be loud or faint.

The word may tie the tongue, but if that shoulder joint develops osteoarthritis, the pain and stiffness will let you know exactly where it is located, according to Dr. Alejandro Badia, noted upper-limb expert and orthopedic surgeon and author of the recently published book Healthcare from the Trenches.

Preparing for shoulder surgery can feel overwhelming — but with the right plan, mindset, and expert guidance, you can make your surgical journey smooth and stress-free. Whether you’re undergoing a rotator cuff repair, shoulder stabilization, or total shoulder replacement, proper preparation is key to ensuring a successful outcome and faster recovery.