Orthopedic Shoulder Specialist in Jefferson, Northern Lewis, and Southern St. Lawrence Counties
Shoulder pain and fractures can significantly impact daily activity, and having a team you can trust to diagnose and treat orthopedic injuries is critical to a successful recovery. Here at the Carthage Area Hospital Orthopedic Clinic, we provide patients living in Jefferson, northern Lewis, and southern St. Lawrence counties with comprehensive joint care. Our team offers extensive knowledge, sound advice, and a patient-centered approach.
Common Shoulder Injuries
The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body, offering a wide range of motion. But because of this flexibility, it can be easily injured. We treat several conditions in our Orthopedic Clinic, from shoulder pain and discomfort to dislocations and rotator cuff tears. Common shoulder conditions that we treat include:
Shoulder Instability (Dislocation/Separation)
If the shoulder is pulled back too hard or rotated too far, the top of the arm may pop out of its socket. Patients with dislocated shoulders often feel pain and weakness in the area, and experience swelling, numbness, bruising, and other symptoms. When patients suffer from a separated shoulder, it affects the joint where the clavicle (collarbone) and shoulder blade come together — known as the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. This may occur if a fall or hard blow tears the ligaments holding it together. If the clavicle is pushed out of place, patients typically present with a bump on top of their shoulder.
Shoulder Fracture
A bone can break or crack if you fall or take a hard hit. The most common breaks are to the clavicle and the humerus (arm bone closest to the shoulder). Patients typically experience pain and bruising in the area. If the collarbone is broken, the shoulder can sag and the patient might not be able to lift their arm.
Rotator Cuff Tear
The rotator cuff is the group of muscles and tendons in the shoulder that hold the arm in place and allow it to lift and rotate naturally. It can be damaged through overuse or in a fall. The area also may begin to show signs of wear as part of the natural aging process. Patients with this condition may experience pain at night and while lifting objects. They may also experience a crackling sensation during movement.
Frozen Shoulder
This condition limits overall joint movement, making everyday activities difficult. Abnormal bands of tissue (adhesions) build up in the joint and prevent the shoulder from moving freely. The shoulder might freeze because pain or surgery has resulted in less frequent joint usage, allowing these adhesions to accumulate over time.
Orthopedic Care at Carthage Area Hospital
Our experienced team is led by Dr. Nata Parnes, our Director of Orthopedics. Dr. Parnes has received national and international awards for his work in the field. He’s also published several papers and co-authored textbook chapters on conditions affecting the shoulder and upper extremities. Along with completing two years of fellowship training in Shoulder, Elbow, and Upper Extremities in the Harvard Shoulder Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. Parnes trained with leading experts in France, England, and Switzerland.
Learn More about Our Team and Services
Since 2009, the Orthopedic Clinic at Carthage Area Hospital has been treating shoulder pain and upper-extremity injuries to patients living in Jefferson, northern Lewis, and southern St. Lawrence counties in NY. For more information on our orthopedic team and the services we provide, contact us today.