Shoulder and Elbow

Shoulder & Elbow

Our Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons at WVU Medicine are highly skilled medical professionals who specialize in the care of the shoulder and elbow, which are joints that are critical for daily activities, overhead activities, and many athletes. They use a range of surgical and non-surgical techniques to address issues like arthritis, shoulder pain, elbow pain, stiffness, and sports injuries. The primary goal of shoulder and elbow surgery is to alleviate pain, improve function, and enhance patients’ overall quality of life. Whether it’s a rotator cuff repair, fracture repair, or a sports related injury, our shoulder and elbow surgeons can help play a vital role in helping our patients regain mobility and enjoy an active lifestyle.

Common Conditions Treated

Rotator Cuff Tears
Labral Tears (SLAP or Bankart)
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Biceps Tendonitis or Tenosynovitis
Glenohumeral Instability (Dislocations or Subluxations)
Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Injuries
Scapular Dyskinesis (Abnormal Shoulder Blade Movement)
Overuse Injuries in Athletes
Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder
Rheumatoid Arthritis Affecting the Shoulder Joint
Rotator Cuff Arthropathy
Proximal Humerus Fractures
Clavicle Fractures
Scapula Fractures
Glenoid Fractures
Complex Shoulder Dislocations
Multiple Ligament Injuries (e.g., Bankart, Hill-Sachs Lesions)
Soft Tissue Injuries Around the Shoulder
Post-Traumatic Arthritis
Avascular Necrosis (Bone Death) of the Humeral Head
Complex Shoulder Deformities Due to Arthritis or Previous Injuries
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Tears (Tommy John Injury)
Distal Biceps Tendon Ruptures
Radial Head Fractures
Throwing-Related Injuries
Elbow Instability
Olecranon Bursitis
Elbow Fractures (Radial Head, Olecranon, Distal Humerus)
Dislocations of the Elbow Joint
Ulnar Nerve Entrapment (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome)

Our shoulder and elbow surgeons are experts in numerous treatments and approaches, and have additional specialized training in certain procedures including:

Total Shoulder Replacement (TSA)

Total shoulder replacement surgery offers significant benefits by relieving chronic pain, restoring shoulder function, and improving mobility. This procedure is a solution for individuals with severe shoulder joint damage or arthritis, allowing them to regain their quality of life and enjoy daily activities without the burden of shoulder pain and limitations. Partial Knee Replacement

Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement (rTSA)

Reverse total shoulder replacement is a specialized surgical procedure designed for patients with complex shoulder issues, such as massive rotator cuff tears or severe arthritis. The primary benefit of this procedure is that it reverses the ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder, allowing the stronger shoulder muscles to take over the arm’s lifting function. This effectively restores shoulder stability and function, even when the rotator cuff is not functioning. Patients typically experience significant pain relief, improved range of motion, and enhanced strength, which can lead to an improved quality of life and increased independence in daily activities.

Rotator Cuff Repair with Biologic Augmentation

Rotator cuff repair with biologic augmentation combines traditional surgical techniques with the application of biologically active substances to enhance the healing process. This approach offers several potential advantages, including improved tissue healing and potential reinforcement of the repaired tendon. Biologic augmentation can stimulate tissue regeneration and has the potential to reduce the risk of re-tears, which can lead to better long-term outcomes for patients.

InSpace® Subacromial Balloon Spacer

The InSpace subacromial balloon spacer is a minimally invasive implant designed to treat patients with rotator cuff tears and shoulder pain. Its key benefit lies in providing a cushioning effect within the subacromial space, reducing friction and pressure on the injured tissues, particularly when the rotator cuff tendons are damaged. This spacer can alleviate pain, enhance shoulder mobility, and delay or avoid the need for more extensive shoulder surgery.

Elbow Arthroscopy

Elbow arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that offers benefits such as less pain, faster recovery, and smaller scars. It allows precise diagnosis and treatment of various elbow joint issues, helping patients regain function and mobility more quickly than open surgery.

Regenerative Medicine (PRP and Stem Cells)

PRP and stem cell injections are regenerative therapies that use the body’s natural healing properties to treat conditions like osteoarthritis and injuries. They can reduce pain, inflammation, and promote tissue repair, offering non-surgical options for musculoskeletal problems. Please be advised that Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapies are alternative treatments and may not be suitable for all medical conditions or individuals, which can be discussed with one of our providers.