Every year, about six million Americans see their doctors about pain due to shoulder sprains, strains, dislocations or other
injuries. While elbow injuries are less common, they too can be very painful. Whether due to traumatic injury or overuse,
shoulder and elbow pain can keep you from activities you love.
At Einstein Center for Orthopaedic Sciences, skilled orthopaedic surgeons who specialize in shoulders and elbows help patients
with a comprehensive approach to healing that includes superior diagnostics, physical therapy, pain management, and when necessary,
the latest surgical techniques. With several locations in the Greater Philadelphia area, Einstein offers easy access to high-quality
care for everyone — athletes, couch potatoes, older adults and kids, too.
The
shoulder joint is made up of three bones: the shoulder blade (scapula), the upper arm (humerus) and the collarbone (clavicle). The shoulder
blade and upper arm bone fit together as a ball and socket joint. The ball is at the top of the humerus and the socket is
a shallow cup on the end of the scapula. A “cuff” of four muscles (called the rotator cuff) braces the joint and the ligaments
that connect the joint. A loose capsule of tissue made of ligaments surrounds the entire joint. This capsule contains fluid
that keeps the shoulder joint lubricated.
The
elbow is made up of the upper arm bone (humerus) and two lower arm bones (the ulna and radius). These bones fit together like a
hinge and are connected by ligaments.
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