On September 25th, Dr. Jordan Bonier, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon, discussed common shoulder injuries in athletes. With his extensive experience treating shoulder injuries in high-performance athletes, Dr. Bonier delivered an informative and engaging presentation on conditions such as rotator cuff tears, shoulder dislocations, labral tears, and shoulder impingement syndrome.
His insights gave attendees a deeper understanding of these injuries, their causes, treatment options, and how to prevent them.
Dr. Bonier began by explaining the prevalence of rotator cuff tears in sports that involve repetitive overhead movements, such as baseball, swimming, and tennis. He detailed how the rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder, can tear due to acute trauma or gradual wear and tear.
These injuries range from minor strains to complete tears, with symptoms including shoulder weakness, pain, and limited range of motion. Dr. Bonier emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, from physical therapy for minor tears to surgical repair for more severe cases.
Next, Dr. Bonier covered shoulder dislocations, a common injury in contact sports like football, hockey, and wrestling. He explained that a dislocation occurs when the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket, often due to a fall or collision. Dislocations can lead to further complications, such as damage to the surrounding ligaments, tendons, and nerves.
Dr. Bonier highlighted both non-surgical and surgical treatment options, depending on the severity of the injury and the risk of recurring dislocations. He also shared insights into the recovery process, noting that athletes often face months of rehabilitation before they can return to play.
Dr. Bonier also delved into labral tears, an injury affecting the cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket. Common in sports that require overhead or throwing motions, such as volleyball and baseball, labral tears often occur due to repetitive stress or traumatic events like a shoulder dislocation. He explained that labral tears can lead to shoulder instability and chronic pain if left untreated.
Depending on the extent of the tear, treatment options may include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or arthroscopic surgery to repair the torn cartilage and restore stability to the shoulder joint.
Finally, Dr. Bonier discussed shoulder impingement syndrome, a condition caused by repetitive overhead movements that irritate the tendons or bursae in the shoulder. This condition is prevalent in swimmers, tennis players, and weightlifters. Dr. Bonier explained how shoulder impingement can lead to inflammation and pain, often making it difficult for athletes to perform overhead activities.
He outlined conservative treatment options, such as rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. However, he noted that surgical intervention may be necessary in some cases to create more space in the shoulder joint and relieve pressure on the tendons.
Dr. Jordan Bonier’s presentation at the OrthoAlliance OrthoInsights Sports Medicine Webinar provided invaluable knowledge on shoulder injuries commonly affecting athletes. His expert analysis of rotator cuff tears, shoulder dislocations, labral tears, and shoulder impingement syndrome gave attendees a comprehensive overview of how these injuries occur, the best treatment approaches, and ways to prevent them.
As a leader in sports medicine, Dr. Bonier’s commitment to advancing orthopedic care is helping athletes stay healthy and recover quickly from injuries.
If you would like to schedule an appointment, please call (740) 454-3273
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