Shoulder Problem Specialist
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Eduardo Gonzalez-Hernandez, MD
Orthopaedic Surgeon & Upper Extremity Specialist located in Miami, FL
Your shoulders are the most flexible joints in your body. Unfortunately, this flexibility also makes the joint more susceptible to problems. At Eduardo Gonzalez-Hernandez, MD PLLC in Miami, Florida, Dr. Gonzalez-Hernandez is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in upper extremity conditions like those that affect the shoulder. He uses state-of-the-art tools and techniques to diagnose and treat any type of shoulder problem. To schedule a consultation, call the office or book an appointment online today.
Shoulder Problem Q&A
What is a shoulder problem?
A shoulder problem includes any condition that affects the structure or function of your shoulder joint. Common conditions that cause a shoulder problem include:
Rotator cuff tears
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that attaches your upper arm bone to your shoulder and helps you raise and rotate your arm.
A rotator cuff tear is a partial or complete tear of one or more of the tendons that attach your arm muscle to the shoulder. It’s a common shoulder problem that causes pain and affects mobility.
Frozen shoulder
A frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a shoulder problem that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint that gets worse over time and then slowly improves.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis is an inflammation of a tendon. In the shoulder, tendinitis may affect the rotator cuff or the bicep tendon.
Shoulder trauma
Shoulder trauma is common and may occur from a bad fall or a car accident. Shoulder trauma may cause fractures or joint dislocation.
Arthritis
Arthritis may affect any joint in your body, including your shoulder. Arthritis in the shoulder can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness that might limit mobility and affect quality of life.
How is a shoulder problem diagnosed?
When you visit Eduardo Gonzalez-Hernandez, MD PLLC for a shoulder problem evaluation, you can expect a comprehensive exam so you get the right diagnosis.
During your evaluation, Dr. Gonzalez-Hernandez asks detailed questions about your shoulder problem, including when it started, your symptoms, and how it affects your daily activities. He then examines your shoulder, assessing mobility, flexibility, and strength.
To confirm or rule out a diagnosis, Dr. Gonzalez-Hernandez uses in-office advanced diagnostic imaging.
How is a shoulder problem treated?
Treatment for your shoulder problem depends on your diagnosis, symptoms, overall health, and personal preferences.
Initially, Dr. Gonzalez-Hernandez takes a nonsurgical approach and may recommend activity modification, physical or occupational therapy, and anti-inflammatory medication.
If nonsurgical treatments fail to improve your shoulder problem, Dr. Gonzalez-Hernandez may recommend surgical intervention. Some of the conditions he treats surgically include:
- Rotator cuff tears
- Shoulder replacement
- Fracture repair
- Nerve repair and reconstruction
- Superior labrum anterior and posterior (SLAP) tear
- Tendon repair
For shoulder replacement procedures, Dr. Gonzalez-Hernandez has extensive experience performing complex procedures, including shoulder replacement revision to correct a former shoulder arthroplasty that fails to fully restore joint function.
He also custom-designs shoulder joint implants for his patients when commercial devices don’t work.
Dr. Gonzalez-Hernandez is also an expert in shoulder arthroscopy, which is a minimally invasive surgical technique that allows him to diagnose and treat shoulder problems like a tendon tear.
With shoulder arthroscopy, he uses smaller incisions and can access hard-to-reach places. It also causes less post-surgical pain and provides cosmetically pleasing results.
For comprehensive care for your shoulder problem, call the office of Eduardo Gonzalez-Hernandez, MD PLLC or book an appointment online today.