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Shoulder Surgery Doctor

IASM

Orthopedic Surgeons & Sports Medicine Physicians located in San Francisco, CA

There are several injuries that may require shoulder surgery. If your condition hasn’t responded to conservative care, Jeffrey Halbrecht, MD, in the Pacific Heights area of San Francisco, California, specializes in minimally invasive arthroscopic knee surgery. Dr. Halbrecht is the leading physician at IASM and offers several state-of-the-art treatment options. To speak with Dr. Halbrecht about your shoulder surgery, call the office today or book an appointment online.

Shoulder Surgery Q & A

What are some common shoulder injuries?

There are several common injuries that can affect the health and function of your shoulders. Common shoulder injuries include:

Rotator cuff injuries

Rotator cuff injuries occur when the muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint become inflamed and irritated. The rotator cuff can become irritated if it comes into contact with nearby structures like ligaments or an overlying bone called the acromion. Rotator cuff injuries can happen as a result of a single injury or degeneration over time. If the irritation persists, the rotator cuff can become weakened leading to tearing of the rotator cuff tendons. 

AC joint separation

The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is an essential joint located at the top of your shoulder where the collar bone (clavicle) meets the shoulder blade. AC joint separation commonly occurs from injuries (like a fall) that damage the ligaments that support the collar bone. Because the AC joint is so close to the rotator cuff, many patients are misdiagnosed with rotator cuff injuries. The AC joint can also begin to degenerate as a long-term result of activities like weight lifting. 

Shoulder dislocation

The shoulder joint is very mobile, making it particularly vulnerable to dislocation. The shoulder moves in multiple directions and can dislocate forward, backward, or downward. Dislocations result from traumatic injuries like falls and hard blows to the shoulder. Shoulder dislocation is common in sports like skiing, gymnastics, and volleyball.

How are shoulder injuries diagnosed?

Diagnosing your condition begins with a physical exam. Dr. Halbrecht checks the affected area for swelling, tenderness, and other abnormalities. He also performs convenient in-office MRIs. Dr. Halbrecht uses an open extremity MRI scanner that doesn’t require you to be confined like traditional MRIs. Your physical and MRI results are used to determine the severity of your condition and plan your treatment. 

What is arthroscopic shoulder surgery?

Dr. Halbrecht performs shoulder surgery using arthroscopic techniques. Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive technique that uses a small camera called an arthroscope and thin specialized instruments to perform surgical procedures without making large incisions. Dr. Halbrecht performs several shoulder procedures using arthroscopic techniques including:

  • Rotator cuff repair
  • AC joint surgery
  • Bankart repair
  • Shrinkage capsulorrhaphy

To find out which treatment is right for you, book an appointment with Dr. Halbrecht by phone or online today.