Shoulder pain can have many causes. Most commonly, the space beneath the acromion
(subacromial space), which contains a bursa, is affected. Bony narrowing or inflammation
in this area can lead to a very painful condition, often causing sleepless nights and
increasing restriction of movement, potentially resulting in frozen shoulder. A medical
examination using various provocation tests can already help narrow down the issue.
Ultrasound and MRI imaging usually reveal the underlying cause. In many cases, early
treatment with physiotherapy and gentle anti-inflammatory medication is effective. For
persistent cases, a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure can eliminate the
mechanical cause and resolve the problem.
Among the shoulder tendons, the rotator cuff is most commonly affected. It lies between
the humeral head and the acromion. The tendon can tear either due to chronic wear or as
a result of a fall. Because of poor blood supply, its self-healing capacity is very limited. To
avoid further tearing or loss of function, rotator cuff tears should be identified in time and
treated through arthroscopic refixation. This is performed entirely arthroscopically using
bioresorbable bone anchors.
In the shoulder, the large, ball-shaped head of the upper arm is guided by a relatively small
bony socket. The primary stabilizing elements are the cartilage structures (glenoid), the
joint capsule, and the surrounding muscles. In younger patients, traumatic shoulder
dislocations (luxations) can occur. Injuries to the joint capsule and stabilizing soft tissues at
the edge of the socket, if left untreated, can lead to chronic instability with recurrent
dislocations. Degenerative changes can also damage the stabilizing soft tissue structures.
This often undiagnosed instability with unconscious subluxations is a common cause of
chronic shoulder pain. If stabilizing structures are damaged, they can be reattached or
tightened using arthroscopic surgery. Only bioresorbable materials are used as anchors in
these procedures.