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Arthroscopic treatment of Snapping Scapula or Scapulothoracic Bursitis
Snapping scapula is a syndrome that causes pain and mechanical catching and grinding symptoms around the shoulder blade (scapula). Using minimally-invasive arthroscopic surgery, the problem can be treated and cured. This procedure, which is not widely available, has been refined by Dr. Millett and involves removing bone spurs and inflamed tissue to restore full painless motion. Recovery is typically quick, and sometimes can even be within a few days from the procedure.
Joint Preservation and Cartilage Restoration Procedures for the Shoulder – CAM Procedure
Using a variety of minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques and regenerative technologies, Dr. Millett is able to help patients with osteoarthritis of the shoulder. The procedure, developed by Dr. Millett, is called the ‘CAM’ procedure which stands for Comprehensive Arthroscopic Management. While the procedure requires advanced skill to perform, preliminary clinical studies have shown significant benefits to patients with cartilage regeneration, joint improvement, alleviation of pain, and dramatic improvements in function. The CAM procedure is particularly suited for active, young patients with osteoarthritis of the shoulder. It puts off the need for a full joint replacement.
Arthroscopic AC repair for treatment of Shoulder Separations (AC Joint Dislocations)
This is an exciting new technique that allows for the repair of acute or chronic shoulder separations (also known as "AC dislocations") using minimally-invasive, arthroscopic surgery. Through three small incisions, the clavicle which has been 'separated' can be fixed back into its proper position. The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, and full range of motion is quickly re-established within days of the procedure.
Injuries in Overhead Athletes
Sports that involve overhead motions such as tennis and baseball place significant stress on the shoulder joint. When injuries do occur they usually do so in specific patters that are not common with other shoulder injuries. Recognition of these and appropriate, timely treatment is essential so the athlete can return to sports. Advanced arthroscopic techniques are used to treat these types of injuries.
Arthroscopic stabilization for shoulder dislocations or instability
Shoulder dislocations are very common. Certain individuals are at very high risk of re-dislocating, and recurrent dislocations can cause significant disability. Furthermore, when a shoulder re-dislocates, there can be additional damage to the ligaments and the joint surfaces which may increase the risk of arthritis later in life. New arthroscopic, surgical techniques can be used to repair and stabilize shoulders after they dislocate. In some high risk individuals, surgery may be the best option, even after only a single dislocation. Arthroscopic repair provides a more predictable outcome, minimizes pain, allows the surgery to be performed on an outpatient basis , and decreases the overall risk of complications.
'Double-row' arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for Rotator Cuff Tears
This technique uses minimally-invasive, keyhole surgery to repair torn rotator cuff tendons. Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is not only less-invasive but also decreases the risks of post-operative complications, such as muscle injury, stiffness, or infection. 'Double row' refers to the way the tendons are repaired -- with two rows of sutures. While more technically challenging for the surgeon, 'double row' creates a more secure repair. This type of surgery is therefore not only less painful but also more sturdy, with a better potential for healing of the torn tendons.
Rotator cuff 'healing response' technique for Partial Thickness Rotator cuff Tears or Tendonopathy
This is a novel technique that uses the body's own stem cells and bone marrow to help repair damaged rotator cuff tendons. No sutures are needed with this repair technique so patients have rapid recoveries. The procedure eliminates pain and results in dramatic improvements in shoulder function.
Anatomic total shoulder replacement for Shoulder Arthritis
Most shoulder replacements provide excellent pain relief. An anatomic shoulder replacement also restores the anatomy of the shoulder virtually back to normal. When one's normal anatomy is recreated, the result is not only better restoration of function but also better loading and durability of the replacement parts. In addition to having no pain, individuals who have an anatomic shoulder replacement typically have shoulder motion and function that are indistinguishable from normal.
Reverse Total Shoulder
The reverse shoulder replacement is used to treat chronic massive rotator cuff tears that have weakness and arthritis. This revolutionary type of joint replacement changes the geometry of the shoulder joint such that the ball (upper end of humerus) becomes the socket through a new specially engineered implant and the socket (also known as the glenoid) becomes the ball also through a new specially designed implant called the glenosphere. Hence, the name “reverse.”This type of replacement is generally reserved for patients over 70 or those in whom there are no other reasonable options to reconstruct the shoulder.
Clavicle (collar bone) fracture fixation
Historically, most collarbone fractures have been treated without surgery and have simply been allowed to heal. New studies, however, have shown that in many instances patients do better with surgical treatment. Specially-designed plates and pins are now available to fix collar bone fractures properly so that the bone heals in its original position. In such instances, surgery will provide a more predictable outcome in terms of shoulder motion and strength.
Capsulolabral reconstruction for shoulder instability
This is a new technique that has been developed for the treatment of recurrent shoulder instability in the setting of 'end-stage' shoulder instability. A transplanted tendon (from another part of the body or from a cadaver) is used to make new ligaments and cartilage which then act to prevent dislocation and stabilize the chronically unstable shoulder. This is a salvage procedure that serves as a promising alternative to shoulder fusion for patients with severe shoulder instability.
Minimally-invasive shoulder fracture repair
New techniques allow shoulder fractures to be fixed percutaneously (through the skin) with only tiny incisions and limited internal hardware. Such repairs preserve the blood supply to the fractured bone fragments which hastens healing and minimizes the risk of late complications.
Tendon Transfers for Failed Rotator Cuff Repair
When the rotator cuff tears and fails to heal or if it re-tears after surgery, the tendons can retract and get to the point where they no longer can be repaired. In such situations, a ’tendon transfer’ procedure can be performed. This is a technically challenging procedure that is only performed in certain setting but it can restore strength and function and decrease pain in young patients with these types of injuries.
Use of Autogenous Growth Factors to Accelerate Healing (PRP and ACP)
Using special techniques the body’s own (autologous) tissues can be used to accelerate healing. The most common method is to concentrate plasma from the blood which can then be injected around the site of injury to enhance the body’s own natural healing cascade. This technique is called PRP (platelet rich plasma) or ACP (autologous conditioned plasma) and is beginning to be used widely in athletes and weekend warriors alike to speed recovery.
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