Elbow and Shoulder

Orthopedics

Your arms help you do your life’s work, engage in hobbies and hug your loved ones. When elbow or shoulder concerns get in your way, our experts are there for you. We’re a regional leader and treat the most complex conditions. Get the expert care you deserve and start feeling better.

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Elbow and shoulder care: Why choose us? 

BJC HealthCare works with Washington University physicians, BJC Medical Group, and providers across the region to deliver extraordinary care. We start with listening. Orthopedists pay careful attention to your concerns and treatment goals. This information enables us to tailor therapies that help you achieve the best possible results.  

Highlights of our program include:  

  • Expertise: Orthopedists with advanced training and decades of experience guide your care. If surgery is necessary, we often use minimally invasive techniques involving small incisions and less tissue disruption. We use research-based methods that help you regain mobility, reduce pain and return to daily activities faster. 
  • Non-surgical options: Many patients get better without surgery, even when other shoulder or elbow pain treatments have failed. Care may include custom braces, physical therapy or cortisone injections. Explore physical medicine and physical therapy.  
  • Elite-level sports medicine: You deserve high-quality care even if you’re not a pro hockey player. Our surgeons serve as team doctors for the NHL’s St. Louis Blues and the St. Louis CITY SC. They treat your shoulder and elbow pain with the same attention they give the pros. Learn more about sports medicine. 
  • Connected care: You benefit from the recommendations of orthopedists, physiatrists, physical- and occupational therapists and specially trained nurses. We communicate regularly, helping you get the most out of each appointment. We manage all the details, whether it’s surgery, outpatient rehab or diagnostic imaging.  
Elbow and shoulder conditions we treat

Our team has expertise in treating a wide range of shoulder and elbow conditions. Common elbow and shoulder conditions we treat include:

  • Arthritis
    This condition occurs when there is inflammation and stiffness. It may be due to rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or post-traumatic arthritis.
  • Bone spurs
    These are unusual growths that develop slowly near joints. They may restrict natural movement or cause bones to rub against nearby tissue.
  • Bursitis
    Fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion your muscles and tendons become swollen. It occurs when repetitive motions irritate the bursae.
  • Fracture
    There are many types, like stress fractures, which are small. Open fractures can break the bone in two, causing it to poke through the skin's surface.
  • Frozen shoulder
    Shoulder pain and stiffness occur when thick bands of tissue develop, preventing natural movement.
  • Nerve entrapment syndrome
    Nearby structures trap a nerve in this group of conditions, including cubital tunnel syndrome.
  • Rotator cuff tear
    Shoulder tendons that hold muscles in place to help you move your arms partially or completely tear.
  • Sports injuries
    These injuries, such as sprains, strains, bursitis or tendonitis, occur in active people.
Related conditions
  • Arthritis
  • Bone fractures
  • Bursitis
  • Tennis elbow
  • Frozen shoulder
Non-surgical elbow and shoulder treatments

Elbow and shoulder care often starts with a comprehensive evaluation and non-surgical therapies. Our team carefully monitors your response to see whether your recovery is progressing as we expect. We make adjustments as necessary to keep your care moving forward.  

Non-surgical shoulder and elbow treatments include:

  • Custom splints and adaptive devices
    These devices fit the unique shape of your body. They hold the affected area in a position that provides support and relieves strain.
  • Occupational therapy
    We help you accomplish daily tasks using postures, techniques and devices that are gentler on your body.
  • Physical therapy
    Therapists guide you through exercises to regain strength and mobility. They may also use special techniques to loosen stiff muscles.
  • Therapeutic injections
    We inject drugs or other substances directly into your area of concern, which can speed healing. Real-time imaging helps deliver them with precision.
Elbow and shoulder surgeries we offer

Our surgeons perform more than 1,000 shoulder and elbow procedures every year. This depth of experience helps more patients return to their favorite activities and leave pain behind. 

Common surgeries we perform include: 

  • Arthroscopy
    We use tiny instruments to examine your joint through small incisions. We may also remove diseased tissue.
  • Shoulder instability repair
    We use a variety of techniques to stabilize your joint, like tightening ligaments, fixing worn-down bones or repairing cartilage tears.
  • Frozen shoulder release
    We relieve tightness by making small cuts in connective tissue surrounding your joint. It also involves removing scar tissue buildup.
  • Joint replacement
    We replace worn-out or damaged joints with artificial devices.
  • Ulnar nerve decompression
    If medical therapy is unsuccessful, this procedure removes the tissue pressing on the nerve.
Inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation

Rehabilitation following treatment is the key to a successful, functional outcome and pain relief. If surgery is performed, rehabilitation usually begins in the inpatient setting and continues on an outpatient basis. 

Elbow and Shoulder News & Resources

Schedule your appointment

Call  (314) 362-9355  or  (800) 392-0936  to schedule your appointment with a specialist.

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