Catherine A. Compito, MD
Frances Cuomo, MD; Chief
Steven F. Harwin, MD
Peter D. McCann, MD; Chairman, Department of Orthopedic Surgery

The ability to treat the shoulder and elbow is a "special" specialty. These injuries are far less common than knee and hip injuries, and not every general orthopedist readily takes on the challenge of a damaged shoulder or elbow. But our fellowship-trained shoulder and elbow surgeons handle the depth and breadth of this specialty including the most complex shoulder replacements for patients in the New York City area and beyond.

As the body ages
Shoulder and elbow problems may result from acute injuries but may not emerge until a lifetime of wear makes its presence known.

• 25- to 40-year-olds. In this age group, rotator cuff injuries and too-loose shoulders are most commonly seen, primarily from accidents or overly strenuous workouts.
• 40- to 55-year-olds. Shoulder rotator cuff injuries become more complex than those in the younger patient. Middle-aged elbows can also suffer from tendonitis or "tennis elbow."
• 55-year-olds and older. Older adults often show shoulder arthritis and more severe rotator cuff tears. And while fractures can happen at any age, they occur much more frequently in the 65-plus age group due to osteoporosis.

For more information on shoulder conditions, click here.

Overuse and Athletes
Barring accidents, the young adult's shoulders and elbows usually remain undamaged. One exception is the athlete who demands extra performance from these areas.

Serious players of baseball, swimming, golf and racquet sports are all vulnerable to shoulder and/or elbow injuries. Such athletes represent a significant proportion of our shoulder and elbow surgeon's work, and they use a range of open and minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery procedures to help repair these overused joints.

The arthroscopic edge
During minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery, a surgeon inserts a pencil-sized tube with a light and camera enclosed into a small incision near the joint. An image of the inside of the joint is then viewed on a screen.

While arthroscopic procedures offer the advantage of an easier recovery, the long-term results are typically the same as more traditional open surgeries. Depending on the type and extent of your injury, your shoulder and elbow surgeon will determine which method to employ.

For a referral to a Beth Israel shoulder and elbow surgeon, call our Physician Referral Service at 1-800-420-4004.