Shoulder
The shoulder is one of the most complex joints, with the greatest range of motion of any joint in the human body. It straddles a razor-thin edge between stability and instability, which is what allows it to move so freely. Four structures contribute to this function: bone, cartilage, tendon and ligament. The bony architecture is a ball and socket. The socket, called the glenoid, is rather flat and has a larger radius than the ball, the humeral head. Both are lined by a thin layer of articular cartilage that lets the shoulder move without friction. Stability comes from the labrum, a rubbery ring around the socket that deepens it and acts as a physical restraint, much like a speed bump. Motion is powered by several muscles, the largest and most powerful being the deltoid. Aiding the deltoid in its heavy lifting is a group of four muscles whose tendons join together in a cuff, the rotator cuff. An injury to any one of these systems can lead to shoulder pain and loss of function.
Where does it hurt?
Pick the line closest to what you are feeling. It will take you to the condition behind it.
Conditions and procedures
Grouped by what they treat rather than listed alphabetically.
Rotator cuff and tendon
Instability and labrum
AC joint and scapula
Arthritis and fracture
Non-surgical and regenerative
Video
Procedures and patient recoveries, shown rather than described.
Open shoulder stabilization in a pro football player
Shoulder dislocations in contact athletes may need open shoulder stabilization in select cases, because of the magnitude of the injury. Open stabilization in contact athletes has been shown to have a lower rate of repeat dislocation. This patient underwent open shoulder stabilization and made an excellent recovery in six months.
Endoscopic subpectoral biceps tenodesis
The procedure Dr. Seneviratne pioneered, performed through a 7mm incision with an endoscope rather than the traditional open approach.
The Latarjet procedure for recurrent shoulder dislocations
A brief overview of the Latarjet procedure for patients with recurrent shoulder instability.
PRP preparation using the Emcyte system
How platelet rich plasma is prepared in the office before injection.
Treatment of shoulder separation (AC joint separation)
A patient who had a shoulder separation underwent AC joint reconstruction, also called CC ligament reconstruction. Three months later he has excellent function, with correction of the separated AC joint.
Stem cells and rotator cuff healing, featured on CBS News
Dr. Seneviratne featured on CBS News for his work on the use of stem cells to enhance rotator cuff healing. See how the treatment worked for a patient who underwent rotator cuff repair in both shoulders.
Recovery documents
The protocols and instructions that apply to shoulder procedures. All are also in the Recovery section.
After your operation — password required, given to you by your surgical team.
Rehab protocols
Common questions
Do I need a referral to see Dr. Seneviratne?
Most insurance plans do not require a referral, but some HMO plans do. Check with your plan before booking, or call the office and we will check for you.
Will I need surgery?
Most patients seen in this practice do not have surgery. The first visit is a diagnosis, not a decision. Where a non-surgical route is reasonable it is tried first.
Can Dr. Seneviratne review my MRI if I live outside New York?
Yes. The remote case review service covers exactly this. Imaging and history are reviewed and a call is usually arranged within 48 hours.
Not sure whether you need surgery?
If you already have imaging and a recommendation from another surgeon, a remote case review gives you a second read on it, usually within 48 hours.