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Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge
Bone & Joint Staff • April 6, 2018
Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery: Treatment for Rotator Cuff Tears

The musculoskeletal system is comprised of the bones, muscles, and other connective tissues that provide the human body with stability and movement. Naturally, given the size and function of this system, musculoskeletal injuries occur often and account for a large portion of physician visits each year. Pain and other symptoms affecting areas such as the back, neck, knee, and quite often, the shoulder are a common patient complaint. In fact, millions seek medical attention for shoulder symptoms every year, making it one of the most commonly treated parts of the body by far.


Prevalence and Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Tears

The rotator cuff is comprised of four muscles and tendons that encompass, stabilize, and protect the shoulder joint while still enabling it to move freely. The most common injuries impacting the shoulder are those occurring within this system of connective tissues. In a given year, with a total of 7.5 million reported shoulder injuries, over 4 million are specific to the rotator cuff, and tears in particular represent a large portion of these cases.


Rotator cuff tears can occur either suddenly with an impact injury or accident, or they can develop over time with repetitive motion and overuse. They are frequently seen in athletes, those whose jobs require repeated overhead arm movement, and older adults who are suffering from shoulder arthritis or degeneration within the rotator cuff. Symptoms of a tear may include:

  • Pain at night, especially if sleeping on the side of injured shoulder
  • Pain with specific shoulder movements such as raising and lowering of the arms
  • Weakness in the arm
  • Cracking or popping (crepitus) sensations with certain movements or positions of the shoulder


Why Arthroscopic Repair of Rotator Cuff Tears?

Many rotator cuff tears are treatable through non-surgical methods. These can include the use of slings, braces, injections, and physical therapy. However, when tears are more severe or symptoms do not respond to other treatment options, surgical repair may be warranted. In total, there are three surgical techniques used: open repair, arthroscopic repair, and a combination of the two known as mini-open repair. While each method has its benefits and each surgeon may have their own preference, many tend to lean toward arthroscopic repair whenever possible.


Whereas traditional, open repair of tears involves a large incision and detaching the deltoid muscle, arthroscopic repair is far less invasive. Through a series of much smaller incisions in the skin and deltoid along with the use of small camera (arthroscope), surgeons have access to virtually the entire shoulder. Working with the guidance of the camera and small surgical instruments, they can work to repair the tear from a multitude of angles, improving shoulder strength, function, and pain all within an outpatient setting.


Who Should Perform Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repairs?

While the prevalence of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair has grown over the years, the procedure still requires a level of skill and experience that not all orthopedic specialists possess. When determining if arthroscopic repair is the best course of treatment for your own rotator cuff tear, it is important to give equal, if not greater, consideration to the physician who will be performing the operation than to the surgery itself. To help ensure the best results and lowest potential rates of complication, look for a surgeon who is board-certified, frequently performs this specific procedure, and who has professional affiliations and training in the technique.


At Bone & Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge, Dr. Alan Schroeder and Dr. Mathew Mazoch both have the training, skill, and experience necessary to perform arthroscopic repairs with the best possible outcomes and highest levels of patient satisfaction. Additionally, Dr. Murtagh, and Dr. Pope work with patients with shoulder injuries. If you are experiencing symptoms of rotator cuff or other shoulder injuries, contact our offices today to request a consultation.

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Understanding the Most Common Types of Arthritis and Managing It at Different Life Stages

Understanding the Most Common Types of Arthritis and Managing It at Different Life Stages

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Bone & Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge Physician Practice Transition – Effective April 1, 2025

By Bone and Joint Clinic Staff • January 30, 2025
BATON ROUGE, LA, January 30, 2025 – Effective April 1, 2025, four distinguished orthopedic surgeons from The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will transition to Baton Rouge Orthopedic Clinic (BROC), continuing their commitment to providing high-quality orthopedic care. The physicians joining BROC are: 1. Joseph "Jeb" Broyles, MD – Specializes in joint replacement surgery, knee arthroscopy, and cartilage regeneration. 2. Arthur "Art" Hess, MD – Specializes in trauma, hip, knee, and shoulder reconstruction, and total joint replacement surgery. 3. Mat hew "Matt" Mazoch, M D – Specializes in shoulder and knee surgery. 4. Alan Schroeder, MD – Specializes in sports medicine and shoulder surgery. Beginning April 1, 2025, these physicians will operate under BROC's umbrella while continuing to see patients at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge's current location, 7301 Hennessy Blvd. Eventually, the doctors plan to transition to BROC's campus on Bluebonnet Blvd. The estimated timeline for that move is Summer/Fall 2025. In addition, Dr. Patrick Hall will be transitioning to his own practice, Hall Podiatry, that will continue to provide quality podiatric care to patients. Dr. Hall will continue to practice at 7301 Hennessy Blvd. until May/June 2025. After that date, patients may see him at a new nearby location. Dr. Zachary Rohr and Christopher Belleau will also transition their practice to a new location effective March 31, 2025. We will update our patients once those details are finalized. Dr. Gerard Murtagh of The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will be retiring effective March 2025. Dr. Murtagh has been a vital part of the clinic since 1988 and has significantly contributed to its success. We thank Dr. Murtagh for his many years of service to the patients of Bone & Joint Clinic. Patients are encouraged to continue scheduling appointments at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge using the current process for the foreseeable future. To ensure a seamless transition, The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will provide detailed information to patients in the coming weeks, including the secure transfer of medical records and continuity of care. The health and well-being of patients remain the top priority, and The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge, BROC, and Hall Podiatry are working together to make this transition as smooth as possible while maintaining uninterrupted care. For more information or to schedule an appointment, patients can contact The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge at 225-766-0050 or by visiting bjcbr.com . Patients can also reach BROC at 225-924-2424 or by visiting brortho.com .
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