Understanding Buford Complex A Rare Anomaly of the Shoulder Joint

Understanding Buford Complex A Rare Anomaly of the Shoulder Joint

Have you heard of Buford Complex? It's a unique shoulder condition that affects the anatomy of the joint. Here’s what you need to know:

🔍 What is Buford Complex? Buford Complex is a congenital anomaly where the anterior labrum of the shoulder joint is either absent or significantly underdeveloped. This, along with a distinct middle glenohumeral ligament, can lead to shoulder instability and discomfort.

👨‍⚕️ Symptoms and Diagnosis: People with Buford Complex may experience shoulder pain, especially when lifting or moving the arm, as well as limited range of motion. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of physical examination, imaging studies like MRI, and sometimes arthroscopic evaluation.

💡 Treatment Options: Treatment varies depending on the severity of symptoms. It may include physical therapy to strengthen the shoulder muscles, medications for pain management, and in some cases, surgical intervention to stabilize the joint and restore function.

📞 Consult with Our Experts: If you or someone you know is experiencing shoulder pain or instability, our experienced orthopedic team is here to help. Contact us at Orthoderm Speciality Centre to schedule a consultation.

Buford Complex is a relatively uncommon congenital anomaly affecting the shoulder joint. It involves the absence or underdevelopment of the anterior labrum, coupled with a unique middle glenohumeral ligament. This condition was first described by Dr. Benjamin Buford III and has since been a subject of interest in orthopedic literature due to its distinct anatomical features and clinical implications.

Anatomy of Buford Complex

In individuals with Buford Complex:

• Anterior Labrum: The front portion of the labrum, a rim of fibrous cartilage that surrounds the glenoid cavity of the shoulder joint, is either absent or abnormally shaped.
• Middle Glenohumeral Ligament: Instead of a typical configuration, there is a thickened middle glenohumeral ligament that resembles a cord-like structure.

Clinical Presentation

Patients with Buford Complex may present with:

• Shoulder Pain: Especially when lifting or moving the arm.
• Instability: Feeling of the shoulder "slipping out" or being unstable.
• Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty with certain movements, such as reaching overhead or behind the back.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Buford Complex typically involves:

• Physical Examination: Assessment of shoulder range of motion, stability, and presence of pain.
• Imaging Studies: MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is often used to visualize the shoulder joint and confirm the absence or abnormality of the labrum and ligament.
• Arthroscopic Evaluation: In some cases, arthroscopy may be necessary to directly visualize and assess the shoulder joint structures.

Treatment Options

The management of Buford Complex depends on the severity of symptoms and functional impairment:

• Conservative Treatment: This may include physical therapy to strengthen the shoulder muscles and improve stability, as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain management.
• Surgical Intervention: For individuals with persistent symptoms or significant instability, surgical repair or stabilization of the shoulder joint may be recommended.

Seeking Expert Care

If you suspect you or someone you know may have Buford Complex or are experiencing shoulder pain and instability, it's essential to consult with an orthopedic specialist. They can provide a comprehensive evaluation, confirm the diagnosis, and recommend an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

At Orthoderm Speciality Centre, our team of orthopedic experts is dedicated to providing personalized care and effective treatments for shoulder conditions, including Buford Complex