Dr. Van Krueger, a dual fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, is the latest member to join OrthoMO’s team. A St. Louis native, Dr. Krueger brings not only advanced expertise in treating a wide range of shoulder injuries but also a deep commitment to serving his community.
Whether you’re an athlete striving to get back in the game or someone seeking relief from chronic shoulder pain, Dr. Krueger is dedicated to helping patients regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve their quality of life.
Common shoulder injuries: Causes and treatment options
The shoulder is one of the most mobile and complex joints in the body, which makes it highly susceptible to injury. Dr. Krueger’s practice specializes on treatment of three of the most common shoulder conditions:
Rotator Cuff Injuries: The rotator cuff consists of four muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder. Overuse, aging, or acute trauma—such as a fall—can cause tears, leading to pain, weakness, and loss of function. Rotator cuff injuries are prevalent among athletes and workers in physically demanding jobs, such as construction or manual labor. Treatment options can include:
- Physical Therapy: Retraining shoulder muscles to compensate for torn tendons and improving pain and function
- Injections: Temporary relief for inflammation, ideal for short-term needs or patients not pursuing surgery
- Surgery: Repairing acute or uncompensated tears to improve strength and function
Shoulder Dislocations and Instability: Shoulder instability often occurs after a dislocation, when the ball of the shoulder joint pops out of its socket. This can result from sports injuries or traumatic incidents, leaving the shoulder prone to repeated dislocations. Treatment options can include:
- Non-Surgical: Physical therapy to strengthen stabilizing muscles
- Minimally Invasive Surgery: Arthroscopy to repair damaged ligaments and prevent further dislocations
- Reconstruction: Advanced procedures for cases involving significant structural damage
Arthritis: Shoulder arthritis, whether caused by wear-and-tear (osteoarthritis) or damage from rotator cuff injuries, leads to joint stiffness, grinding sensations and pain. Daily activities become increasingly challenging as cartilage deteriorates. Treatment options include:
- Stretching and Anti-Inflammatory Medications: To manage symptoms and maintain range of motion
- Injections: For temporary pain relief during arthritis flares
- Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Including reverse total shoulder replacements, which use innovative techniques to leverage the deltoid muscle and bypass damaged rotator cuffs
A collaborative approach to patient care
At OrthoMO, collaboration among specialists ensures comprehensive care for complex musculoskeletal conditions. Dr. Krueger recalls a memorable case where he worked alongside Dr. David Brown, another OrthoMO physician. The patient, Daniel Lewis, suffered both shoulder and wrist injuries following a workplace accident.
“I had actually seen [Dr. Brown] years ago, when I had carpal tunnel surgery done on my hands,” Lewis recalls. “They were able to accommodate me right there in the office that day. So while I was seeing Dr. Brown for my hand, after that appointment was over, Dr. Krueger came over and looked at my shoulder.”
Dr. Krueger’s expertise in shoulder reconstruction and Dr. Brown’s focus on wrist repair allowed them to address both issues seamlessly, enabling the patient to return to work and daily activities efficiently and pain-free.
“Dr. Krueger has been awesome,” Lewis says. “In my lifetime, he’s the only doctor I’ve ever had to call me the day after surgery to check on my status… All of [OrthoMO’s] people are very professional. You’re not a number… They’re looking out for your best interest.”
“It’s rewarding to see how teamwork between specialists can lead to exceptional outcomes,” Dr. Krueger says. “Our goal is to restore not just physical function but also our patients’ confidence in their ability to live actively.”
Why choose OrthoMO?
Dr. Krueger’s arrival strengthens OrthoMO’s reputation as a leading provider of orthopedic care. With a team of highly skilled specialists, advanced treatment options, and a patient-first philosophy, OrthoMO is equipped to address a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. Whether it’s a complex shoulder reconstruction or routine physical therapy, OrthoMO is dedicated to helping patients achieve their goals.
This post was created by SLM Partner Studio on behalf of Ortho Missouri. To learn more about Dr. Van Krueger and the services offered at OrthoMO, visit vankruegermd.com.
