Shoulder Surgery

What Conditions May Require Shoulder Surgery?

When you have shoulder pain from an injury or condition like arthritis, the providers at Capitol Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation begin treatment with the most advanced nonsurgical methods available, including on-site physical therapy, whenever possible.

If your condition doesn’t improve with conservative treatments, they may recommend surgery. Shoulder surgery is a successful treatment for many common shoulder problems, such as:

• Shoulder impingement
• Rotator cuff tears
• Shoulder instability
• Collarbone fractures
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteonecrosis
• Labral tear
• Frozen shoulder

Failed previous shoulder replacement surgery may require a second procedure to replace the initial implants. The expert surgeons at Capitol Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation also perform revision shoulder replacement surgery to correct failed replacements.

What are the Different Types of Shoulder Surgery?

The type of shoulder surgery you receive depends on the type and severity of your particular condition. The team at Capitol Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation are highly trained in the most current procedures, including:

• Open Surgery: Open, or traditional, surgery is a classic technique that typically requires making a large incision and moving the skin and muscles to access the shoulder joint.
• Shoulder Replacement: This open surgery involves removing damaged bone and tissue from your shoulder joint and replacing it with artificial components, called prostheses. The goal of shoulder replacement surgery is to relieve pain and restore normal functioning to your shoulder joint.
• Shoulder Arthroscopy: This minimally invasive procedure involves making very small incisions, about the size of a buttonhole. Your surgeon inserts a special instrument called an arthroscope, which contains a light and lens.

The team at Capitol Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation use arthroscopy to diagnose and treat many shoulder problems, including labral tears. In some cases, they can repair a torn rotator cuff arthroscopically.

What Should I Expect from Shoulder Surgery?

Before surgery, your provider at Capitol Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation thoroughly evaluates your shoulder and reviews your medical history. They may also perform imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI. Then, they recommend the best procedure for your particular condition and spend time answering any questions you may have.  

The length of the procedure and your recovery depend on the type and complexity of your surgery. Your surgeon provides you with information on steps to recover at home and may recommend physical therapy to facilitate rehabilitation.

If you have shoulder pain, don’t hesitate to call Capitol Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation or book an appointment online.