Shoulder Surgery

How it’s Done

Shoulder surgery is typically done on an outpatient basis and is minimally invasive. It begins when the orthopedic doctor makes a small incision in your shoulder to insert an arthroscope, or a small camera.

Using the camera, the surgeon will inspect various parts of the shoulder including the muscles, bones, ligaments, and tendons. He or she will then remove the arthroscope before making two to three more small incisions through which to perform the operation.

The incisions allow the surgeon to insert surgical instruments to repair damages to the joint. Tissue that is extensively damaged will typically be removed rather than repaired.

Most shoulder surgeries only take 45 minutes to an hour. After a brief stay in recovery, you should be allowed to return home the same day as long as you show no signs of complications or infection.

Types of and Reasons for Shoulder Surgery

Depending on the injury or health condition from which you are suffering, you can expect to undergo one of the several types of shoulder surgery. The most common types of this procedure include:

• Total joint replacement
• Reverse shoulder replacement
• Partial joint replacement
• Shoulder resurfacing

Shoulder surgery is performed to address any number of injuries or health conditions. It can be utilized to treat:

• Bursitis
• Tendinitis
• Impingement
• Rotator cuff tears
• Instability
• Dislocation
• Collarbone fractures
• Head of humerus fractures
• Arthritis (including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis)

After you are sent home to recuperate, you may be advised to avoid using your shoulder for at least a week to 10 days after the operation. The immobility of your shoulder is imperative to its full healing as well as to minimize your pain and discomfort.

You should follow up with all of your post-surgical appointments with your physician. You can expect to resume your normal routine with six to eight weeks after your surgery is performed.