When everyday tasks become painful or impossible due to shoulder problems, surgery might be the solution. From arthritis to rotator cuff tears, shoulder surgery offers hope for relief and improved mobility. In many cases, advances in surgical tools and techniques have made shoulder surgery an outpatient procedure.
Orthopedic surgeons usually recommend shoulder surgery after all conservative methods have failed to provide a patient with the results they seek from treatment. In this article, we will talk about some of the facts you should know about shoulder surgery and how it can help you regain control of your life.
What Types of Shoulder Surgery Are There?
Shoulder arthroscopy and shoulder replacement surgery are two common procedures used to address a range of shoulder issues. Arthroscopy involves using small incisions and a tiny camera to diagnose and treat some specific problems within the shoulder joint. It’s minimally invasive, allowing for quicker recovery and less pain compared to traditional surgery.
On the other hand, shoulder replacement surgery, also known as shoulder arthroplasty, replaces damaged parts of the shoulder joint with artificial components. This procedure is often recommended for severe arthritis or irreparable damage to the shoulder joint.
Both surgeries aim to relieve pain, improve mobility, and enhance the overall quality of life for individuals with chronic shoulder problems. They are also advanced techniques that are best performed by an orthopedic surgeon fellowship trained in shoulder surgery.
What Shoulder Conditions Are Treated with Surgery?
An orthopedic doctor may recommend surgery for the following shoulder conditions:
- Rotator Cuff Tears – When the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles tear partially or completely, surgical repair may be necessary to reattach the torn tendon to the bone.
- Shoulder Impingement Syndrome – In cases where conservative treatments like physical therapy and corticosteroid injections are ineffective, surgery may be required to address impingement of the rotator cuff tendons under the acromion.
- Labral Tears – Tears in the labrum, the cartilage rim surrounding the socket of the shoulder joint, may be treated with surgical repair to restore stability and function to the shoulder.
- SLAP Tears – Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior (SLAP) tears affecting the top portion of the labrum may require surgical repair to restore shoulder stability and function.
- Shoulder Instability – For individuals with recurrent dislocations or instability of the shoulder joint, surgical procedures like shoulder stabilization or capsular tightening may be performed to prevent further dislocations.
- Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) – In cases where conservative treatments fail to improve range of motion in a frozen shoulder, arthroscopic surgery may be performed to release the tight capsule and scar tissue.
- Biceps Tendinopathy – Biceps tenotomy (cutting off the tendon) or biceps tenodesis (repositioning or anchoring the tendon to another location) may be needed, depending on the extent of tendon damage.
- Arthritis – Severe cases of arthritis in the shoulder joint, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, may necessitate shoulder replacement surgery (arthroplasty) to alleviate pain and improve mobility.
- Fractures – Surgical intervention may be required to realign and stabilize broken bones in the shoulder, such as the collarbone (clavicle), shoulder blade (scapula), or upper arm bone (humerus).
Why Choose an Orthopedic Surgeon Fellowship-Trained in Shoulder Surgery?
Shoulder surgery has evolved significantly in recent years, with advancements in surgical techniques, technology, and rehabilitation protocols, leading to improved outcomes for patients. In terms of technology, orthopedic surgeons can now use state-of-the-art, computerized 3D planning for the precise placement and most natural fit of implants used in shoulder replacement surgery.
- Choosing an orthopedic surgeon who has completed a fellowship in shoulder surgery offers you the assurance of specialized expertise and focused training in addressing the problem with your shoulder.
- A fellowship-trained shoulder surgeon’s training has honed their skills specifically in diagnosing and treating a range of shoulder conditions, including complex cases like shoulder arthritis, shoulder instability, and rotator cuff tears.
- Orthopedic surgeons with fellowship training in shoulder surgery have typically performed a higher volume of shoulder procedures, allowing them to refine their techniques and achieve better outcomes for patients.
- Fellowship-trained shoulder surgeons are also often involved in cutting-edge research and innovations in shoulder surgery and are more likely to offer their patients the most up-to-date and effective treatment options available, such as arthroscopic surgery and minimally invasive shoulder replacement.
Shoulder Surgery in Carmel, IN
Are you tired of shoulder pain? Don’t let your shoulder issues hold you back any longer. Dr. Stephen Jacobsen at Total Shoulder is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and is fellowship-trained in shoulder surgery.
Dr. Jacobsen is experienced in working on a solution for the most complex of shoulder conditions with an interest in arthroscopy and shoulder replacement. Our team regularly helps athletes and active individuals restore the feel and function of their shoulder.
Call Total Shoulder today at (317) 705-4392 for any questions or to schedule an appointment or use our appointment request form. Our team is dedicated to helping you start feeling better.
