Shoulder
Surgical Procedures
Click on the procedure below to view frequently asked questions.
The shoulder is comprised of bones, surrounding soft tissues, and muscles that work together to enable arm movement and maintain stability. It includes three primary articulations: the glenohumeral joint (a ball-and-socket structure where the humerus meets the glenoid), the acromioclavicular joint (connecting the acromion and clavicle), and the sternoclavicular joint (linking the clavicle to the sternum). Stability is provided by both static and dynamic stabilizers. These include bones and soft tissues, such as the labrum, which deepens the socket, and the capsule, which encloses the joint and can stiffen in conditions like frozen shoulder. Additional dynamic stabilizers include the rotator cuff—a group of four muscles crucial for movement and joint integrity—and the deltoid, a powerful muscle that assists in arm motion and can compensate when the rotator cuff fails. Cartilage within these joints allows for smooth motion but can deteriorate over time, leading to pain and disorders such as osteoarthritis.
The Anatomy of the Shoulder
The Surgery Procedure
Shoulder surgery encompasses a range of procedures tailored to address specific injuries or conditions, such as rotator cuff tears, shoulder instability, arthritis, or fractures. Depending on the diagnosis, surgery may be performed arthroscopically—a minimally invasive technique using small incisions and a camera—or through open surgery when more extensive repair or joint replacement is needed. Common procedures include rotator cuff repair, labral repair, shoulder stabilization, and total or reverse shoulder replacement. The goal of surgery is to relieve pain, restore function, and improve overall joint stability. Each procedure is carefully planned based on the patient’s anatomy, lifestyle, and severity of the condition to ensure the best possible outcome.
Benefits and Risks of Shoulder Surgery
Benefits
In well-indicated patients, shoulder surgery has the opportunity to provide benefit, including improved strength, reduction of pain, and improved range of motion, compared to an injured state. The goal of surgery is to restore a higher level of function. When performed at the right time and with proper rehabilitation, shoulder surgery can lead to postive functional outcomes.
Risks
As with any surgical procedure, shoulder surgery carries certain risks. These may include infection, bleeding, nerve injury, blood clots, and complications related to anesthesia. Specific to shoulder procedures, there is also a risk of stiffness, persistent pain, or incomplete healing of repaired tissues, especially in cases involving rotator cuff or labral repairs. With regard to implants used in shoulder replacements, it is possible that implants may loosen or wear over time, resulting in revision surgery. While most complications are uncommon, it’s important to understand these risks and discuss them with your surgeon when considering surgery.
Schedule an Appointment
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Alyssa Althoff today to receive expert, personalized orthopedic care tailored to your active lifestyle.