Shoulder Surgeries

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that keep the shoulder stable and allow for a wide range of motion. Rotator cuff injuries are common, especially among athletes and individuals involved in repetitive overhead motions. A tear in the rotator cuff can cause pain, weakness, and limited mobility.

Rotator cuff repair surgery aims to reattach the torn tendon(s) to the bone, helping restore normal function. The procedure can be performed using traditional open surgery or minimally invasive arthroscopy, depending on the size and severity of the tear. Types of rotator cuff tears treated include:

• Partial Tears – The tendon is damaged but not completely torn.
• Full-Thickness Tears – The tendon is completely torn, often requiring reattachment to the bone.
• Chronic Tears – Tears that develop over time, often leading to muscle atrophy and loss of function.

Recovery after rotator cuff surgery varies depending on the extent of the tear and the surgical technique used. Physical therapy is typically recommended to strengthen the shoulder and regain flexibility. Most patients return to regular activities within four to six months, with full recovery taking up to a year.

Stabilization Procedures

Shoulder instability is a condition in which the ball of the shoulder joint moves out of place, often due to a dislocation or repetitive motions. Stabilization procedures are designed to repair and reinforce the structures that keep the shoulder joint in place, preventing future dislocations or subluxations (partial dislocations). Common stabilization surgeries include:

• Bankart Repair – A procedure to repair tears in the labrum caused by shoulder dislocation.
• Capsular Shift – Tightens the shoulder capsule (the ligamentous structure around the shoulder joint) to prevent instability.
• Latarjet Procedure – A more complex procedure that involves transferring a piece of bone from the shoulder blade to the front of the shoulder joint to prevent future dislocations.

Stabilization procedures are often recommended for individuals who experience recurrent dislocations or have damaged cartilage, tendons, or ligaments around the shoulder joint.

Biceps Tendon Repair

The biceps tendon connects the biceps muscle to the shoulder and elbow. Injuries to the biceps tendon, including tears or inflammation, can cause pain and weakness in the shoulder and upper arm. Biceps tendon repair surgery aims to reattach the tendon to the bone or address any issues with tendon inflammation. There are two main types of biceps tendon injuries:

• Proximal Biceps Tendon Tear – A tear at the top of the biceps tendon, which attaches to the shoulder.
• Distal Biceps Tendon Tear – A tear at the bottom of the biceps tendon, which attaches to the elbow.

Biceps tendon repair is often performed using arthroscopic techniques, minimizing recovery time and scarring. However, in some cases, especially with significant tendon damage, open surgery may be required. Recovery from biceps tendon repair can take several months.

Fracture Fixation and Stabilization

Shoulder fractures, including those of the collarbone (clavicle), shoulder blade (scapula), or upper arm bone (humerus), can cause significant pain and disrupt shoulder function. Treatment for shoulder fractures often involves either surgical fixation or stabilization to promote healing.

In cases of displaced fractures (where the bones are no longer aligned properly), surgery may be required to re-align the bones and hold them in place with plates, screws, or rods. Non-displaced fractures may be treated with a sling or cast to immobilize the arm. Common shoulder fractures treated with surgery include:

• Clavicle Fractures – Often caused by falls or accidents, especially in sports.
• Proximal Humerus Fractures – Fractures at the top of the arm bone, near the shoulder joint.
• Scapula Fractures – Less common but often occur due to high-impact trauma.

Fracture fixation surgery aims to stabilize the bones and restore normal function. Recovery varies depending on the location and severity of the fracture. Still, it typically involves several weeks of immobilization followed by rehabilitation with our physical therapists to regain strength and range of motion.

Subacromial Decompression and Distal Clavicle Excision

Subacromial impingement occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff become pinched by the bones in the shoulder, leading to pain and inflammation. Subacromial decompression surgery removes part of the acromion (a bony prominence in the shoulder blade) to alleviate this impingement.

Distal clavicle excision is often performed alongside subacromial decompression. This procedure involves removing the outer portion of the collarbone to reduce friction between the clavicle and the rotator cuff tendons. Both procedures are typically done arthroscopically. These procedures are effective for treating conditions such as:

• Shoulder Impingement Syndrome – Pain caused by compression of the rotator cuff tendons.
• Bursitis – Inflammation of the bursa (a fluid-filled sac that helps reduce friction) in the shoulder.