What conditions require shoulder surgery?
The board-certified orthopedic surgeons at Mid Atlantic Orthopedic Associates perform shoulder surgery, including rotator cuff repairs, arthroscopy, and shoulder replacement, to repair and correct a wide range of injuries and degenerative conditions, such as:
- Shoulder arthritis
- Rotator cuff tears
- Fractures
- Dislocation
Shoulder surgery isn’t usually a first-line approach to treating shoulder problems. The providers often try nonsurgical treatments first, unless you have a severe shoulder injury.
How do I know if shoulder surgery is right for me?
Your orthopedic surgeon provides thorough consultations and exams to determine if surgery is the best way to repair your shoulder, relieve your pain, and restore your joint function. They use physical exams and imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, to evaluate your shoulder injury.
Some of the signs that you need shoulder surgery include pain and mobility problems that persist for six months or more and don’t respond to other treatments. You may also have significant weakness and reduced mobility in the affected arm.
How should I prepare for shoulder surgery?
Your orthopedic surgeon provides preparation instructions during your pre-op consultation. In general, you need to fast for several hours before your surgery and arrange for someone to drive you to and from your appointment.
You might also want to take care of any chores that you won’t be able to do while you recover from shoulder surgery and arrange your belongings so you can access them without moving your affected arm. You may also want to consider asking a friend or family member to stay with you for a few days after your surgery.
What should I expect after shoulder surgery?
Even with minimally invasive surgical techniques, you are likely to have some post-surgical discomfort. Your orthopedic surgeon prescribes medicine to prevent infection and ease your pain. They also provide a sling to keep your shoulder still while your tissue heals.
You also begin physical therapy immediately. Initially, your physical therapist moves your arm for you with passive range-of-motion exercises to prevent your muscles and connective tissue from becoming stiff and weak from immobilization.
As you recover, your physical therapy gradually intensifies until you’re lifting and rotating your arm on your own and adding resistance.
