Shoulder Surgery Specialist

When might I need shoulder surgery?

You might need shoulder surgery if you have shoulder pain and flexibility problems that don't improve after trying nonsurgical pain management like physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and injections. 

There are many reasons that you might have persistent shoulder pain and flexibility problems, including:

• Rotator cuff injuries

• Labral tears

• Shoulder arthritis

• Fractures

• Bone spurs

• Scar tissue

• Loose bodies (cartilage)

• Inflamed joint lining

• Frozen shoulder 

• Recurrent shoulder dislocations

• Shoulder impingement syndrome

In some cases, you may need shoulder arthroscopy, a minimally invasive shoulder surgery, to diagnose the cause of your chronic shoulder issues. 

What are the different types of shoulder surgery?

There are two primary categories of shoulder surgery, minimally invasive and open surgery. Minimally invasive procedures, for example, shoulder arthroscopy, require buttonhole-sized incisions, while open surgery requires larger incisions of up to 6 inches long.

Some of the many different specific procedures for shoulder problems are:

• Rotator cuff repair

• Superior labral (SLAP) repair 

• Subacromial decompression

• Shoulder stabilization

• Shoulder joint replacement 

• Reverse shoulder joint replacement

• Revision shoulder replacement 

• Fracture repair 

The Orthopaedic Institute of Dayton surgeons use minimally invasive methods whenever possible, but in some cases, you may need open surgery. 

How do I prepare for shoulder surgery?

Before your surgery, you'll have a preoperative exam. This usually includes lab work, X-rays, an electrocardiogram (EKG), and other tests to make sure you're medically cleared for the procedure. 

If you take medications like blood thinners, you'll likely have to stop taking them until after your shoulder surgery based on your doctor's directions.

As with all types of surgery, it's best to stop smoking prior to shoulder surgery. Smoking prevents you from healing quickly and can leave you vulnerable to complications. 

What happens after shoulder surgery?

Orthopaedic Institute of Dayton gives you specific recovery plans before your surgery. Physical therapy is, in most cases, a major part of your recovery plan. 

You'll most likely wear a shoulder immobilization device after your procedure, and you'll typically sleep in a partly reclined position after shoulder surgery. 

Although you'll usually need pain medication for a short period after your surgery, thanks to innovative pain management techniques you'll probably be able to switch to over-the-counter medication fairly quickly. 

If your shoulder pain isn't improving, shoulder surgery could be the best option. Call Orthopaedic Institute of Dayton or use online booking to arrange a consultation now.