Shoulder Surgery & Care
Precise diagnoses, cutting-edge treatment, and comprehensive rehabilitation care, so that you can get back in the swing of things faster and with less pain.
At Middlesex Health, our orthopedic specialists treat a wide range of shoulder conditions—from tendonitis to torn rotator cuff. We are fully equipped to provide the treatment that best fits your needs, whether that is rest and rehabilitation or full shoulder replacement surgery.
Diagnosis of Rotator Cuff Injury
Our orthopedic surgeons specialize in a variety of diagnostic procedures designed to carefully analyze your medical condition and determine the best course of action. We then help you navigate surgical and non-surgical recommendations and follow-up requirements.
Rotator Cuff Repair
Many rotator cuff surgical repairs can be done on an outpatient basis and do not require an overnight stay in the hospital. Your orthopedic surgeon will discuss the best procedure to meet your individual health needs. You may have other shoulder problems in addition to a rotator cuff tear, such as osteoarthritis, bone spurs, or other soft-tissue tears. During the operation, your surgeon may be able to take care of these problems, as well.
The three techniques most commonly used for rotator cuff repair include:
- traditional open repair
- arthroscopic repair
- mini-open repair
Each procedure offers pain relief and strength improvement. You and your surgeon should discuss each option with you to determine the best choice for your injury or condition.
Learn More
Our online learning center has educational articles and videos from the Mayo Clinic Health Library.
What is shoulder dislocation?
Dislocation of the shoulder is the displacement of the upper arm bone (humerus) out of the shoulder joint. The shoulder can dislocate in several ways, including the following:
- forward and downward dislocation: the most common types of dislocations - usually the result of falling on an outstretched hand or on the shoulder itself
- backward dislocation: may be caused by a direct blow to the front of the shoulder, or the violent twisting of the upper arm
In addition, a shoulder can be partially dislocated (the head of the upper arm is partially out of the shoulder socket) or completely dislocated (the head of the upper arm is completely out of the shoulder socket).
What are the possible complications of a shoulder dislocation?
A dislocation can result in a fracture of the upper arm bone. Other complications may include the following:
- nerve damage
- damage to an artery
- muscle damage
Treatment for Shoulder Dislocation
Specific treatment for a shoulder dislocation will be determined by your doctor based on:
- expectations for the course of the injury
- extent of the injury
- your age, overall health, and medical history
- your opinion or preference
- your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
Treatment may include:
- immobilization of the shoulder with a sling
- moving the head of the upper arm bone back into the shoulder joint, usually with an anesthetic
- rehabilitation
- surgery, if nonsurgical measures do not restore stability
Full shoulder replacement surgery is extensive and involves a serious of steps, including:
- removal of the diseased head (ball) of your shoulder joint
- placement of a metal stem into your upper arm bone (humerus)
- placement of a metal or ceramic ball on the stem, forming the first half of the new shoulder joint
- shaping and lining of the shoulder section with a metal or ceramic cup to create a new socket for the ball to sit in. The socket may also receive a plastic liner to keep the new joint moving smoothly.
- movement of the ball into the socket to restore movement and create the new joint
Shoulder replacement - reverse surgery is similar to a standard shoulder replacement, in which the diseased head (ball) of your shoulder joint is removed. However, instead of replacing it with a new ball, a socket is created on the arm side and a ball is created on the shoulder side.
The joint is therefore “reversed” from the original structure. The ball is slipped into the socket to restore movement and create the new joint. For some patients, this reverse approach provides greater range of motion.
What is shoulder tendonitis?
Shoulder tendonitis is the inflammation of the rotator cuff and/or biceps tendon. Symptoms may include the inability to hold your arm in certain positions or pain and tenderness in the shoulder. These symptoms are very general, and you should always consult your physician for guidance.
Learn more about tendonitis in our online Learning Center
How is shoulder tendonitis diagnosed?
In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for shoulder tendonitis may include:
- an X-ray
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- ultrasound
How is shoulder tendonitis treated?
Specific treatment for shoulder tendonitis will be determined by your doctor based on:
- expectations for the course of the condition
- extent of the condition
- your age, overall health, and medical history
- your opinion or preference
- your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
Treatment options may include:
- Corticosteroid injection
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
- rest
- strengthening exercises
- surgery (for severe injuries)
- ultrasound therapy
Your Nurse Navigator
Our Joint Replacement Nurse Navigator guides patients though the entire orthopedic surgery process, from pre-surgery to recovery and rehabilitation.
Physical Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is key to recovery from many orthopedic conditions and procedures. Middlesex Health offers comprehensive physical and occupational rehab services at numerous convenient locations.