Shoulder Surgery
Move with less pain and greater confidence.
Helping patients move comfortably and return to daily activities.
Shoulder Surgery Overview
Shoulder surgery treats damaged joints, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and other structures that support arm movement.
Depending on the condition, surgery may repair injured tissue, stabilize the joint, or replace damaged joint surfaces. The procedure depends on the source and severity of the shoulder problem.
Conditions Commonly Treated
The Clarus Orthopedic Surgery team diagnoses and treats:
- Rotator cuff tears
- Shoulder arthritis
- Shoulder instability
- Recurrent shoulder dislocations
- Labral tears
- Biceps tendon injuries
- Shoulder impingement
- Cartilage damage
- Failed previous shoulder surgery
When Surgery Is Recommended
Shoulder surgery may be recommended when:
- Pain limits daily activities or sleep
- Weakness affects lifting or reaching
- The shoulder repeatedly dislocates
- A tendon, ligament, or labrum is torn
- Arthritis causes persistent pain and stiffness
- Symptoms continue after nonsurgical treatment
- Shoulder damage limits normal function
Clarus Surgical Approach
At Clarus Orthopedic Surgery, treatment is based on the cause and severity of the shoulder condition. If surgery is recommended, arthroscopic repair, joint stabilization, or shoulder replacement may be used to reduce pain and improve function.
Have questions about shoulder surgery? Contact our team to schedule an evaluation.
Preparing for Shoulder Surgery
Before surgery, the Clarus Orthopedic Surgery team and anesthesia team provide detailed preparation instructions. General preparation instructions include:
- Do not eat solid foods or consume milk, creamer, gum, candy, or mints after midnight before surgery.
- Follow instructions regarding clear liquids. If no stop time is provided, discontinue clear liquids at midnight.
- Follow medication instructions provided by your anesthesia team, and notify the Clarus Orthopedic Surgery team if you are taking or begin taking any prescription blood thinners before surgery.
- Have a care partner remain in the building during surgery to receive updates from your care team.
- Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after surgery and stay with you through the first night after surgery.
Additional preparation instructions may vary depending on your medical history and treatment plan.
Recovery Following Shoulder Surgery
Recovery varies depending on the procedure performed and individual healing.
Diet & Activity Guidelines
Resume your regular diet as tolerated and begin walking shortly after surgery. Follow instructions regarding use of the affected arm and shoulder. A sling may be required during recovery.
Expected Recovery Symptoms
Temporary soreness, swelling, bruising, fatigue, stiffness, and mild discomfort are common during recovery and generally improve over time.
Driving & Daily Activities
Return to daily activities as directed. Do not drive while taking narcotic pain medication or until your surgical team determines that it is safe.
Incision Care & Follow-Up Visits
Follow instructions for showering and incision care. Keep any dressing clean and dry. Follow-up timing depends on the procedure performed.
Post-Surgical Medication Guidance
Following surgery, some patients may require prescription pain medication or other medications to support recovery. Recommendations vary based on the procedure performed, medical history, and individual recovery needs.
Pain Management
Take medications as directed by your care team. Many patients gradually transition from prescription pain medication to over-the-counter pain relief as recovery progresses.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Contact our team immediately if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- Severe or worsening pain
- Increasing swelling that does not improve with elevation
- New numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of sensation
- Fingers that become pale, blue, unusually cold, or difficult to move
- A cast, splint, or dressing that feels excessively tight
- Fever greater than 101.5°F
- Pain not relieved with medication
- White, yellow, or green drainage from the incision
- Persistent bleeding or separation of the incision
Small amounts of clear or pink-tinged drainage can be normal during early healing. After-hours calls are answered by the on-call service, which will reach the orthopedic provider on call. If you feel your situation is an emergency, call 911 or go directly to your nearest emergency room and ask the treating team to contact us immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions can shoulder surgery treat?
Shoulder surgery may treat rotator cuff tears, arthritis, instability, recurrent dislocations, labral tears, biceps tendon injuries, and cartilage damage. Clarus Orthopedic Surgery determines treatment based on the condition and severity of the damage.
When should I see an orthopedic surgeon for shoulder pain?
Schedule an evaluation if shoulder pain, weakness, stiffness, or instability limits sleep, work, exercise, or daily activities. Clarus Orthopedic Surgery can determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
What is shoulder arthroscopy?
Shoulder arthroscopy uses a small camera and surgical instruments inserted through small incisions to examine and treat damage inside the shoulder. It may be used for rotator cuff repair, labral repair, or joint stabilization.
How long is recovery after shoulder surgery?
Recovery depends on the procedure and individual healing. Clarus Orthopedic Surgery will provide instructions for sling use, movement, driving, work, exercise, and daily activities.
Will I need physical therapy after shoulder surgery?
Physical therapy is commonly used to improve movement, strength, and shoulder function. The Clarus Orthopedic Surgery team will determine when therapy should begin based on the procedure and healing progress.
