Shoulder surgery may be considered when injury or joint disease causes persistent pain, weakness, instability, or loss of motion despite appropriate nonsurgical treatment. Certain fractures, acute tendon tears, and recurrent dislocations may require earlier surgical evaluation.
Procedures Offered
Shoulder arthroscopy uses a small camera and specialized instruments introduced through small incisions. Depending on the diagnosis, it may be used to treat rotator cuff tears, labral injuries, instability, inflamed tissue, or loose cartilage.
Rotator cuff repair may be considered when symptoms remain limiting, weakness is significant, or a tear follows an acute injury. Not every rotator cuff tear requires surgery.
Shoulder stabilization and labral surgery may be recommended for recurrent dislocation or persistent instability. The operation depends on the direction of instability, labral injury, bone loss, and other findings.
Fracture surgery may be needed for displaced, unstable, open, or joint-involving fractures of the proximal humerus or clavicle.
Shoulder replacement may be considered for advanced arthritis, severe joint damage, selected fractures, or arthritis associated with major rotator cuff deficiency. Anatomic and reverse replacements serve different clinical situations.
Planning and Recovery
The provider evaluates motion, strength, stability, and imaging. Same-day X-rays may be obtained; MRI may be ordered externally. Recovery and rehabilitation vary significantly among arthroscopy, rotator cuff repair, stabilization, fracture surgery, and replacement.
Locations
Surgical consultations and follow-up visits are available through our clinics in New Braunfels, Seguin, Cuero, Kenedy, Hallettsville, and Yoakum. Surgery may be performed at affiliated facilities, including Resolute Health and Guadalupe Regional Medical Center, depending on the surgeon, procedure, and patient needs.