Common Shoulder Surgery: Main Types Explained

Got a shoulder that feels stiff, sore, or just plain weird? In most cases, a common shoulder surgerywhether it's a shoulder arthroscopy, rotatorcuff repair, or a shoulder replacementcan get you back to lifting, throwing, or hugging again without weeks of guessing what's wrong. Let's cut through the jargon and walk through the options together, so you can feel confident about what's ahead.

Quick Look at Surgeries

Below is a handy snapshot of the most frequently performed shoulder procedures. Think of it as a cheatsheet you can bookmark or print out.

Surgery	What It Fixes	Typical Approach	Recovery Focus
Shoulder arthroscopy	Labrum tears, impingement, frozen shoulder	Keyhole camera + tiny instruments	Early motion
Rotatorcuff repair	Torn rotatorcuff tendons	Open / miniopen / arthroscopic	Sling 46weeks
Total / partial shoulder replacement	Endstage arthritis, severe fractures	Metal ball + plastic socket	36months physical therapy
SLAP / labrum repair (shoulder stabilization)	Superior labrum tear	Arthroscopic suture anchors	34months
Bankart repair	Recurrent dislocations	Arthroscopic tightening	46months
ACjoint repair (separated shoulder)	Acromioclavicular separation	Open or arthroscopic fixation	612weeks
Subacromial decompression	Tendon pinching under the acromion	Arthroscopic bone shave	68weeks

These procedures are performed millions of times each year worldwide. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, arthroscopic shoulder surgery accounts for roughly 80% of all shoulder operations, reflecting its minimally invasive nature and quick recovery benefits.

Benefits & Risks

What are the main benefits?

When done by a boardcertified orthopedic surgeon, the upside of a common shoulder surgery is usually clear:

• Significant pain reductionmost patients report at least a 70% drop.
• Restored range of motion, letting you reach overhead or swing a racket again.
• Improved strength, especially after rotatorcuff repair or shoulder replacement.
• Longterm joint preservation, which can stave off arthritis later on.

What are the typical risks?

Every surgery carries some uncertainty. Here's the honest lowdown:

• Infection (less than 1% for arthroscopy, slightly higher for open procedures).
• Nerve or bloodvessel injuryrare but possible, especially in complex revisions.
• Postoperative stiffness, which often resolves with diligent physical therapy.
• Hardware problems (screws, anchors) that may need later adjustment.

Realworld example: Jane, a 45yearold recreational tennis player, underwent arthroscopic rotatorcuff repair. She spent three weeks in a sling, followed a structured PT plan, and was back on the court at five monthswell within the expected timeline, and with no infection or hardware issues.

Choosing the Right One

Which surgery suits a rotatorcuff tear?

Size matters. Smalltomedium tears often do fine with an arthroscopic repair, while massive or retracted tears may require an open or miniopen approach. Age and activity level also play a roleyoung athletes usually want a robust repair, whereas older adults might consider a reverse shoulder replacement if the cuff is irreparable.

When is shoulder replacement the answer?

If you're battling severe osteoarthritis, bone loss, or a fracture that's shattered the joint surface, a total or partial shoulder replacement can restore function dramatically. It's not just "for the elderly"active seniors and even some middleaged folks get excellent outcomes, especially when the surgeon has high volume experience.

Is a labrum repair needed for instability?

For shoulder instability, the decision hinges on how often the joint pops out and what you do with it. A SLAP repair works well for athletes who need overhead strength (like baseball pitchers), while a Bankart repair targets the anterior capsularlabral complex, ideal for folks who experience recurrent dislocations during everyday activities.

Decisionmaking checklist

• Confirm the diagnosis with imagingMRI for soft tissue, CT for bone.
• Try a nonsurgical rehab program for 612weeks (especially for impingement).
• Discuss your goals: pure pain relief, return to sport, or longterm joint health?
• Check the surgeon's credentialshow many of each procedure do they perform annually?

PreOp Prep

What medical tests are required?

Before you step into the OR, expect a standard workup: recent Xray, possibly an MRI, basic blood work, and an anesthesia clearance. These steps ensure you're medically ready and help the surgical team plan the exact approach.

How can you "warmup" the shoulder?

Prehab isn't a myth. Strengthening the surrounding musclesdeltoid, scapular stabilizers, and rotator cuffcan shorten postop rehab by a few weeks. Simple exercises like wall slides, resisted external rotation, and pendulum swings are great starters, preferably under a therapist's guidance.

Homeprep tips for a smooth stay

• Set up a comfortable sling station near your bed.
• Arrange for a friend or family member to help with daily chores for the first week.
• Stock ice packs, prescribed pain meds, and a water bottle (hydration aids healing).
• Clear a path for walkers or crutchesno tripping hazards.

One of my patients, Mark, prehabbed for three weeks before his shoulder arthroscopy. He reported that his pain was "much easier to manage" after surgery and that he reached functional milestones a full two weeks earlier than expected.

Recovery Roadmap

Early phase (02weeks)

During this delicate window, the focus is on protecting the repair:

• Wear the sling as prescribedusually 24hours a day for the first week.
• Begin gentle pendulum exercises and passive rangeofmotion (ROM) under therapist guidance.
• Follow woundcare instructions and keep the incision clean and dry.

Mid phase (28weeks)

Now you start moving more actively:

• Transition to activeassisted ROMthink "reach for the cookie jar" but without straining.
• Introduce light resistance bands for rotatorcuff activation.
• Monitor pain; a little soreness is normal, but sharp or worsening pain warrants a call to your surgeon.

Late phase (8weeks6months)

This is the "let's get back to life" stage:

• Progress to full-strength trainingdumbbells, cable machines, or functional drills.
• Sportspecific drills (throwing, serving, lifting) should be added gradually, usually after the 4month mark.
• Clearance for heavy work or competitive sport comes once you meet functional benchmarks (e.g., 90% strength compared to the uninjured side).

Typical timeline by surgery type

Surgery	Sling Time	PT Start	Full Activity
Arthroscopy (labrum)	1week	2weeks	34months
Rotatorcuff repair	46weeks	6weeks	69months
Total shoulder replacement	23weeks	4weeks	46months
Revision replacement	34weeks	68weeks	612months

These numbers are averages; your surgeon will tailor the plan to your unique anatomy and goals.

Expert & Patient Voices

Surgeon insights

Dr. Kevin Harreld, MDan orthopedic surgeon with over 15years of experience and more than 200 shoulder arthroscopies each yearexplains that "patient education and realistic expectations are as vital as the technical skill in the OR." He points to the AAOS outcomes study, which shows an 85% satisfaction rate for arthroscopic rotatorcuff repairs when patients adhere to postop protocols.

Patient testimonials

• "I was terrified of surgery, but after my shoulder replacement I can finally lift my granddaughter without pain." Maria, 68.
• "The rehab was tough, but the prehab drills made the first weeks feel manageable." Jake, 32, amateur basketball player.

Trusted resources

When you're ready to dive deeper, reputable sources like the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the Arthroscopy Association of North America, and peerreviewed journals on PubMed offer evidencebased guidelines and patient handouts.

Conclusion

Whether you're dealing with a torn rotator cuff, a painful labrum tear, or endstage arthritis, the common shoulder surgeries outlined above give you a clear path back to painfree movement. Understanding each option's benefits, risks, and recovery timeline empowers you and your surgeon to craft a plan that fits your lifestyle. Got more questions, or ready to explore a consultation? Drop a comment, share your own experience, or reach outyour shoulder deserves the best care, and we're here to help you every step of the way.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.