There are several common shoulder surgeries that may be performed depending on the specific shoulder condition or injury. Here are some of the commonly performed shoulder surgeries:
Rotator cuff repair
This surgery is performed to repair a torn rotator cuff tendon. It involves reattaching the torn tendon to the upper arm bone (humerus). The procedure can be done through open surgery or arthroscopic techniques, where small incisions and specialised instruments are used. My preference is to perform this procedure arthroscopically.
Shoulder arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a small camera (arthroscope) and small instruments inserted through small incisions to diagnose and treat various shoulder conditions. It can be used for procedures such as rotator cuff repair, labral repair, removal of loose bodies or bone spurs, and treatment of shoulder instability.
Shoulder labral repair
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that helps stabilise the shoulder joint. In cases of labral tears or instability, surgery may be performed to repair or reconstruct the labrum and restore stability to the joint. A common procedure is a SLAP tear repair.
Shoulder stabilisation
This surgery is commonly performed for recurrent shoulder dislocations or instability. It involves repairing or reconstructing damaged ligaments and tightening loose structures to restore stability to the shoulder joint. It is done via arthroscopy.
Shoulder replacement surgery
In cases of severe shoulder arthritis or irreparable damage to the joint, shoulder replacement surgery may be recommended. The damaged parts of the shoulder joint are replaced with artificial components, such as a metal ball and plastic socket (hemiarthroplasty) or a metal ball, plastic socket, and a plastic or metal stem (total shoulder replacement).
Subacromial decompression
This surgery is performed to treat impingement syndrome or subacromial bursitis. It involves removing bone spurs or thickened bursa to create more space for the rotator cuff tendons and reduce impingement.
Biceps tendon surgery
The long head of the biceps tendon is situated at the front of the shoulder. It is a common pain generator. Surgery may be performed to repair a torn or ruptured biceps tendon or to address other biceps-related issues such as tenodesis (relocating the biceps tendon) or tenotomy (cutting the biceps tendon).
Fracture repair
Surgical intervention may be necessary to repair fractures in the shoulder, such as clavicle (collarbone) fractures, scapular fractures, or proximal humerus fractures. The specific surgical technique will depend on the location and severity of the fracture.
Consult the nearest orthopaedic specialist for more information.
