Shoulder Surgery

Are You Experiencing Shoulder Pain as a Result of a Sudden Slip, Twist, or Previous Injury?

The orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine experts at Westchester Sport and Spine are here to help you with your pain. With over 40 years of combined experience diagnosing shoulder pain and treating shoulder injuries, the fellowship trained orthopedic doctors and specialists at Westchester Sport and Spine provide you with the highest level of care for surgical and non-surgical shoulder procedures.

About Shoulder Surgery

Shoulder surgery is a common procedure that patients of any age may be a candidate for, depending on their specific condition. Though many people equate shoulder surgery, or shoulder replacement surgeries, with older patient populations, those in their 20-30s may sometimes need shoulder surgery as a result of an accident or chronic condition. Especially competitive athletes, weekend warriors, and every day workers with physically demanding jobs.

At Westchester Sport and Spine, shoulder surgery is never our first option. Shoulder surgery is only required if you have a chronic condition, or serious injury. Other options, such as anti inflammatory drugs, injections, and physical therapy can be helpful in eliminating discomfort and pain you may be experiencing.

Types of Shoulder Surgery

There are many different types of shoulder surgeries. Every shoulder surgery is designed to improve your mobility and lessen your pain, based on your condition or injury. Your orthopedic surgeon at Westchester Sport and Spine will work with you to diagnose your issue, explore non-surgical treatment options, and ultimately decide if surgery is the best option.

Some of the most common types of shoulder surgery are:

  • Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery: Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is one of the more common shoulder surgeries. This minimally invasive shoulder surgery involves using an arthroscope to examine the shoulder joint and use small tools to perform the necessary procedure. Benefits of arthroscopic shoulder surgery include decreased recovery time and minimizing pain and scarring.
  • Joint Resurfacing: Patients who are suffering from shoulder pain that’s caused by advanced arthritis can benefit from shoulder resurfacing before a total shoulder replacement becomes an option. Shoulder joint resurfacing allows patients to regain their normal movements, enjoy a decreased risk of shoulder dislocation, and give patients longer “wear” on their shoulders over time.
  • Total Shoulder Replacement: If a patient is suffering from a degenerative shoulder disease, having a total shoulder replacement could be the best option to improve mobility, reduce or eliminate pain, and allow patients go back to doing the activities they love.
  • Partial Shoulder Replacement: For some patients, a total shoulder replacement may not be necessary. The orthopedic specialists at Westchester Sport and Spine are dedicated to helping patients retain as much healthy bone as possible. Partial shoulder replacement surgeries replace the ball of the humerus, which can become worn from arthritis or damaged from an injury. Rather than replacing the entire shoulder, the new part of the joint may be cemented to your humerus or be porous to allow the bone to grow into the surface of the prosthetic.

For some patients, a total replacement may not be necessary. The orthopedic specialists at Westchester Sport and Spine are dedicated to helping patients retain as much healthy bone as possible. Partial shoulder replacement surgeries replace the upper part of the humerus, which can become worn from glenohumeral arthritis or damaged from an injury. Rather than replacing the entire shoulder joint, the new part of the joint may be cemented to your humerus, constructed of porous to allow the bone to grow into the surface of the prosthetic.

You and your doctor will discuss whether surgery is right for you. There are a variety of factors that help to determine whether or not someone is fit for surgery. Schedule a consultation to learn more.

Conditions Treated with Shoulder Surgery

There are a number of common shoulder conditions and injuries where surgery has proven to be an effective way to ease pain, and regain mobility. These conditions and injuries include:

  • Bursitis, or, chronic inflammation of the cushion around your shoulder joints.
  • Partial Rotator cuff tears
  • Full Rotator cuff tear
  • Bone spurs (caused by untreated rotator cuff tears)
  • Repeated shoulder dislocations
  • Bone fractures
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis

Recovering From Shoulder Surgery

The length of time it takes to recover from shoulder surgery varies based on your age, health condition, and the type of procedure you have. In general, recovery from shoulder surgery can take anywhere from 3 – 6 months.

Regaining full function of your shoulder may require a mix of rest, physical and occupational therapy, and anti inflammatory medications following your procedure.

At Westchester Sport and Spine, we understand that many patients worry about their comfort following shoulder surgeries and how successful the procedure will be. During your appointments, your orthopedic surgeon will discuss the nuances of recovery and what you can expect.

Call Us Immediately

If your shoulder pain has been caused by an injury, and you have received a form of shoulder surgery, and you are experiencing any of the symptoms below, please call us immediately:

  • Catching or Locking in your shoulder
  • Your shoulder appears deformed
  • Inability to use your shoulder or extend your arm
  • Intense pain
  • Sudden swelling
  • Rash or redness
  • Inability to hold weight