Shoulder Surgery

Maybe it's learning how to play the guitar, getting your hands messy in the kitchen, or simply playing catch with your grandkids. No matter what it is, if shoulder pain is preventing you from doing the things you love, shoulder surgery might help — and the shoulder surgeons at Virtua Orthopedics & Spine are trained to use the most effective techniques to get you back to living your life.

Types of Shoulder Surgery at Virtua

Shoulder pain can disrupt your lifestyle and significantly reduce your quality of life. So whether you’re suffering from a recent injury, such as a rotator cuff tear, or from chronic pain caused by shoulder arthritis, our shoulder doctors at Virtua Orthopedics and Spine understand the need to fix the problem and get back to what matters most.

If you are pursuing shoulder surgery as an option for your care, here are the different types of shoulder surgery we offer at Virtua:

• Shoulder arthroscopy: for tendon and ligament repair as well as other soft tissue injuries of the shoulder
• Rotator cuff repair: Repairs tears in the tendons that surround and stabilize the shoulder joint.
• Shoulder replacement surgery, including:
  • Total shoulder replacement: During this procedure, we replace the damaged joint ball, or humeral head, of your shoulder with a metal substitute. We also place a durable plastic socket on the shoulder to help restore movement.
  • Partial shoulder replacement: Unlike a total shoulder replacement, this procedure just replaces the joint ball in your shoulder.
  • Reverse shoulder replacement: Here, the position of the shoulder joint’s ball and socket is reversed—the ball is positioned on the socket side of the joint and the socket is on the ball side. This procedure can help correct arthritis pain and rotator cuff injuries.
• Arthroscopic shoulder surgery: Using a tiny incision, our surgeons insert an arthroscope to repair rotator cuff injuries, labral tears, and more.
• Shoulder dislocation reduction: Puts a dislocated shoulder back in place.
• Shoulder fracture repair: Repairs broken bones in the shoulder.

Am I a Candidate for Shoulder Surgery?

You might be considered a good candidate for shoulder surgery if:

• Your shoulder pain is so severe, you're unable to complete routine activities
• You're experiencing significant weakness or loss of motion in the shoulder
• You have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or a rotator cuff tear
• You experience pain while resting or it interferes with your sleep
• Nonsurgical treatments like physical therapy or anti-inflammatory medications have not provided sufficient relief

Our Approach to Shoulder Surgery at Virtua

Consider this: Your shoulder is the most flexible joint in your body. But that also means it's the most unstable, leading to injuries and arthritis. At Virtua, our orthopedic surgeons have a deep understanding of this complex area, and we can help make shoulder pain a thing of the past.

Here's how we approach shoulder surgeries at Virtua Health:

• Surgery starts with you: If you're unsure about shoulder surgery, we can help. Our team is here to answer every question, listen to your concerns, and develop the best treatment plan that works for your goals and lifestyle. This way, you understand all of your options to make an informed decision.
• Your trusted partner: At Virtua Orthopedics & Spine, we're here to be your trusted partner in health. After surgery, our physical therapists will develop an exercise routine that will strengthen your shoulder and restore mobility. 

Benefits of Shoulder Surgery

Following a shoulder surgery, you can expect:

• Significant pain relief in your shoulder
• Improved quality of life, including increased mobility in your shoulder
• The ability to resume normal activities, like exercising, household tasks, and participating in sports

What to Expect With Shoulder Surgery

A successful shoulder surgery starts with a well-thought-out plan. That's why our surgeons, specialists, nurse navigators, and physical therapists will walk you through every aspect of your surgery. And while every surgery varies, here's what you can expect from your shoulder surgery:

• Here's the game plan: During your surgical consultation, we'll discuss every detail of your surgery. We'll also talk through recovery tips like making sure your incision doesn't get wet or avoiding heavy lifting for a period of time.
• Your surgery: The day before your procedure, we'll get in touch and let you know what time your surgery is. Most shoulder surgeries take about two hours to complete. From there, you'll move to a recovery room to rest.
• Shoulder arthroscopic surgery recovery: Recovery can vary based on the type of arthroscopic surgery you have. That said, our expert team is here to make your recovery as smooth as possible, no matter the surgery.
• Shoulder replacement recovery: Your rehabilitation begins the moment you're out of surgery. Our team will help you with some light exercises and movement as soon as possible for optimal results. After leaving the hospital, you can expect to wear a sling for about two to four weeks. And for most people, it may take up to six months to begin resuming more demanding activities like playing golf or swimming.
• Physical therapy: Following your surgery, our physical therapists will develop a home exercise plan that will continue to build up strength in your shoulder. We may also recommend a period of in-person rehabilitation if necessary.