Shoulder Surgery Specialist

When is shoulder surgery necessary?

Shoulder surgery is usually necessary when the injury or damage to your shoulder is too severe to heal properly with less invasive treatment options, such as rest, ice, physical therapy, and medication. The goal of shoulder surgery is to repair the damage to the joint so you can get relief from pain and regain function in your shoulder.

Some of the most common shoulder surgery procedures include:

• Shoulder arthroscopy
• Rotator cuff repair
• Total shoulder replacement
• Reverse shoulder replacement
• Bicep tendon repair
• Shoulder fracture repair

Not every shoulder injury or condition requires surgery. Dr. Morris can help you decide whether surgery is the right option for you.

How do surgeons determine if surgery is necessary?

To determine whether surgery is the right option for you, Dr. Morris begins by performing a physical exam, reviewing your medical history, and asking specific questions about your symptoms. In many cases, he also orders scans to look at your shoulder joint’s internal structures. Based on this information, he determines which treatment options are best.

If Dr. Morris believes you need surgery, he explains the procedure in detail and tells you why it’s necessary.

How long is the recovery after shoulder surgery?

In most cases, patients need to stay in the hospital typically one day after the procedure. After you return home, you continue to recover. During the first six weeks, Dr. Morris typically recommends restrictions on your activities. After this period, you’re able to increase your use of your shoulder gradually until you’ve regained normal strength and function.

Shoulder surgery patients usually need physical therapy to promote healing and recover function. Following all of Dr. Morris’s recovery instructions carefully is the best way to ensure that you heal as quickly and completely as possible.

What are the risks of shoulder surgery?

Like all surgical procedures, shoulder surgery poses a risk of problems with anesthesia, excessive bleeding, and infection. In some cases, shoulder surgery may cause damage to surrounding tissues. Some shoulder surgeries may also fail, leaving you with pain and limited function even after you should have recovered.

As an experienced shoulder surgeon, Dr. Morris knows how to minimize all risks when performing these procedures. He also explains all associated risks and possible complications before scheduling the procedure so you can make an informed decision.