Shoulder Surgery and Shoulder Specialists in Atlanta
Explore treatment for rotator cuff tears, labral injuries, shoulder dislocations, instability, arthritis, fractures and complex shoulder conditions.
Shoulder Surgery Is Not a Single Procedure
The shoulder contains tendons, cartilage, ligaments, muscles and two major joint surfaces. The right treatment depends on which structure is damaged and how that damage affects pain, strength, stability and motion.
Some conditions can be treated through small arthroscopic incisions. Others require an open reconstruction, fracture repair or shoulder replacement. Our orthopedic surgeons evaluate the entire shoulder before recommending surgery.
Shoulder Care Built Around the Diagnosis
The goal is not to recommend the biggest procedure. It is to identify the source of pain and choose the least invasive treatment capable of restoring useful shoulder function.
✓ Review of X-rays, MRI or CT imaging
✓ Rotator cuff and muscle-quality assessment
✓ Evaluation of cartilage and bone loss
✓ Review of previous surgery or treatment
✓ Discussion of work, sports and recovery goals
Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery
Shoulder arthroscopy uses a small camera and specialized instruments inserted through small incisions. It allows the surgeon to inspect the joint directly and treat many tendon, cartilage and ligament injuries.
Repair of torn rotator cuff tendons when the tendon remains repairable.
Repair or treatment of torn labral cartilage involving the upper portion of the shoulder socket.
Treatment for Bankart tears, recurrent dislocations, subluxations and traumatic shoulder instability.
Biceps tenodesis, tenotomy or treatment of damaged tissue near the biceps-labral attachment.
Treatment of symptomatic arthritis or damage involving the acromioclavicular joint.
Evaluation and treatment of focal cartilage injuries in selected patients before advanced arthritis develops.
Rotator Cuff Surgery
The rotator cuff is a group of tendons that helps center the shoulder and supports strength and controlled movement. Tears may be partial, full thickness, retracted or associated with muscle atrophy.
Not every rotator cuff tear requires surgery. The recommendation depends on pain, weakness, tear size, tendon quality, chronicity, age, activity level and response to nonsurgical treatment.
Explore Rotator Cuff Tears✓ Acute traumatic tendon tears
✓ Persistent pain despite treatment
✓ Progressive weakness or loss of function
✓ Retraction that may worsen over time
✓ Failed previous rotator cuff repair
✓ Combined biceps or labral problems
Labral Tears, Shoulder Dislocations and Instability
When the ball of the shoulder comes out of the socket, the injury may damage the labrum, capsule, ligaments, rotator cuff, bone or nearby nerves.
In many younger patients, a traumatic dislocation separates the labrum from the edge of the shoulder socket. This is commonly called a Bankart lesion and can allow the shoulder to remain loose or dislocate again.
In patients over approximately age 40, the same injury is more likely to be associated with a rotator cuff tear. Persistent weakness or difficulty raising the arm after a dislocation should therefore be evaluated carefully.
Learn About Dislocations & Labral TearsLabral tears, capsular stretching and recurrent instability are especially important after a traumatic dislocation in younger and athletic patients.
Rotator cuff tears become increasingly important after a dislocation. Fractures and nerve injuries must also be considered when weakness persists.
Learn what happens when the humeral head comes out of the socket and why the shoulder may remain vulnerable to another dislocation.
A Bankart lesion occurs when the labrum separates from the socket after a dislocation, potentially leading to recurrent instability.
SLAP tears involve the upper portion of the labrum near the attachment of the long head of the biceps tendon.
Repeated slipping, subluxation or dislocation may require stabilization when therapy does not restore confidence and control.
Open and Complex Shoulder Reconstruction
Some shoulder conditions require an open procedure or a combined arthroscopic and open approach. The surgical exposure should match the problem rather than forcing every condition into the same technique.
Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Shoulder replacement may be considered when advanced arthritis, deformity or rotator cuff failure causes persistent pain and loss of function despite appropriate nonsurgical treatment.
Replaces the arthritic ball and socket while relying on a functional rotator cuff to support shoulder mechanics.
Changes the ball-and-socket orientation so the deltoid can provide more elevation when the rotator cuff cannot function reliably.
Review your diagnosis, imaging and options when deciding between repair, replacement or continued nonsurgical treatment.
When Should Shoulder Surgery Be Considered?
Surgery is generally considered when a clearly identified structural problem causes meaningful pain, weakness, instability or loss of function and reasonable nonsurgical treatment has not provided enough improvement.
Do All Shoulder Problems Require Surgery?
No. Many shoulder problems can initially be treated without surgery. The treatment plan should reflect the diagnosis, severity of symptoms and the patient’s goals.
Shoulder Specialists at Atlanta Bone & Joint
Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons provide care for shoulder arthritis, tendon tears, sports injuries, instability, fractures and complex conditions. Patients see an orthopedic surgeon and receive a treatment plan based on their examination, imaging and goals.
Meet Our Orthopedic SurgeonsShoulder Surgery FAQs
Common questions about shoulder surgery and specialist evaluation.
What type of doctor performs shoulder surgery?
Shoulder surgery is performed by an orthopedic surgeon with experience treating shoulder injuries, arthritis, tendon tears, instability and fractures.
Is shoulder surgery usually arthroscopic?
Many rotator cuff, labral, biceps and instability procedures can be performed arthroscopically. Arthritis, fractures, severe deformity and certain complex reconstructions may require an open procedure.
Is arthroscopic shoulder surgery outpatient?
Many arthroscopic shoulder procedures are performed as outpatient surgery, allowing appropriate patients to return home the same day.
What can tear when a shoulder dislocates?
In younger patients, a dislocation commonly damages the labrum and capsule. In patients around age 40 and older, a rotator cuff tear becomes increasingly important, especially when weakness persists after the joint is reduced.
How do I know whether I need rotator cuff repair or shoulder replacement?
Rotator cuff repair treats a repairable torn tendon. Shoulder replacement treats advanced joint damage. A reverse replacement may be considered when arthritis is combined with an irreparable cuff tear or altered shoulder mechanics.
Should I bring my MRI to a shoulder specialist?
Yes. Bring the actual MRI or CT images when available, along with the written report, X-rays and records from previous treatment or surgery.
Can I get a second opinion before shoulder surgery?
Yes. A second opinion can help confirm the diagnosis, determine whether nonsurgical options remain and clarify which procedure is most appropriate.
Find the Right Treatment for Your Shoulder
Schedule a shoulder evaluation or request a second opinion from Atlanta Bone & Joint Specialists.
This page is provided for general educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or a physician-patient relationship. Treatment recommendations depend on an individual medical history, examination and review of appropriate imaging.