Trusted shoulder surgery
Shoulder surgery, also called shoulder repair, treats a shoulder joint with damage due to aging, disease, overuse, or injury. Common shoulder surgeries include arthroscopy, rotator cuff repair, and joint replacement. Arthroscopy allows your doctor to look inside your shoulder joint and make any necessary repairs. The goal of shoulder surgery is for you to be able to move and use your shoulder without pain.
Use our online tool or call (702) 616-4900 to find an orthopedic surgeon at Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican's San Martin or Siena hospitals who specializes in shoulder surgery in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV.
Reasons for rotator cuff and shoulder surgery
Shoulder surgery may be an option if treatments such as medication and physical therapy haven’t worked for you. Your doctor may recommend shoulder surgery to treat:
- Bursitis
- Arthritis
- Frozen shoulder
- Cartilage tears or injuries
- Fractures
- Shoulder separation
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Tendinitis
- Repeated shoulder dislocations
What to expect from shoulder surgery
Shoulder surgery at Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican's San Martin or Siena Campus can be an open, mini-open, or minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure. We also offer the Opus® AutoCuff® Rotator Cuff Repair technique. Mini-open surgery combines minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques with a smaller open procedure. These approaches result in less pain, smaller incisions, and a shorter recovery period. Prior to your surgery, we provide in-depth education so you know what to expect before, during, and after.
You may go home the same day or you may spend a few nights in the hospital depending on the type of surgery. You may need to wear a sling to keep your shoulder stable while it heals. Some people only need a sling for a short period of time, while others will wear a one for several weeks.
Physical therapy is an important part of your recovery. It is vital to regain joint function and prevent stiffness. Gradually, you’ll regain shoulder stability, strength, and function. Full recovery can range from a few weeks to several months.
Possible risks of shoulder surgery include:
- Muscle damage
- Stiffness
- Nerve damage
- Weakness
- Continuing symptoms
- Bleeding
- Reactions to anesthesia
- Infections
- Blood clots
Preventing shoulder pain during surgery recovery
After surgery, most people return to their favorite sports and activities. However, surgery won’t prevent future shoulder injuries or problems. You can avoid more problems and protect your shoulder by:
- Practicing good posture
- Strengthening your shoulder muscles with physical therapy exercises
- Using proper body mechanics when lifting heavy objects
Ask your doctor before returning to contact sports or other activities that could stress your shoulder.
Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican's San Martin and Siena Campuses offer multiple types of minimally invasive shoulder surgery in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV.