When nonsurgical treatments no longer provide relief, surgical care can help improve mobility, reduce discomfort and support a return to daily activities. Shoulder surgery may be recommended to relieve chronic shoulder pain or restore function after injury or joint damage. At Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton and Tanner Medical Center/Villa Rica, our orthopedic specialists provide advanced shoulder surgery options designed to improve mobility and reduce discomfort. 

Understanding the different types of shoulder surgery can help you and your orthopedic specialist determine the most appropriate treatment for your condition.

Types of shoulder surgery

Our orthopedic surgeons perform several types of shoulder procedures, depending on the underlying condition and severity of joint damage.

Shoulder arthroscopy
Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat a variety of shoulder problems. During the procedure, surgeons use a small, tube-shaped instrument equipped with a camera to access the shoulder joint. This allows them to inspect and repair damaged ligaments, tendons, muscles, cartilage and other soft tissues with smaller incisions.

Total shoulder replacement
Total shoulder replacement surgery involves replacing the damaged shoulder joint with a metal ball attached to a stem and a plastic socket. This procedure is typically recommended for patients with severe shoulder arthritis or advanced joint damage. 

Reverse shoulder replacement
Reverse shoulder replacement changes the normal positioning of the ball-and-socket joint. In this procedure, the ball is attached to the shoulder blade and the socket is attached to the upper arm bone. This approach is often recommended for patients with an irreparable rotator cuff tear, cuff arthropathy or a failed previous shoulder replacement.

Reasons for shoulder pain

Shoulder pain can result from a variety of conditions affecting the joint, tendons and surrounding structures.

Common causes include:

Persistent shoulder pain, weakness or limited range of motion may signal an underlying condition that requires evaluation by an orthopedic specialist.

Shoulder care starts here

We offer comprehensive shoulder care, including conservative treatments such as physical therapy and medication, as well as advanced surgical options when necessary. An orthopedic specialist at Tanner will evaluate your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan designed to relieve pain, restore mobility and help you return to normal activities.

Schedule an appointment with Tanner Orthopedics to get started.