Shoulder surgery

Shoulders are ball-and-socket joints. The top of the upper arm bone (humerus) ends in a round shape that fits into a hollow space in the shoulder blade (scapula). Muscles, ligaments and tendons support and work together with the bones of the shoulder.

When any of these body parts are injured or affected by chronic conditions, you’ll need experienced doctors to provide diagnosis, care and support to help you get back to everyday activities you enjoy. At Aurora, you can rest easy knowing that your orthopedic doctor has deep experience in surgical and nonsurgical management of a range of shoulder conditions.

You may be able to schedule a same-day or next-day appointment so you can be on your way to treatment more quickly. We have the most locations for orthopedic care in the region, including 18 hospitals. So you can find an Aurora shoulder specialist close to work or home.

We accept most insurance plans.

What are the most common types of shoulder surgery?

The most common types of shoulder surgery are rotator cuff surgery, shoulder replacement surgery and arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

Rotator cuff shoulder surgery

Every year, we treat thousands of people with rotator cuff tears. Your rotator cuff is a group of tissues that keep your upper arm bone within the shoulder socket. Rotator cuff tear is a common injury in people who perform repeated overhead motions like painters and pitchers. Learn more about rotator cuff surgery.

Shoulder replacement surgery

We offer traditional shoulder replacement, as well as reverse shoulder replacement for people who don’t qualify for traditional shoulder replacement surgery.

Arthroscopic shoulder surgery

Whenever possible, our orthopedists use minimally invasive shoulder surgery treatments to perform shoulder repairs, including both rotator cuff surgery and shoulder replacement surgeries.

During minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery, a doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera and surgical tools through a small incision. This type of surgery offers faster recovery and minimal scarring compared to open surgery.

Nonsurgical treatments for shoulder conditions

We treat most shoulder conditions with nonsurgical methods. For minor shoulder pain from a muscle strain or arthritis, we may start with recommendations to rest your shoulder and take over-the-counter or prescription medications.

When rest isn’t enough, splints or braces help stabilize the joint so it can heal. Injections of steroids or other medications may also be employed to reduce pain and inflammation.

Our sports medicine and integrative medicine specialists also provide nonsurgical care for shoulder injuries in cooperation with our orthopedics staff.

Advantages of shoulder surgery at Aurora

At Aurora Health Care, we perform more than 7,200 joint replacements annually – including shoulder replacements. We have top-rated shoulder surgeons, including the most board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic shoulder specialists in Wisconsin.

We also perform many shoulder revisions to correct previous surgeries done at other hospitals.

We’re one of the only health systems statewide with a registry used to track and analyze every joint replacement procedure we perform. Capturing this data helps us achieve better outcomes like faster recovery times and less scarring.

Our teams include orthopedists, physical therapists, primary care doctors and integrative care specialists. Each team collaborates closely throughout the treatment and rehabilitation process to provide you with a seamless surgical experience.

Find out more about orthopedic medicine and orthopedic surgery at Aurora.

Preparing for shoulder surgery

The type of shoulder surgery you undergo will depend on your injury or condition. If possible, your shoulder surgeon will recommend a minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery to minimize your recovery time. No matter which type of shoulder surgery you need, our team will take the time to explain the surgical process and answer all your questions.

Before your surgery, your shoulder surgeon may ask you to avoid eating or taking certain medications that increase your risk of bleeding. Depending on the procedure, your doctor may numb your shoulder and give you medication to make you feel drowsy, or you may receive general anesthesia to put you completely to sleep during surgery.

How long does it take to recover from shoulder surgery?

Recovery time from shoulder surgery varies depending on the type of surgery you receive. People who receive arthroscopic surgery often go home the same day, while those who have open surgery may need to spend a day or two recovering in the hospital.

After you go home, you’ll need to take medication to keep swelling down and pain to a minimum. Your doctor will provide specific instructions for protecting your shoulder, including any activity restrictions.

You’ll probably need orthopedic physical therapy, where you do exercises to help you regain joint mobility, strength and function.