Shoulder Surgery at Mayo Clinic

Shoulder Surgery provides specialized surgical treatment for complex conditions affecting the shoulder joint, rotator cuff, labrum, tendons, ligaments and surrounding structures. Mayo Clinic orthopedic specialists evaluate the cause and severity of shoulder problems and determine whether surgical treatment is appropriate.

Price: Price on Request

Why Price on Request?

The cost of shoulder surgery depends on the type of shoulder condition, surgical procedure, diagnostic imaging, anesthesia, hospital services, rehabilitation and postoperative care. A personalized estimate is provided after specialist evaluation.

Complete Description

What Is Shoulder Surgery?

Shoulder surgery includes a range of orthopedic procedures used to treat injuries, degenerative conditions, instability and structural problems affecting the shoulder.

Depending on the diagnosis, surgery may involve the:

• Shoulder joint

• Rotator cuff

• Labrum

• Tendons

• Ligaments

• Cartilage

• Shoulder bones

The appropriate procedure depends on the patient's symptoms, imaging findings, age, activity level and overall health.

Conditions Treated with Shoulder Surgery

Shoulder surgery may be considered for:

• Rotator cuff tears

• Shoulder instability

• Shoulder dislocation

• Labral tears

• Severe shoulder arthritis

• Tendon injuries

• Certain fractures

• Shoulder impingement

• Cartilage damage

• Complex shoulder disorders

Rotator Cuff Surgery

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that help stabilize and move the shoulder.

Surgery may be considered for selected patients with:

• Large or complete rotator cuff tears

• Persistent pain

• Significant weakness

• Functional limitations

• Failed conservative treatment

The procedure may involve repairing the damaged tendon.

Shoulder Instability Surgery

Shoulder instability can occur when the joint repeatedly slips out of position or becomes dislocated.

Surgical treatment may be considered for:

• Recurrent shoulder dislocations

• Labral injuries

• Structural instability

• Significant ligament damage

The exact procedure depends on the cause of instability.

Labral Repair

The labrum is cartilage surrounding the shoulder socket that contributes to joint stability.

Selected labral injuries may require surgical repair, particularly when they cause:

• Recurrent instability

• Pain

• Clicking

• Reduced shoulder function

Shoulder Arthritis Surgery

Advanced shoulder arthritis can cause:

• Persistent pain

• Stiffness

• Reduced range of motion

• Difficulty performing daily activities

Depending on the condition, surgical options may include shoulder replacement or other procedures.

Shoulder Replacement

Shoulder replacement replaces damaged portions of the shoulder joint with artificial components.

It may be considered for selected patients with:

• Severe shoulder arthritis

• Significant joint damage

• Certain complex fractures

• Other advanced shoulder conditions

Different types of shoulder replacement may be appropriate depending on the patient's anatomy and condition.

Reverse Shoulder Replacement

Reverse shoulder replacement changes the normal mechanics of the shoulder joint.

It may be considered in selected patients with:

• Certain severe rotator cuff problems

• Advanced shoulder arthritis

• Complex shoulder damage

The suitability of this procedure depends on individual anatomy and diagnosis.

Shoulder Fracture Surgery

Certain fractures involving the shoulder may require surgical treatment.

These may include fractures involving:

• Proximal humerus

• Shoulder socket

• Collarbone

• Other surrounding structures

Treatment depends on fracture type, displacement, bone quality and patient factors.

Shoulder Arthroscopy

Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses a small camera and specialized instruments.

It may be used for selected procedures involving:

• Rotator cuff

• Labrum

• Shoulder instability

• Cartilage

• Other internal shoulder structures

The exact procedure depends on the underlying condition.

Pre-Surgical Evaluation

Before shoulder surgery, specialists may assess:

• Pain

• Shoulder movement

• Strength

• Joint stability

• Previous injuries

• Previous surgeries

• Medical history

• Previous treatments

• Activity level

This helps determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

Diagnostic Imaging

Shoulder evaluation may include:

• X-rays

• MRI

• CT scan

• Ultrasound

• Other specialized imaging

These investigations can help assess bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and other shoulder structures.

Non-Surgical Treatment Before Surgery

Surgery is not always the first treatment.

Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include:

• Physical therapy

• Activity modification

• Medication

• Exercise

• Injections when appropriate

• Rest

• Other conservative treatments

Surgery may be considered when symptoms persist despite appropriate non-surgical management.

Minimally Invasive Shoulder Surgery

Selected shoulder procedures can be performed using minimally invasive techniques.

Potential advantages may include:

• Smaller incisions

• Reduced soft-tissue disruption

• Potentially faster early recovery

The appropriate surgical approach depends on the condition and procedure.

Recovery After Shoulder Surgery

Recovery varies according to the procedure performed.

Postoperative care may include:

• Pain management

• Shoulder immobilization when required

• Physical therapy

• Range-of-motion exercises

• Strengthening exercises

• Wound care

• Gradual return to activity

• Follow-up appointments

Shoulder Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is an important part of recovery.

Physical therapy may focus on:

• Restoring range of motion

• Improving shoulder strength

• Improving joint stability

• Restoring functional movement

• Returning to work or daily activities

• Supporting a safe return to sports when appropriate

Potential Risks and Complications

Shoulder surgery may involve risks such as:

• Infection

• Bleeding

• Blood clots

• Nerve or blood-vessel injury

• Shoulder stiffness

• Persistent pain

• Recurrent instability

• Tendon re-tear

• Implant-related complications

• Other procedure-specific complications

The surgical team discusses individual risks before treatment.

Second Opinion for Shoulder Surgery

Patients who have already received a recommendation for shoulder surgery may seek a specialist second opinion.

The orthopedic team may review:

• X-rays

• MRI scans

• CT scans

• Previous medical reports

• Previous treatments

• Surgical recommendations

This can help clarify the diagnosis and available treatment options.

International Patients

International patients should provide relevant medical records whenever possible.

Useful documents may include:

• Previous orthopedic reports

• X-rays

• MRI or CT scans

• Surgical reports

• Physical therapy records

• Previous treatment information

• Current medication list

Benefits of Specialized Shoulder Surgery

Specialized shoulder surgical care may help:

• Treat complex shoulder injuries

• Repair selected rotator cuff tears

• Address shoulder instability

• Treat labral injuries

• Manage advanced shoulder arthritis

• Restore shoulder movement

• Improve shoulder strength and function

• Provide shoulder replacement when appropriate

• Support structured rehabilitation

Why Choose Mayo Clinic for Shoulder Surgery?

Mayo Clinic provides specialized orthopedic evaluation and surgical treatment for complex shoulder conditions.

Depending on individual needs, care may involve orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine specialists, radiologists, physical therapists and rehabilitation specialists.

Cost & Price on Request

Price: Price on Request

The total cost depends on the type and complexity of shoulder surgery.

Potential costs may include:

• Orthopedic consultation

• Diagnostic imaging

• Preoperative testing

• Surgical procedure

• Implant when required

• Anesthesia

• Hospital services

• Medications

• Rehabilitation

• Follow-up care

A personalized cost estimate should be requested after specialist evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What shoulder conditions may require surgery?

Surgery may be considered for rotator cuff tears, recurrent instability, labral injuries, severe arthritis, certain fractures and other structural shoulder problems.

2. Is shoulder surgery always necessary for a rotator cuff tear?

No. Some rotator cuff injuries can be managed with physical therapy, activity modification, medication and other conservative treatments. Surgery may be considered for selected patients.

3. What is shoulder arthroscopy?

Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses a small camera and specialized instruments to diagnose or treat selected shoulder conditions.

4. What is reverse shoulder replacement?

Reverse shoulder replacement is a type of shoulder replacement that changes the normal mechanics of the joint and may be appropriate for selected patients with severe shoulder damage and certain rotator cuff problems.

5. How much does shoulder surgery cost?

Price is available on request. The final cost depends on the procedure, diagnostic testing, anesthesia, hospital services, rehabilitation and follow-up care required.

Product Details

Product Name: Shoulder Surgery

Hospital: Mayo Clinic – Rochester

Brand: Mayo Clinic

Country: United States

Specialty: Orthopedics

Service Type: Shoulder Surgery

Dashboard Price: 0

Customer-Facing Price: Price on Request

International Patients: Available

Location: Rochester, Minnesota, USA