Shoulder Surgery Specialist

What are some common types of shoulder surgery?

If medications, physical therapy, or other treatments haven’t relieved your pain, Dr. Millstein may recommend shoulder surgery. Additionally, some shoulder injuries end up healing better in the long run with early shoulder repair, so it’s important to talk to Dr. Millstein as soon as possible about your treatment options.

Dr. Millstein performs many types of shoulder surgeries, including:

AC joint repair

This procedure treats injuries to the AC joint, a small joint on top of your shoulder. If you have AC joint separation, surgery can be used to reconstruct the ligaments.

Biceps tendon surgery

If a small portion of the biceps tendon is damaged, surgery may consist of shaving the remaining torn fibers. For more severe injuries, reattachment of the tendon to the bone may be required.

Collarbone fracture surgery

Surgery is needed for certain collarbone fractures, such as when there’s skin penetration or multiple fractures. Surgery aligns the bones and holds them in position for healing.

SLAP tear surgery

Superior labral tears — or SLAP tears — are sometimes so severe that the labrum needs to be reattached to the rim of socket through surgery.

Rotator cuff repair

Surgery to repair the rotator cuff usually involves removing loose fragments of tendon, bursa, and other debris, making more room for the tendon, so it isn’t pinched or irritated, and sewing the torn edges of the tendon together.

Shoulder replacement

In this procedure, arthritic joint surfaces and the damaged ball-and-socket joint are replaced with artificial components. Dr. Millstein also performs reverse shoulder replacement, as well as stemmed and resurfacing hemiarthroplasty.

What is arthroscopic shoulder surgery?

Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is an advanced, minimally-invasive technique that orthopedic surgeons use to repair problems in the shoulder joint.

During the procedure, Dr. Millstein inserts a small camera called an arthroscope into your shoulder joint. He then uses tiny instruments, inserted through small incisions, to perform the necessary joint repairs.

With arthroscopic surgery — as opposed to traditional “open” surgery — there’s less chance of infection, faster recovery times, and less scarring.

How do I know if I need shoulder surgery?

Dr. Millstein can determine whether your particular injury can best be treated with nonsurgical options, or whether surgery is needed. As an orthopedic and sports medicine surgeon, Dr. Millstein has years of experience diagnosing shoulder injuries and performing all types of shoulder surgeries.

To learn more, call the office or schedule an appointment online.