Shoulder Surgery Specialist

What is shoulder surgery?

Shoulder surgery is an orthopedic procedure used to treat a diseased or damaged shoulder joint. Shoulder surgery was first performed in 1953. In the more than 60 years since, it's become one of the safest and most common joint-related operations.

At Orthopedics Unlimited, Dr. Rieber uses minimally invasive surgical techniques, including arthroscopy, to lower the risk of complications and speed up your recovery. 

Who is a good candidate for shoulder surgery?

Whenever possible, Dr. Rieber recommends conservative, integrative treatments to ease shoulder pain, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, over-the-counter pain medication, and rest, ice, compression, and elevation (the RICE protocol).

If your shoulder pain is due to arthritis or a sports-related injury and it continues to get worse or negatively affect your mobility, surgical intervention may be necessary. The goal of shoulder surgery is to limit pain, prevent further damage, and restore your shoulder’s full range of motion.

What are the types of shoulder surgery?

At Orthopedics Unlimited, Dr. Rieber offers several types of shoulder surgery, including:

Total shoulder replacement

Total shoulder replacement is a type of minimally invasive surgery used to replace the ball and socket joint in your shoulder. During this type of surgery, Dr. Rieber makes several small incisions and carefully removes your damaged joint and surrounding tissue. 

He then installs a prosthetic made of plastic, ceramic, or metal, restoring your shoulder joint to its healthy, near-original condition.

Reverse shoulder replacement

If you have a severe rotator cuff injury, Dr. Rieber might recommend a reverse shoulder replacement. During this type of minimally invasive surgery, Dr. Rieber reverses the position of your ball and socket joint, providing a mechanical advantage for the muscles that surround your shoulder. 

Rotator cuff surgery

Rotator cuff surgery is a minimally invasive procedure used to clean and reattach torn or damaged tendons. During treatment, Dr. Rieber makes a small incision near your shoulder joint. He carefully detaches the surrounding muscles and repairs your rotator cuff with advanced operative techniques.

What type of shoulder surgery is right for me?

To determine the type of shoulder surgery that’s right for you, Dr. Rieber conducts a physical exam, reviews your medical history, and orders X-rays. After gathering the necessary information, he develops a custom care plan that aligns with your needs.

If you regularly experience shoulder pain, schedule a shoulder surgery consultation at Orthopedics Unlimited by phone or online today.