Shoulder & Elbow

Shoulder replacement surgery is a procedure used to relieve pain and restore function when the shoulder joint is severely damaged—most often from arthritis, a complex fracture, or an irreparable rotator cuff problem. In a shoulder replacement, the surgeon removes the worn or damaged joint surfaces and replaces them with smooth artificial components (implants) that allow the shoulder to move more comfortably. Depending on your condition, you may be a candidate for a total shoulder replacement or a reverse shoulder replacement. The goal is to reduce pain, improve range of motion and strength, and help you get back to daily activities with greater comfort.

Shoulder instability happens when the shoulder joint is too loose and the ball of the upper arm bone doesn’t stay securely centered in the socket. This can cause the shoulder to feel like it’s slipping, shifting, or about to pop out, and in more severe cases it can partially dislocate (subluxation) or fully dislocate. Instability often occurs after an injury—like a fall or sports collision—but it can also develop over time from repetitive overhead activity or naturally loose ligaments. Common symptoms include pain, weakness, a “dead arm” feeling, clicking or catching, and fear of certain movements. An orthopaedic evaluation can confirm the cause and guide treatment, which may include physical therapy to strengthen stabilizing muscles or, in some cases, surgery to restore stability.

Rotator cuff repair is a surgery to fix a torn rotator cuff—the group of tendons and muscles that help lift and rotate your shoulder and keep it stable. When a tear causes ongoing pain, weakness, or loss of motion that doesn’t improve with rest, physical therapy, and other conservative treatments, your surgeon may recommend repair. In most cases, the procedure is done arthroscopically (through small incisions using a camera), where the torn tendon is reattached to the bone with specialized anchors and sutures. The goal is to reduce pain, restore strength and function, and help you safely return to everyday activities and, when appropriate, sports.

Elbow replacement surgery (also called total elbow arthroplasty) is a procedure where a damaged elbow joint is replaced with smooth artificial parts (implants) to help relieve pain and restore function. It’s most often recommended when the elbow is severely worn or damaged—such as from advanced arthritis, complex fractures, or long-term joint problems—and other treatments haven’t provided enough relief. During surgery, the damaged ends of the upper arm bone (humerus) and forearm bone (ulna) are reshaped and fitted with metal and plastic components that work together to create a stable, moving joint. The goal is improved comfort and motion for daily activities, followed by a guided rehabilitation plan to help you heal safely.

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is an overuse injury that causes pain on the outside of the elbow, usually from repeated gripping, lifting, or twisting motions. Even if you don’t play tennis, activities like using tools, typing, gardening, or weight training can irritate the tendons that attach to the outer elbow. Symptoms often include tenderness on the outside of the elbow and pain when gripping, shaking hands, turning a doorknob, or lifting a cup. Treatment typically starts with rest and activity changes, targeted exercises or physical therapy, bracing, and anti-inflammatory options; most people improve without surgery, but persistent cases can be evaluated for additional treatments.