Shoulder Surgery Specialist

What is shoulder arthroscopy?

Dr. Re performs shoulder arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure, for both diagnostic and treatment purposes. In this procedure, he makes very small incisions and uses a slender instrument called an arthroscope to view the inside of your joint. 

The arthroscope’s internal light and camera send images to a computer monitor, where Dr. Re views the entire surgical site. He can then make a diagnosis, and if necessary create additional small incisions to correct damage. 

Shoulder arthroscopy can treat a wide range of problems, including:

• Rotator cuff tears
• Frozen shoulder
• Shoulder instability
• Shoulder impingement
• Biceps rupture
• Cartilage or ligament damage
• Bone spurs
• Collarbone arthritis

Because arthroscopy is minimally invasive, you recover faster and have less bleeding and pain than with the single, large incision that is necessary in traditional (open) surgery. 

What is a shoulder joint replacement?

In shoulder joint replacement, Dr. Re removes the deformed or damaged parts of your shoulder joint and replaces them with functional prosthetics. 

For a total shoulder replacement, Dr. Re replaces the top of the humerus bone (humeral head) and the socket. In a partial shoulder replacement, he replaces only the humeral head. 

Dr. Re may recommend a shoulder joint replacement if:

• You have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or another damaging condition 
• Your pain doesn’t improve with nonoperative care
• You have severe and intrusive daily pain
• You have moderate-to-severe pain even when at rest
• Your condition also causes shoulder weakness or poor range-of-motion

In some cases he may use open surgery, but when possible, Dr. Re uses minimally invasive arthroscopic methods for shoulder joint replacement.

What is recovery like following shoulder surgery?

Your recovery time depends on the type of shoulder surgery you have. Dr. Re performs most shoulder surgeries as outpatient procedures at an ambulatory surgery center, so you can often go home that day. 

Recovery can take anywhere from a few days to several months. Dr. Re may recommend that you take two weeks off work after your surgery, and you must generally wait at least a week to drive. 

To maximize your recovery, it’s important that you prepare properly. This includes pre-op exercise, learning about your condition, and physical therapy after your surgery. Dr. Re gives customized advice to help you recover fully. 

For the best shoulder surgery results, you need a board-certified and fellowship-trained surgeon who focuses on shoulder repair. New York’s leading shoulder surgeon,  Louis Peter Re Jr., MD, is only a phone call or click away. Book your appointment online or call the office directly now.