Shoulder Surgery: Diagnosis & Treatment

Overview

The shoulder is a highly mobile joint stabilised by a group of muscles and tendons called the rotator cuff. Pain can arise from tendon inflammation or tears, impingement, instability (repeated dislocation), stiffness (frozen shoulder) or arthritis.

Many shoulder conditions improve with physiotherapy and activity modification. Surgery is considered when symptoms persist, when there is a significant structural tear, or when instability keeps recurring.

Who It Is For

• Persistent shoulder pain, weakness or difficulty raising the arm
• Confirmed rotator cuff tear affecting function
• Recurrent shoulder dislocation or instability
• Shoulder arthritis with pain not controlled by conservative treatment
• Patients who have not improved with an adequate trial of physiotherapy

Who May Not Be Suitable

• Mild or early-stage shoulder problems better managed conservatively first
• Active infection around the shoulder
• Certain medical conditions requiring optimisation before anaesthesia
• Final suitability is decided after clinical assessment and imaging.

Preparation

Assessment includes shoulder examination, X-rays and, when indicated, MRI or ultrasound to assess the rotator cuff and surrounding structures. Fitness for anaesthesia is checked before surgery.

Procedure / How It Works

The specific procedure depends on the diagnosis.

• Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for confirmed tendon tears
• Arthroscopic stabilisation surgery for recurrent shoulder dislocation
• Subacromial decompression for impingement not responding to conservative treatment
• Shoulder replacement considered in select cases of advanced arthritis

Recovery

Recovery after shoulder surgery generally involves an initial period of arm protection (often with a sling), followed by progressive physiotherapy to restore movement and strength.

• Sling immobilisation for the initial phase as advised
• Passive and then active physiotherapy exercises introduced in stages
• Strengthening progressed gradually over weeks to months
• Return to sport or heavy overhead activity only after adequate strength is confirmed

Aftercare

• Wear the sling as instructed and avoid heavy lifting during early recovery
• Attend physiotherapy sessions regularly
• Avoid overhead activity until cleared by your surgeon
• Report increasing pain, swelling or reduced movement promptly

Risks / Possible Complications

• Infection
• Stiffness (frozen shoulder)
• Re-tear of a repaired rotator cuff
• Recurrent instability in some cases
• Anaesthesia-related risks

Expected Outcomes

Most patients experience meaningful pain relief and functional improvement after appropriate shoulder treatment, though outcomes depend on tear size, tissue quality, adherence to rehabilitation and the specific diagnosis.

Cost Factors

Cost depends on the diagnosis, the tests required, the technology or implant chosen and the length of treatment or follow-up.

The clinic explains the full cost — tests, procedure and follow-up visits — before you agree to treatment. There are no hidden charges.

Insurance and cashless approval depend on your policy and the procedure; the front desk helps with the paperwork wherever a claim applies.

Call the clinic on 070303 11311 for current pricing and insurance details.

Why Choose Dr. Murkute's O2 Bone & Eye Care

• Evaluation by Dr. Vishal Murkute, Orthopaedic Surgeon fellowship-trained in arthroscopy
• Thorough clinical and imaging-based diagnosis before recommending surgery
• Guidance through both conservative and surgical treatment pathways
• Surgery at an associated hospital — Sahyadri Superspecialty Hospital (Yerawada), Manipal Hospital (Kharadi) or Medipoint Hospital (Chandannagar); the team confirms the exact venue at your consultation.
• Convenient Kharadi location for consultation and physiotherapy follow-up