A shoulder surgeon is a highly specialized orthopedic surgeon who focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the shoulder joint and the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Given that the shoulder is the body’s most mobile and complex joint, it is susceptible to a wide array of problems, including:
Rotator cuff tears
Labral tears (e.g., SLAP tears)
Shoulder instability and dislocations
Arthritis (Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis)
Frozen shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Fractures of the shoulder blade (scapula), collarbone (clavicle), or upper arm bone (humerus)
These specialists are experts in a spectrum of surgical techniques, from minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery (using a small camera and instruments) to major open procedures like total shoulder joint replacement. The primary goals of any treatment are to relieve pain, restore full range of motion and strength, and help patients return to their daily activities and sports.
They treat a diverse patient population, from young athletes with acute sports injuries to older adults experiencing age-related wear and tear.
The Path to Expertise: Shoulder Surgery Fellowship
Becoming a shoulder surgeon requires training beyond a standard orthopedic surgery residency. This is achieved through a Shoulder Surgery Fellowship—an intensive, one-to-two-year training program dedicated exclusively to the shoulder.
During this fellowship, surgeons gain deep, hands-on experience in:
Advanced Surgical Procedures: Performing a high volume of complex surgeries, including:
Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair
Labral repair and stabilization for dislocations
Anatomic and reverse total shoulder replacements
Revision surgery to correct failed previous operations
Comprehensive Patient Care: Fellows learn to manage the entire patient journey, from accurate diagnosis and non-surgical options (like physical therapy protocols and corticosteroid injections) to post-operative rehabilitation.
Managing Complex Cases: The fellowship prepares surgeons to tackle the most challenging shoulder problems, such as severe bone loss, complex fractures, and revision arthroplasty.
This superior level of sub-specialized training ensures that fellowship-trained shoulder surgeons can provide the most advanced, effective, and personalized care possible, leading to better surgical outcomes and faster recovery times for their patients.
Dr. Mohammadreza Giti is a renowned orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder and hand surgery, recognized for his international expertise and extensive clinical experience in Tehran. Education & […]
