Shoulder conditions treated

Rotator cuff tears

The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons that stabilise and move the shoulder. Tears are a leading cause of shoulder pain and weakness after age 40, often presenting as night pain and difficulty raising the arm. Many tears, especially partial ones, are first managed non-surgically with targeted physiotherapy. Arthroscopic repair is considered when conservative treatment fails, for large tears, or in younger, active patients. Recovery typically takes 4 to 6 months, with initial immobilisation of 4 to 6 weeks.

Shoulder replacement (anatomic and reverse)

When arthritis or a complex fracture destroys the joint, shoulder replacement restores a mobile, pain-free shoulder. An anatomic prosthesis reproduces natural shoulder geometry and requires an intact rotator cuff. A reverse prosthesis changes the joint's centre of rotation, allowing the deltoid muscle to compensate for a deficient cuff — it is the reference procedure for eccentric arthritis and massive cuff tears with arthritis. Modern implants typically last 15 to 20 years.

Subacromial impingement and tendinopathy

One of the most common causes of shoulder pain: the rotator cuff tendons rub against the bony arch above the shoulder (the acromion), causing irritation and inflammation. It typically presents as pain when raising the arm between 60° and 120°. Targeted physiotherapy resolves the large majority of cases without surgery. Left untreated, chronic tendinopathy can progress to a rotator cuff tear.

Calcific tendinitis

Calcium deposits can form within a rotator cuff tendon, often silently, but may trigger a sudden, severe pain flare during resorption. Acute flares are managed with pain relief and, often, an ultrasound-guided needling procedure to aspirate the deposit. Outcomes are generally favourable.

Instability and dislocation

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, and also the most prone to instability. After a first dislocation, recurrence risk is highest in young, active patients. Depending on the degree of bone loss and risk profile, stabilisation surgery may use the Bankart procedure (arthroscopic labral repair) or the Latarjet procedure (bone block transfer), the latter preferred when significant glenoid bone loss is present or the risk of recurrence is high, such as in contact sports. A distinct form, multidirectional instability, occurs on a background of constitutional hyperlaxity and is treated primarily with dedicated physiotherapy — a condition Dr Housset has published a reference classification on (EFORT Open Reviews, 2024).

Acromioclavicular joint injuries

Distinct from the main shoulder joint, the acromioclavicular (AC) joint — between the collarbone and shoulder blade — can dislocate after a direct fall onto the shoulder, or develop arthritis from wear. Low-grade dislocations heal without surgery; high-grade or very unstable injuries may require surgical stabilisation.

Shoulder arthritis (omarthrosis)

Glenohumeral arthritis causes progressive cartilage wear, leading to pain, stiffness and reduced function. Early stages are managed with pain relief, physiotherapy and occasional injections. When symptoms significantly affect quality of life despite conservative care, shoulder replacement is discussed.

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)

A progressive, painful stiffening of the shoulder capsule, unrelated to any tendon or cartilage damage. It typically evolves through a painful phase, a stiffening phase and a recovery phase over 12 to 24 months, most often resolving spontaneously with appropriate physiotherapy at each stage. Surgery is rarely needed.

Clavicle and proximal humerus fractures

Clavicle fractures, common after falls from bikes or contact sports, mostly heal without surgery within 6-8 weeks; surgery is reserved for significantly displaced or comminuted fractures. Proximal humerus fractures — frequent in older patients after a fall — may be treated non-operatively, with internal fixation, or with a shoulder replacement (usually reverse) when the bone quality or fracture pattern makes reliable fixation unlikely.

Shoulder in athletes

Overhead sports (handball, tennis, water polo), contact sports (rugby) and swimming expose the shoulder to specific stresses: subacromial impingement, instability, and SLAP tears — a tear of the upper labrum at the biceps tendon attachment, common in throwing athletes. Return-to-sport protocols are progressive and closely supervised, particularly after stabilisation surgery.

Frequently asked questions

This content is for general information only and does not replace a medical consultation. A clinical examination and imaging review are required to establish an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.