Shoulder Surgery

Advanced care for shoulder pain in San Diego

An orthopedic physician examines a patient's shoulder.

Advanced care for shoulder pain in San Diego

Scripps orthopedic teams diagnose and treat a wide variety of shoulder injuries and conditions that can be the result of playing sports, being involved in an accident or simply aging.


The shoulder is a complex structure and requires specialized care. Scripps orthopedic doctors are experts in the field, have access to leading-edge research and use the most advanced new procedures and techniques to care for patients. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks Scripps as one of the nation’s best hospitals for orthopedics and orthopedic surgery.

San Diego’s best team for shoulder care

Getting the right diagnosis and treatment for your shoulder is vital. That’s why Scripps offers advanced imaging services and multidisciplinary medical teams across San Diego County to support you at every phase of orthopedic care. From convenient physician office locations to comprehensive sports and physical therapy services, Scripps has San Diego covered.


When Scripps physicians provide medical care for elite athletes, they are perfecting the highest levels of treatment for every patient, regardless of whether they compete in sports. Scripps physicians also serve as leading faculty of the San Diego Shoulder Institute, which has provided continuing medical education for orthopedists from across the United States for more than 30 years.


Whether you have unexplained shoulder pain or a traumatic injury affecting shoulder stability, Scripps is the place for the most innovative orthopedic care.

Shoulder conditions and injuries

Scripps orthopedic surgeons are experts at treating a broad range of shoulder conditions, ranging from sports injuries to age-related chronic diseases.

Common shoulder injuries and conditions treated at Scripps include:


  • Rheumatoid arthritis — is a long-term autoimmune disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues.
  • Osteoarthritis — a chronic disease of joint cartilage and bone most commonly seen in patients age 50 or older.
  • Post-traumatic arthritis — develops after a traumatic joint injury that damages cartilage.
  • Rotator-cuff tears — involve the group of muscles and tendons attached to bones of the shoulder joint.
  • Avascular necrosis (or osteonecrosis) — when part of a bone does not get a blood supply and dies.
  • Fractures — when the collarbone, shoulder blade or head of the humerus breaks.
  • Shoulder tendinitis and bursitis — conditions characterized by inflammation of tendons or fluid-filled sacs that provide a cushion among the muscles, tendons and joints.
  • Separated shoulder (acromioclavicular separation, AC separation) — when the ligaments that hold the collarbone to the shoulder blade are injured.
  • Frozen shoulder — a condition where the shoulder cannot move freely due to inflammation.
  • Shoulder dislocation — when the head of the upper arm (humerus) comes out of the shoulder socket.
  • Shoulder instability — can be attributed to overuse affecting ligaments or shoulder dislocation.
  • SLAP tears (superior labrum anterior to posterior tears) — injuries to the ring of cartilage surrounding the socket of the shoulder joint.

Shoulder pain treatment options

Orthopedic treatments for shoulder pain or injuries include nonsurgical and surgical approaches to restore stability and strength. The goal is to restore function and range of motion. Scripps provides a full range of treatment options for joint replacement and repair including diagnosis, nonsurgical options and surgery.

Scripps offers more than 150 orthopedic doctors who have access to the latest imaging technologies to diagnose orthopedic injuries and conditions. Whether your doctor determines that you need X-ray imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans or another type of imaging to properly assess, diagnose and treat your condition, we provide convenient access at multiple facilities throughout San Diego County.
  • Total shoulder replacement (shoulder arthroplasty) — a procedure where the head of the upper arm bone (humerus) is removed and replaced with a metal stem and ball, and the shoulder blade socket (glenoid) is smoothed and replaced with a strong plastic socket.
  • Reverse total shoulder replacement — a procedure similar to a total shoulder replacement, but the end of the upper arm bone is replaced by a metal stem and plastic socket, and the shoulder black socket is fitted with a metal ball.
  • Partial shoulder replacement (hemiarthroplasty) — a procedure where only the head of the upper arm bone or the shoulder blade socket is replaced.
  • Shoulder resurfacing — a procedure where the head of the upper arm bone is trimmed and capped with a smooth metal covering, and the shoulder blade socket may be smoothed and replaced with a strong plastic socket or tissue graft.
  • Shoulder arthroscopy (SLAP repair) — a minimally invasive procedure to examine or repair tissues in and around the shoulder joint.
  • Arthroscopic rotator-cuff repair — a minimally invasive procedure where a small incision is used to access damaged muscles and tendons that are normally attached to the shoulder bones.
  • Arthroscopic spacer implant — is a procedure where a small balloon is placed into the subacromial space, creating a cushion that prevents painful bone-on-bone friction following a rotator cuff tear.

Shoulder surgery is not an option without a diagnosis based on imaging and a physical exam. Some people with serious health problems may not be suitable candidates for surgery.


Health insurance companies have different requirements before they will approve a shoulder procedure. Usually, nonsurgical treatments are required before any surgery would be scheduled.


Because not all injuries or conditions require surgery, a Scripps shoulder expert can help you explore lifestyle changes and noninvasive approaches that may offer pain relief. Our orthopedic pain medicine specialists and our shoulder experts work together to determine which pain management treatment may be right for you.


  • Medications — including prescriptions to address muscle spasms, chronic pain or inflammation.
  • Physical therapy and conditioning — personalized plans to provide conservative treatment and prevention of future shoulder problems.
  • Injections — that can include anti-inflammatory drugs delivered to the shoulder with the aim of reducing swelling and pain.

Shoulder surgery locations

Scripps Health offers shoulder surgery and follow-up care at the following locations in San Diego County:


Support services and resources

As leaders in orthopedic care, we know what it takes to keep joints healthy. That’s why we equip our patients with support services and resources to help them achieve their best possible outcome. From connecting you with rehab services to empowering you with educational resources, Scripps offers a comprehensive lineup to help you along every step of your journey.

We are here for you — not only as your orthopedic surgeons, but as a team of experts who understands that your joint health is about much more than your medical treatment. Specifically, Scripps offers a variety of patient support services to ensure your physical and emotional well-being, as well as resources for dealing with the logistical aspects of your care.


Our services include:



For more offerings, please visit our patient resources section.

Patient education is an important part of understanding your joint condition and treatment plan. To stay informed, we encourage our orthopedic patients to:


  • Bookmark the Scripps glossary of orthopedic terms for easy referencing.
  • Watch the pre- and post-surgery videos your doctor recommends.
  • Consult your orthopedic team for educational materials and a list of trusted online sources beyond the Scripps site. 


Always check with your orthopedic surgeon first to ensure that you have the most accurate information for your particular medical condition or need.