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Shoulder Surgery by a Fellowship-Trained Shoulder Surgeon

Most shoulder conditions do not require surgery. Many patients improve with physiotherapy, activity modification, medication and rehabilitation.

However, surgery may be recommended when symptoms remain significant despite appropriate non-operative treatment, when an injury is unlikely to heal on its own, or when delaying treatment may reduce the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Dr Puah Ken Lee is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon with a subspecialty interest in shoulder surgery, elbow surgery and sports injuries. Whenever appropriate, minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques are used to restore function while minimising soft tissue disruption.

The decision to proceed with surgery is always individualised and based on your diagnosis, symptoms, lifestyle and treatment goals.

->Learn more about shoulder assessment and treatment

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When Is Shoulder Surgery Recommended?

Surgery may be considered when:

• Pain persists despite appropriate non-operative treatment.
• Shoulder weakness significantly affects daily activities or sport.
• The shoulder repeatedly dislocates or feels unstable.
• A traumatic tendon or ligament injury is unlikely to heal satisfactorily without surgery.
• Arthritis causes persistent pain and loss of function despite conservative management.

Not every MRI abnormality requires surgery. Treatment recommendations are based on your symptoms, examination findings, imaging studies and personal goals.

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Common Shoulder Operations

Shoulder Arthroscopy

Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive (“keyhole”) procedure performed through small incisions using a camera and specialised instruments.

It allows many shoulder conditions to be treated while minimising damage to surrounding tissues.

Common arthroscopic procedures include:

• Rotator cuff repair
• Labral repair
• Shoulder stabilisation
• Capsular release
• Treatment of selected cartilage and biceps disorders

Learn more

→ Shoulder Arthroscopy

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Rotator Cuff Repair

Rotator cuff repair restores a torn tendon to its attachment on the bone. Surgery may be considered for selected traumatic or symptomatic tears, particularly where there is persistent weakness or functional limitation.

Surgery may be recommended for selected patients with:

• Symptomatic full-thickness tears
• Traumatic tears
• Persistent weakness
• Failure of non-operative treatment

Not every rotator cuff tear requires surgery.

Learn more

→ Rotator Cuff Repair

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Shoulder Stabilisation Surgery

Patients with recurrent shoulder instability may benefit from surgical stabilisation.

Depending on the pattern of injury, procedures may include:

• Arthroscopic Bankart repair
• Arthroscopic Latarjet
• Other stabilisation procedures

The choice of operation depends on factors such as bone loss, ligament injury and sporting demands.

Learn more

→ Shoulder Instability Surgery

→ Arthroscopic Bankart Repair

→ Arthroscopic Latarjet

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Capsular Release

Capsular release may be appropriate for selected patients with persistent frozen shoulder that has not responded to appropriate non-operative treatment.

The procedure releases contracted portions of the shoulder capsule to improve movement.

Learn more

→ Capsular Release

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Pectoralis Major Repair

A complete pectoralis major tendon rupture often occurs during activities such as bench pressing or contact sports.

Early surgical repair may restore strength and improve function in appropriate patients.

Learn more

→ Pectoralis Major Tear

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Shoulder Replacement

For selected patients with advanced shoulder arthritis, shoulder replacement may provide significant pain relief and improved function.

Depending on the condition of the joint and rotator cuff, options include:

• Anatomical shoulder replacement
• Reverse shoulder replacement

Learn more

→ Shoulder Replacement

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Preparing for Shoulder Surgery

Preparation may include:

• Clinical assessment
• Imaging studies
• Medical evaluation where required
• Discussion of the expected benefits and potential risks
• Rehabilitation planning

Patients should understand the goals of surgery, the expected recovery process and the rehabilitation required before deciding to proceed.

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Recovery After Shoulder Surgery

Recovery depends on the procedure performed.

Factors influencing recovery include:

• The underlying diagnosis
• Type of surgery
• Tissue healing
• Commitment to rehabilitation
• Individual health factors

Some procedures allow early movement, while others require a period of protection before strengthening begins.

A structured rehabilitation programme is an important part of achieving a successful outcome.

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Risks of Shoulder Surgery

Every operation carries potential risks.

Depending on the procedure, these may include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Stiffness
• Persistent pain
• Re-tear or recurrent instability
• Nerve or blood vessel injury
• Anaesthetic complications

These risks vary according to the operation performed and individual patient factors.

The expected benefits and potential risks should always be discussed before surgery.

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Which Shoulder Operation Might I Need?

If you have…	Surgery that may be considered
Rotator cuff tear	Rotator cuff repair
Recurrent shoulder dislocation	Arthroscopic stabilisation or Latarjet
Frozen shoulder	Capsular release
Pectoralis major rupture	Pectoralis major repair
Advanced shoulder arthritis	Shoulder replacement

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does every rotator cuff tear require surgery?

No. Many rotator cuff tears can be managed successfully without surgery. The decision depends on your symptoms, tear characteristics, functional demands and treatment goals.

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Is shoulder arthroscopy better than open surgery?

Not necessarily. Arthroscopy offers many advantages for suitable conditions, but the most appropriate technique depends on the diagnosis and the specific procedure being performed.

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How long does recovery take?

Recovery varies depending on the operation. Your rehabilitation programme will be tailored to the procedure performed and your progress during recovery.

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Can I return to sport after shoulder surgery?

Many patients are able to return to recreational or competitive sport following successful surgery and rehabilitation. The timing depends on the procedure performed, tissue healing and sport-specific demands.

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Related Pages

Shoulder Conditions

• Shoulder Conditions
• Rotator Cuff Tear
• Frozen Shoulder
• Shoulder Instability
• Shoulder Dislocation
• Shoulder Arthritis
• AC Joint Injury
• AC Joint Arthritis
• Pectoralis Major Tear

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Shoulder Procedures

• Shoulder Arthroscopy
• Rotator Cuff Repair
• Arthroscopic Bankart Repair
• Arthroscopic Latarjet
• Capsular Release
• Biceps Tenodesis
• Shoulder Replacement

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Learn More

• Shoulder Treatments
• Shoulder Specialist Singapore

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Arrange a Consultation

If you have persistent shoulder pain, weakness, instability or loss of function despite appropriate treatment, a specialist assessment can help determine whether surgery is likely to provide meaningful benefit.

Specialist Shoulder Surgery in Singapore

Dr Puah Ken Lee is an orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore specialising in shoulder, elbow and sports injuries. He provides personalised surgical care tailored to each patient’s condition and activity goals.

Consultations are available at Mount Elizabeth Novena.

If you have persistent shoulder pain or a diagnosed shoulder condition, surgical treatment may be an option.

Dr Puah is routinely invited to teach both open and arthroscopic shoulder surgery internationally

Book a consultation or contact the clinic to discuss your condition.

Book a consultation at 360 Orthopaedics, Mount Elizabeth Novena

Shoulder injuries can affect both daily function and athletic performance. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can improve outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term joint damage.
Dr Puah Ken Lee is an orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore specialising in shoulder, elbow and sports injuries at 360 Orthopaedics, Mount Elizabeth Novena. Patients with persistent shoulder symptoms are encouraged to seek specialist evaluation.