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Shoulder Surgery

Cody Covington, MD Our Services Shoulder Surgery

Cody Covington, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon located in San Antonio, TX

Shoulder surgery can correct rotator cuff damage, relieve pain, or even restore multiple damaged areas at one time. For this type of surgery, you need an orthopedic surgeon like Cody Covington, MD. At his office in San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Covington uses advanced surgical procedures to provide the best in specialized care in a relaxed, patient-focused atmosphere. Book your appointment online or by phone now.

 Shoulder Surgery Q&A

When is shoulder surgery necessary?

With most shoulder injuries, conservative care is the first-line treatment approach. This includes physical therapy, rest, medication, and joint injections. 

If your shoulder pain and range-of-motion issues continue after a few months of conservative treatments, Dr. Covington may recommend shoulder surgery. While every case is different, shoulder issues that frequently require surgery include:

  • Rotator cuff tears (partial, complete, acute, and degenerative)
  • Labrum tears (SLAP, Bankart, anterior, and posterior)
  • Loose cartilage
  • Bone spurs
  • Fractures
  • Recurrent shoulder dislocation
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Avascular necrosis
  • Nerve entrapment
  • Shoulder instability
  • Synovitis (inflamed shoulder joint lining)
  • Calcific tendinitis (calcium deposits in rotator cuff)
  • Post-surgical complications

Many of these shoulder injuries are more common as you age, due to tissue and joint wear-and-tear. 

Dr. Covington carefully evaluates your case and determines the best way to repair your shoulder damage and improve your flexibility and range of motion. He takes the time to make sure you understand your options and his recommendations and address any concerns. 

What are some shoulder surgery options?

There are dozens of variations when it comes to shoulder surgery techniques, with a range of possibilities for each problem and area of the shoulder. In general, the two main categories of shoulder surgery are minimally invasive and open surgery. 

With minimally invasive shoulder surgery, such as shoulder arthroscopy, Dr. Covington performs your surgery through dime-sized incisions. 

Dr. Covington performs procedures like rotator cuff repair and meniscus repair using minimally invasive techniques because this option reduces risk of infection, minimizes bleeding, alleviates pain, and allows you to recover faster than with traditional surgical techniques.

Although many surgeries today are minimally invasive, some procedures may require open surgery, in which your doctor typically makes one long incision. Surgery for severe shoulder trauma is one example.

Dr. Covington always prioritizes your safety and long-term benefit when he recommends the right shoulder surgery for you. 

How long does recovery take after shoulder surgery?

You can expect to start physical therapy soon after your surgery. You transition from passive to active exercise and then eventually you can fully resume your normal activities. The recovery process takes about 4-6 months.

Dr. Covington creates a customized recovery plan to help you return to the activities you enjoy as soon as possible. 

If you have chronic shoulder pain that’s not going away with conservative treatments, shoulder surgery could be right for you. Learn more by calling Cody Covington, MD, or click the online scheduler to book a consultation now.

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