The shoulder is comprised of the clavicle (collarbone), scapula (shoulder blade), and humerus (upper arm bone) as well as numerous muscles, ligaments, and tendons. We utilize our shoulders for both mobility and stability, including lifting, pushing, and pulling. The shoulder is a common source of aches and pains, often the result of repetitive motion used in sports, at work, or during daily activities. Orthopedic injuries and conditions associated with shoulder discomfort range from tendinitis, arthritis, and bursitis to fractures, rotator cuff injuries, and instabilities.

Most of the time, these injuries and conditions can be treated with nonsurgical treatment options. However, sometimes an injury or condition is too severe or advanced, or nonoperative treatments were proven ineffective. If this is the case, surgical treatment options for the shoulder, like shoulder joint replacement or shoulder arthroscopy, will be considered.

Our specialty-trained and experienced shoulder and elbow surgeons and physicians at Sierra Pacific Orthopedics' Shoulder Center are recognized as experts in the diagnosis and treatment of shoulder injuries and conditions. In the Shoulder Center, our doctors provide an extraordinary base of shared knowledge with advanced surgery and treatment methods for patients in Fresno, central California, and throughout the region.

Common surgical procedures our shoulder and elbow experts perform include arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, labral repair, and total shoulder replacement and resurfacing. Please be assured that although highly skilled in using the latest surgical methods, our shoulder surgeons always consider using nonoperative methods to restore your health first.

Minimally Invasive Repairs: Shoulder Arthroscopy

One surgical option used to treat shoulder injuries and conditions, such as tendon, ligament, and cartilage damage, is shoulder arthroscopy. A minimally invasive surgery, shoulder arthroscopy is used by surgeons to view and repair problems within a joint. During the procedure, the surgeon will insert a tiny camera, also called an arthroscope, through a small incision to view the inside of the joint. If a repair is needed, the surgeon will use small tools to repair the damage or problem.

Advanced Reconstruction: Shoulder Replacement

Deciding to undergo shoulder joint replacement is a big decision, but it’s one that can help significantly improve a shoulder injury or condition. Shoulder replacement surgery is often used to treat shoulder joints that have a degenerative joint disease, a form of arthritis, fractures, or have suffered a traumatic injury. During a shoulder joint replacement, a surgeon will remove the diseased or damaged shoulder joint and replace it with an artificial implant.

Our Shoulder Center Experts

Our shoulder doctors are all specialty-trained in bone, joint, and muscle care to offer exceptional shoulder treatment. They each offer unique expertise in the care methods and procedures you need to relieve symptoms of your shoulder condition and get back to the life you love.