How to find the best shoulder surgeon?

Hi, usually you can Google your surgeon and if they are top players in the industry they tend to have websites with private treatments costs and all of their qualifications, affiliates etc.

I had concerns like you so I immediately done research on the surgeon suggesting the op... I mean he told me he was good and to pick him... He came across egotistical which pushed me to research even more. Fortunately for me, he had alot of recognition for his work on shoulder injuries...very high up in the whole shoulder surgery Industry. Also Head lecturer for one of the best universities.

All this was accessed via googling him and finding alot of articles and information on him.

Try that first... For a second opinion you can use your mri results and send it to any surgeon you want. In the UK you can use the NHS or private clinics. Just email or ring up and say you're looking for a 2nd opinion.

I am in London and have has 3 shoulder doctors over the years as the result of a skiing accident. Were are you located?

Definitely get a second opinion. How old are you and what big city do you live near? Unless you're pretty old and not to active. AVOID REVERSE TOTAL SHOULDER if you can. There is alternative called Superior Capsular Reconstruction. Your arthritis level may or may not preclude you.

I had massive tear, supra, infra and subscap with some arthritis. I was recommended reverse total shoulder, but refused, and while some surgeons refused me superior capsular reconstruction, I found a surgeon willing. And after surgery while I can still not raise arm above 90 degrees, it is much better in terms of more use and less pain.

Hello. Word of mouth recommendations; check reviews online; ask your primary care physician. What state are you located in?

You know, sometimes, if you acquire a worthy physical therapist you can learn to work with the issues for a time. I guess putting off the surgery. Have you seen a PT for evaluation and suggestions?

Sometimes a great PT can recommend a few surgeons. With your MRI results in hand find a PT for evaluation and suggestions.

Good luck.

NC has wonderful care providers. I lived there for many, many years too - metro Charlotte area. Plan to move back to NC within the next few years.

Have you spoken with the representatives at your home facility? What about seeking suggestions from Dept of Aging? Do you belong to a church-if yes, you can network through the church for recommendations?

I still think you should seek out a PT for eval. The PT may talk to you about meeting with an OT (occupational therapist) who will guide you with lifestyle changes and modifications, including those with and without surgery. Both ought to be able to explain things to you while addressing your age and other medical issues. PT and OT will spend time with you and explain things. Drs will rush and push you through. PT and OT will also provide you with a few names of surgeons.

Once you've done your research, start asking yourself, "what do you want out of surgery and rehab or simply rehab-no surgery." You need to be able to answer those two questions before rushing into a surgery. Honestly, shoulder surgery sucks plain and simple. The recovery is long; there will be pain; you will be miserable during the recovery. You will need support to help you immediately after the surgery. Do your homework, research, and meet with PT for eval first. Just my suggestions. GOOD LUCK TO YOU!

If you are in the Duke system it looks like they have a guy who is a shoulder specialist who trained at New Your Special Surgery and does a lot of replacements. He is probably really good. I have a regular shoulder replacement and have limited movement because I have no rotator cuff function but am too young for a reverse (I had an accident at 53) The thing about replacements is if they are done by someone who does a lot of them and is good you shouldn't have pain anymore. Reverse shoulders typically require less rehab than traditional replacements according to my doctor. I have had a bunch of shoulder ops and didn't take any opiates, so it is possible. The key is to get a v-pillow for sleeping and a heating pad. You use the heating pad at night when you wake up with any pain, it really works because the pain nerves are the same nerves as the hot/cold nerves so if they are busy feeling heat you don't feel pain. Good luck.