The shoulder joint is the most mobile joint in the body. Problems with the shoulder can result from injury, overuse, degenerative changes, and unknown causes. Injuries can result in fracture, dislocations, tendon tears, and separations. Overuse can result in a painful shoulder leading to bursitis. Degenerative changes can result in tendon tears and/or arthritis. There are many tendons in the shoulder and these can be torn from the result of an injury, overuse or degeneration. Degenerative changes result in arthritis.

Conservative (without surgery) is usually the first line of treatment except in acute injuries such as a fracture, dislocation or severe tendon tear. Conservative management consists of rest, medications, injections, moist heat, ice, and physical therapy. When these measures fail, sometimes surgery is indicated.

Surgical management of shoulder problems include arthroscopy and/or open procedures. Arthroscopy can be done to repair tendons and other soft tissue problems. Open procedures are done when arthroscopy does not allow the surgeon to visualize or maneuver instruments effectively for the repair. Shoulder replacement surgery is an open procedure for an arthritic shoulder.