Trusted by thousands of patients in Maryland

For Complex Shoulder Injuries, Trust Open Surgery Experts

Elite Ortho delivers specialized care and surgical precision for patients who need more than minimally invasive options.

Orthopedic Service

What Is Open Shoulder Surgery?

rotator cuff

Open shoulder surgery is surgery through an incision in the area of the shoulder and is most commonly used for treatment of shoulder fractures, shoulder replacements, acromioclavicular joint reconstructions, biceps repair, clavicle fractures and many other procedures.

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Don’t Wait—Get Relief from Shoulder Pain Today

Our orthopedic experts at Elite Ortho are here to help you regain comfort, strength, and confidence in your body. Whether you need a personalized recovery plan or advanced surgical care, we’ll guide you every step of the way—with compassion and skill.

Expectations Pre, Post, and During The Surgery.

Before Surgery

Open shoulder surgery is done either as an outpatient or as an overnight stay procedure. Prior to surgery you will be asked to see your primary care doctor for “medical clearance”. They may check blood tests, EKG, and a chest x-ray in addition to other tests they find indicated.
Once surgery is scheduled, the hospital or surgery center will contact you ahead of time to provide specific details about your procedure. Please make sure to ask any questions you have and follow the instructions on when to arrive and especially on when to stop eating or drinking prior to surgery.

Before Surgery
The Day of Surgery

On the day of surgery, the anesthesia staff will talk with you about anesthesia options. You will be asleep for the procedure and often a regional nerve block is recommended to numb the shoulder and arm for pain relief.

Once in the operating room, you will be positioned so that a clear view of the inside of your shoulder can be obtained. A member of the surgical team will clean the skin over the shoulder with an antiseptic solution and a sterile drape will cover your shoulder and arm and your forearm will be placed in a holding device to ensure your arm stays still.

Typically the incision is made over the fracture or area of reconstruction. Access to the shoulder joint itself is done through the deltopectoral interval, an interval between two muscles at the front of the shoulder. At the end of surgery the incision is closed with stitches and covered them with a large, soft bandage.

The Day of Surgery
After Surgery

Postoperatively you will stay in the recovery room for 1 to 2 hours before being discharged home or to the hospital floor. Nurses will monitor your responsiveness and provide pain medication, if needed. You will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least the first night if you go home.

After Surgery
strength motion

Recovery & Rehabilitation

Your Path Back to Strength and Motion

Recovery from shoulder surgery depends on the procedure performed but takes several weeks and a few months before full recovery. You may find it comfortable sleeping in a reclining chair or propped up in bed for the first few days after surgery. Physical therapy will play a vital role after surgery in regaining strength and motion.

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Excited to return to the things you love?

Supporting active lifestyles at every age. Let our team help you move forward – stronger and pain-free!

Why Choose Elite Ortho?

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Board-Certified Surgeons

Nationally recognized, specialty-trained experts in orthopedic care.

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20+ Years of Experience

Every doctor brings over a decade of hands-on success.

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700+ Verified 5-Star Reviews

Real stories from real patients across Maryland.

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Advanced Orthopedic Technology

From nano arthroscopy to internal brace repair—we use the best tools available.

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Full-Spectrum Orthopedic Services

Surgical and non-surgical treatment for bones, joints, injuries, and pain.

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Ethical, Compassionate Care

We treat every patient like family, with honesty and empathy.

Our Specialists

Meet Our Orthopedic Specialists

Our practice is home to a team of expertly trained surgical and sports medicine specialists who are dedicated to providing high quality evidence-based medical care in a private practice setting with a personal touch. Our doctors have trained at some of the most prestigious academic medical centers in the nation.

We treat all musculoskeletal conditions including, but not limited to, injuries related to sports, accidents, or work, injuries involving shoulders, hands, wrists, elbows, knees, hips, ankles, concussion as well as arthritis, and back problems.

Real Patients. Real Results.

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