The shoulder region is put to work the moment we are born and serves us well for a lifetime. It is the most mobile joint in the body, and that mobility is what allows us to reach overhead, throw, lift, dress and sleep comfortably. The trade-off is that a joint built for movement is inherently less stable than one built for weight-bearing, and it depends heavily on soft tissue, meaning the labrum, the capsule, the ligaments and above all the rotator cuff tendons, to keep the ball centred in a relatively shallow socket.
Because of that, shoulder problems take many forms. Some arise suddenly from injury: a dislocation, a torn rotator cuff, a fractured collarbone or a disrupted AC joint. Others develop gradually through degeneration, repetitive overload or inflammation, and present as pain that creeps up over months, stiffness that slowly closes down movement, or weakness that only becomes obvious when the arm is lifted overhead. Several conditions produce very similar symptoms, which is why an accurate diagnosis matters before treatment begins.
Much shoulder pain settles without an operation. Activity modification, a well-directed physiotherapy programme, simple analgesics and, in selected cases, an injection will resolve or control a great many shoulder problems. Where surgery is appropriate, most shoulder operations are now performed arthroscopically, through keyhole incisions, which generally means less discomfort and a quicker recovery than open surgery. Open surgery is still used for joint replacement and for repairing fractures.
This section of the site is written for patients. It sets out how the shoulder is put together, the conditions that commonly affect it, the operations used to treat them, and what recovery involves. The pages below are the starting points.
Explore this section
How the bones, joints, labrum, capsule, ligaments and rotator cuff tendons fit together, and why the shoulder trades stability for movement. Useful background before reading about any particular condition.
The conditions that commonly affect the shoulder, from rotator cuff tears and impingement to instability, arthritis, frozen shoulder and calcific tendonitis, each with its symptoms, causes and treatment options.
The operations used to treat shoulder problems, including rotator cuff repair, acromioplasty, stabilisation procedures, joint replacement and fracture fixation, with what each involves and how recovery proceeds.
How the shoulder heals after surgery, what physiotherapy involves, how long a sling is needed, and the practical matters of showering, dressing and caring for dressings.
An index of the patient videos covering preparation for surgery, the operations themselves, post-operative care and rehabilitation exercises.
Practical information
How to arrange an appointment with Dr Cutbush, what a consultation involves and what to bring with you.
Common questions about referrals, imaging, fees and what happens at your first appointment.
Common questions about having a shoulder operation, including preparation, hospital stay, pain relief and returning to work and driving.
Information for patients travelling to Brisbane for surgery, including options for staying nearby.
About Dr Kenneth Cutbush
Dr Kenneth Cutbush, MBBS FRACS FAOrthA, is an Orthopaedic Surgeon, Adjunct Professor at Queensland University of Technology and Associate Professor at The University of Queensland. His practice is based in Spring Hill, Brisbane.
