The Importance of Fellowship Training in Shoulder Surgery
When it comes to shoulder pain, injuries, and surgery, finding the right specialist is critical to achieving the best possible outcome. While many general orthopedic surgeons treat shoulder conditions, a true shoulder specialist has advanced training and expertise specifically in shoulder surgery, including replacements and arthroscopy.
What Defines a Shoulder Specialist?
A shoulder specialist is an orthopedic surgeon who has dedicated their career to diagnosing and treating a wide range of shoulder conditions. This includes:
✔ Shoulder replacements (anatomic and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty)
✔ Rotator cuff repairs and complex tendon procedures
✔ Labral repairs, including SLAP tear surgery
✔ Minimally invasive shoulder arthroscopy
✔ Shoulder instability surgeries for dislocations
✔ Acromioclavicular (AC) joint reconstructions
✔ Fracture management, including clavicle and proximal humerus fractures
While any orthopedic surgeon can perform shoulder surgery, a fellowship-trained shoulder specialist has spent extra time mastering the most advanced techniques, ensuring patients receive the highest level of care.
Why Fellowship Training Matters
After completing medical school and a rigorous five-year orthopedic surgery residency, some surgeons pursue additional subspecialty training through a fellowship. This extra year of training is dedicated to refining skills in a focused area—in this case, shoulder surgery.
A fellowship in shoulder surgery provides:
- Exposure to a high volume of shoulder cases, from routine procedures to complex revisions.
- Training with world-renowned experts in advanced surgical techniques.
- Hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, including minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures and modern shoulder replacement implants.
- Specialized knowledge of shoulder biomechanics, allowing for better patient outcomes.
Fellowship training is the difference between a generalist and a true shoulder expert.
Dr. Del Core’s Specialized Training in Shoulder Surgery
Dr. Del Core, is a fellowship-trained shoulder specialist who is dedicating his career to treating shoulder conditions with the latest surgical advancements. After completing his orthopedic surgery residency, he pursued a shoulder surgery fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic.
During his fellowship, he gained extensive experience in:
- Shoulder replacements – Anatomic and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty
- Minimally invasive arthroscopic shoulder surgery
- Rotator cuff repairs, labral repairs, and biceps tendon procedures
- Complex revision shoulder surgeries
This additional year of intensive, hands-on training gives him the expertise to provide patients in Nebraska and Iowa with the highest level of shoulder care. Whether you need a shoulder replacement, a rotator cuff repair, or a labral procedure, you can trust that you’re receiving treatment from a highly trained shoulder specialist.
Choosing the Right Shoulder Specialist for Your Care
If you’re considering shoulder surgery, it’s important to ask the right questions:
✔ Is your surgeon fellowship-trained in shoulder surgery?
✔ How many shoulder surgeries do they perform each year?
✔ Do they use the latest techniques and minimally invasive approaches?
✔ Do they have experience with both arthroscopy and shoulder replacement?
Choosing a fellowship-trained shoulder specialist ensures that you receive expert care with the best possible outcome.
If you’re struggling with shoulder pain and looking for an expert in shoulder replacement or arthroscopic surgery, I’d be happy to help. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about your treatment options.
