The shoulder is a complex articulation which includes the shoulder blade, clavicle, and the upper extremity of the humerus.

The overall treatment of this joint is carried out through a wide range of traditional open-surgery techniques, and through more modern arthroscopic techniques. Technique selection is done on an individual basis, taking into account multiple factors about the injury and the patient.

Arthroscopic techniques are minimally invasive for patients: fewer incisions, less pain, shorter hospital stay, and a quicker functional recovery time.

Open surgery includes prosthetic surgery: anatomical shoulder prostheses, covering prostheses, and inverted prostheses for massive rotator-cuff injuries which are not reparable.