Does Surgical Experience Matter? Why Choosing a High-Volume Shoulder Surgeon Leads to Better Results

By Eric J. Sanders, MD – Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon at Texas Orthopaedic Associates

If you’ve been told you need rotator cuff surgery or shoulder replacement, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is who performs your procedure. While many surgeons are technically trained to do these surgeries, experience matters—and it matters a lot.

Multiple studies show that surgeons who perform a high volume of shoulder procedures—like rotator cuff repairs and shoulder arthroplasties—have better patient outcomes, fewer complications, and shorter recovery times.

In this article, I’ll explain what the research says, how many procedures it takes to master these complex surgeries, and how choosing a fellowship-trained, high-volume shoulder surgeon can help ensure the best possible outcome for your shoulder.

Why Experience Matters in Shoulder Surgery

Shoulder surgeries, particularly rotator cuff repair and shoulder replacement, are technically demanding procedures. The anatomy is complex, and subtle variations in technique can significantly impact long-term function and pain relief.

Studies consistently show that:

• High-volume surgeons have lower complication rates

• Patients recover faster and more completely

• Implants are more accurately positioned, leading to better shoulder mechanics

• There are fewer reoperations and failures

Let’s break down what that means in real-world terms.

Rotator Cuff Repair: What the Data Says

A 2021 study published in Arthroscopy evaluated outcomes of rotator cuff repair based on surgeon case volume.

Key findings:

• Surgeons who performed >50 rotator cuff repairs per year had:

  • Shorter operative times

  • Fewer re-tears

  • Higher patient satisfaction

• Surgeons performing fewer than 20 repairs annually had increased rates of revision surgery

🧠 Translation for patients: Choosing a surgeon who routinely performs rotator cuff repairs—weekly, not occasionally—can significantly reduce your chances of needing a second surgery.

Shoulder Replacement: Experience and the Learning Curve

Shoulder arthroplasty (shoulder replacement) has a steep learning curve, especially with reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA).

According to a major 2020 study published in The Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery:

• It takes approximately 40–50 shoulder replacement surgeries for a surgeon to move past the steepest part of the learning curve

• Surgeons with >100 shoulder arthroplasties annually consistently achieve:

  • Fewer complications

  • Better implant positioning

  • Faster surgical times

  • Improved patient-reported outcomes

📊 In a Medicare study, patients who underwent shoulder replacement by high-volume surgeons had 33% fewer complications compared to those treated by low-volume surgeons.

What This Means for You

Choosing a high-volume shoulder surgeon may lead to:

✅ Lower risk of infection or nerve injury
✅ Better shoulder function post-surgery
✅ More reliable long-term outcomes
✅ Lower risk of needing revision surgery
✅ More confidence in your recovery process

Shoulder surgery isn’t just about the procedure—it’s about optimizing your outcome, safety, and satisfaction. A specialist who performs these surgeries routinely has developed not only technical skill, but also the judgment to adapt to unique anatomy, advanced pathology, or challenging revisions.

What to Look for in a Shoulder Surgeon

If you're evaluating a surgeon for rotator cuff repair or shoulder replacement, here are a few important questions to ask:

• How many shoulder surgeries do you perform each year?

• Do you specialize in shoulder and elbow procedures?

• Are you fellowship-trained in shoulder surgery?

• What are your complication and reoperation rates?

You deserve a surgeon who is not only qualified—but focused.

Why I Focus on Shoulder Surgery

At Texas Orthopaedic Associates, my practice is dedicated to shoulder and elbow care, and I perform hundreds of shoulder surgeries annually. I trained at top institutions, including a shoulder and elbow fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis, and I’ve had the privilege of helping patients from all walks of life—from active retirees to athletes—regain function, confidence, and quality of life.

My goal is not just to perform surgery, but to ensure that each patient understands their options and feels supported from consultation through full recovery.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to shoulder surgery, experience is one of the best predictors of success. Whether you're facing a rotator cuff tear or shoulder arthritis, working with a high-volume, specialized surgeon increases your chances of a faster, safer recovery with better long-term results.

Don’t settle for average—your shoulder deserves the best.

Dr. Eric J. Sanders is a fellowship-trained shoulder and elbow surgeon at Texas Orthopaedic Associates in Dallas and Plano, TX. He specializes in minimally invasive rotator cuff repair, anatomic and reverse shoulder arthroplasty, and revision surgery. To learn more or schedule a consultation, click here.