Shoulder surgery is a complex and delicate field that requires the expertise of highly trained and skilled surgeons. Choosing the right shoulder surgeon can make all the difference in the success of your shoulder surgery and the recovery process.
With so many shoulder surgeons, elbow surgeons and orthopedic surgeons worldwide, choosing the right medical professional for your needs can be overwhelming.
For that reason, we’ve compiled a list of five international shoulder surgeons, each with unique qualifications, experience and specialties.
From former football players to those specializing in sports medicine, orthopedic specialists and world-renowned total shoulder replacement surgeons, these doctors have dedicated their careers to helping patients achieve optimal shoulder health and function.
Whether you’re dealing with a shoulder injury, frozen shoulder, dislocated shoulder, shoulder instability, a rotator cuff tear, a broken collarbone, shoulder arthritis, separated shoulder, shoulder fractures, or other acute trauma, this list will help you make an informed decision about your shoulder surgery and help you choose the best shoulder surgeon for your needs.
Dr. Kevin Kruse
Texas Orthopedic Associates
Dallas, Texas
Why we like Dr. Kruse:
- Dr. Kruse’s experience as a former football player with injuries and two shoulder surgeries of his own give him a unique understanding of how to treat his patients with care and thoughtfulness.
- Dr. Kruse’s care for his patients goes beyond the doctor’s office. His YouTube channel offers valuable information on procedures, medical terminology and after-care to help answer questions and alleviate concerns.
- As a highly specialized shoulder surgeon, Dr. Kruse performs a large number of procedures annually, allowing him to maximize positive outcomes and minimize complications.
Dr. Kruse completed his undergraduate degree and medical degree at Indiana University, where he was also a linebacker for the Hoosiers. After that, he completed his residency training at Greenville Health System Medical Center in Greenville, South Carolina.
He pursued his subspecialty fellowship in hand and upper extremities at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, followed by another fellowship in Lyons, France, at the Centre Orthopedique Santy. During that time, he trained under Gilles Walch, a world-renowned shoulder surgeon.
Dr. Kruse has authored several peer-reviewed publications on hand and shoulder surgeries, showing his commitment to research and education.
Dr. Kruse, a former football player, is a top-rated, board-certified, fellowship trained orthopedic specialist, specializing in shoulder surgery. He specializes in multiple repairs involving the shoulder, including: rotator cuff repair surgery, treatment for shoulder instability and arthritis of the shoulder, fractures of the shoulder and elbow, revision of prior shoulder surgery, shoulder arthroscopy and computer-assisted shoulder surgery. He also offers virtual physical therapy and telehealth shoulder care.
Dr. Kruse has suffered numerous injuries during his football career, needing six orthopedic surgeries, including two surgeries on his shoulder joint resulting from those injuries. With this personal history being the patient, he understands how to treat his patients with a unique level of care.
As an accomplished and dedicated shoulder specialist, Dr. Kruse has won accolades due to his high volume of successful shoulder surgeries. He averages over 250 rotator cuff repairs and 150 shoulder arthroplasties per year, which has allowed him to refine his surgical techniques and maximize positive outcomes and minimize complications.
In fact, he performs in the top 1% of surgeons for shoulder arthroplasties per patient-reported outcomes. In addition to his excellent surgical skills, Dr. Kruse regularly presents at medical seminars across the nation and has an impressive online presence.
He has a YouTube channel where he explains the entire process of his surgeries, clarifies medical terms, and provides after-care instructions including physical therapy explanation and demonstrations.
He has also included many patient testimonials to help answer questions and alleviate worries. With many online followers, Dr. Kruse has become a reliable source for patients seeking medical guidance on shoulder-related issues.
Dr. Joaquim Casañas
QS Teknon Medical Center
Barcelona, Spain
Why we like Dr. Casañas:
- Dr. Joaquim Casañas is a highly qualified and experienced orthopedic surgeon with a Ph.D. in Medicine and Surgery.
- He specializes in treating conditions affecting the hands and upper limbs, including nerve surgeries and reconstructions.
- Dr. Joaquim Casañas is renowned for his exceptional surgical skills and compassionate bedside manner.
Dr. Joaquim Casañas is a highly respected orthopedic surgeon in Barcelona, Spain. With over 29 years of experience in the field and a Ph.D. in Medicine and Surgery, Dr. Casañas is widely recognized for his expertise in treating various conditions affecting the hands and upper limbs.
He focuses on performing nerve surgeries and reconstructions, using advanced intraoperative mapping and monitoring techniques to identify and reconstruct injured nerves with precision and accuracy.
In fact, Dr. Casañas is one of the few specialists in the world who performs these complex procedures, making him a sought-after practitioner for patients with peripheral nerve injuries.
In addition to his work in this field, Dr. Casañas is also skilled in treating a range of other orthopedic conditions, including calcific tendinitis, herniated discs, osteoarthritis and traumatic injuries like fractures and dislocations. He is experienced in pediatric orthopedics and reconstructive orthopedic surgery.
Dr. Casañas has also authored numerous books and specialized publications on Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology at both national and international levels.
He is a member of several professional organizations, including the Spanish Society of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology, the Spanish Society for Surgery of the Hand and the International Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand.
His peers and patients widely respect him for his exceptional surgical skills, compassionate bedside manner and ability to make patients feel at ease throughout their treatment.
Professor Dr. Clayton Kraft
Helios Hospital Krefeld
Germany
Why we like Dr. Kraft:
- Professor Dr. Clayton Kraft is a highly experienced orthopedic surgeon and traumatologist with 24 years of experience.
- He specializes in musculoskeletal disorders and sports medicine, treating both children and adults, including those with severe accident-related injuries.
- Dr. Kraft is one of the best shoulder, knee and hip replacement surgeons in Germany, and the center he oversees performs about 1,000 spinal surgeries and 400 joint replacements each year.
Professor Dr. Clayton Kraft is a renowned orthopedic surgeon and traumatologist in Germany, currently serving as the Director of the Clinic for Orthopedic Surgery at Helios Hospital Krefeld.
With 24 years of experience, he is one of the country’s most well-known and highly regarded orthopedic surgeons. Professor Dr. Kraft is a specialist in musculoskeletal disorders and one of the most respected sports medicine doctors in the country.
He treats a wide range of patients, including those who have suffered severe accident-related injuries and are in need of joint replacement surgery. He is highly skilled in performing knee surgery, hip and shoulder replacement surgeries, and his center performs about 1,000 spinal surgeries and 400 joint replacements each year.
Professor Dr. Clayton Kraft completed a one-year internship at the Trauma Surgery Clinic and Polyclinic. He has written over 60 research papers and provided studies on treating the musculoskeletal system.
Additionally, Dr. Kraft is a member of the German Orthopedic and Trauma Society and the German Society for Spinal Surgery. He is also part of the International Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, and has been recognized for his expertise by being part of the working group for osteosynthesis issues.
Dr. Christian Gäbler
Confraternitaet Private Hospital
Vienna, Austria
Pros:
- Dr. Christian Gäbler is an experienced orthopedic surgeon with a Ph.D. in traumatology, sports traumatology and sports medicine.
- He is renowned for his expertise and has treated famous patients.
- Dr. Gäbler’s practice at Confraternitaet Private Hospital offers a range of treatments, including knee arthroscopy, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and rotator cuff repair surgery.
Dr. Christian Gäbler is a highly respected and sought-after orthopedic surgeon based in Vienna, Austria. He has over 28 years of experience and holds a Ph.D. in traumatology, sports traumatology and sports medicine.
Dr. Gäbler’s expertise and dedication have earned him a reputation as one of the top orthopedic surgeons in Austria. Throughout his career, Dr. Gäbler has treated a wide range of patients, including famous sports personalities, such as the Austrian National American Football Team.
He also serves as an authority on sports injuries for the Austrian Ministry of Health. At Confraternitaet Private Hospital, Dr. Gäbler’s practice offers a range of treatments, including knee arthroscopy, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and shoulder replacement surgery.
He also consults with other medical professionals to help diagnose joint injuries and disorders in other patients. Also, Dr. Gäbler specializes in minimally invasive treatments for wrist, ankle, shoulder and knee injuries.
Joseph A. Abboud, M.D.
Rothman Orthopaedics
Philadelphia, PA
Pros:
- Dr. Abboud is an expert in treating shoulder and elbow disorders and is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon.
- He has over 20 years of experience in shoulder and elbow surgery and has performed a wide variety of simple and complex surgical procedures on the shoulder and elbow.
- Dr. Abboud has presented over 500 lectures nationally and internationally.
Dr. Abboud is an internationally recognized authority in treating shoulder and elbow disorders. He is a Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University.
He has served as the Senior Vice President of Clinical Affairs at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute. Dr. Abboud has been recognized as an authority on treating shoulder and elbow disorders and is actively involved in regional, national and international orthopedic societies.
Dr. Abboud attended medical school at and received his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine, where he was promoted with “distinction.” He completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, where he also served as the chief administrative resident.
Dr. Abboud subsequently completed two fellowships at the University of Pennsylvania in shoulder and elbow surgery and orthopedic biomechanics. In addition to his extensive surgical experience, Dr. Abboud has an active interest in basic science research.
He has researched the modulation of scar formation after injury and surgery, biological markers for predicting rotator cuff healing and the role of cholesterol in tendon health.
Prestigious grants from the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation, the Department of Defense, and the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine have funded this research.
The Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University and the Deans Award for Excellence in Education have acknowledged his passion for teaching.
He has routinely been recognized for excellence in patient care with top awards and accolades in the field, including the Castle Connolly’s American Top Doctors recognition, the Top Doc edition of Philadelphia Magazine and other regional publications. Dr. Abboud’s goal is to provide each patient with exceptional personalized care.
Choose the right surgeon for your care
Finding a skilled and experienced shoulder surgeon is essential for anyone suffering from shoulder pain or discomfort.
The shoulder is a complex joint, and its anatomy makes it prone to various injuries and conditions that require specialized treatment. For that reason, choosing the right surgeon is crucial to ensure the best treatment plan and outcome in your case.
The five shoulder surgeons we have discussed are among the most reputable and qualified in their field. Each surgeon has unique qualifications and experience. Their expertise has earned them a spot on this list.
The most crucial factor in choosing a shoulder surgeon is finding someone with the expertise, experience and qualifications to meet your unique needs, resulting in better outcomes and ultimately less pain for you.
By researching and carefully considering your options, you can find the right doctor, a qualified surgeon who can provide the best possible care and help you get back to living life to the fullest.