Bolsonaro is ready for shoulder surgery, defense tells STF

The STF (Supreme Federal Court) received, this Friday (April 17, 2026), documents from (PL)’s defense informing that the former president is able to undergo surgery on his right shoulder. Medical reports attached to the process indicate an improvement in the general clinical condition of the 71-year-old former president, who was recently treated for bilateral pneumonia.

According to documents sent to the Court, Bolsonaro presented “good evolution” in the pulmonary and digestive systems, with a reduction in symptoms of shortness of breath, fatigue and reflux. The medical team also reported that the hiccups were controlled after adjusting the medication. Clinical improvement was the necessary requirement to move forward with orthopedic treatment. Read the document [PDF – 50 MB].

Despite the evolution, the report shows that the former president continues to have night pain and functional incapacity in his shoulder. Imaging exams confirmed a high-grade injury, and the recommendation is for intervention via arthroscopy, a method considered minimally invasive. According to doctors, Bolsonaro’s routine includes a strict diet and 6 weekly physiotherapy sessions to control motor and blood pressure.

ORDER HISTORY

This is not the first time that Bolsonaro’s defense has called the STF to address the need for surgical intervention. On April 10, the lawyers had already sent new reports and physiotherapeutic reports to the Court. The documents were filed within the scope of EP (Penal Execution) 169, under the report of Minister Alexandre de Moraes. Read (PDF – 343 kB).

Before that, on April 3, the defense filed another physical therapy report stating that the former president suffered from chronic and severe shoulder pain. At the time, lawyers already indicated that the former head of state should undergo new surgery at the site soon, although the document did not specify the side of the injury. Here is the report (PDF – 2 MB).