The procedure is scheduled for April 2026 and was recommended by a specialist doctor to repair a high-grade injury
The defense of the former president (PL) presented a request to the STF (Supreme Federal Court) for authorization to perform surgery on the right shoulder. According to the request, the procedure is scheduled for April 24 or 25, 2026 and was recommended by a specialist doctor.
Sentenced to 27 years and 3 months in prison for attempted coup, Bolsonaro has served a temporary sentence since March 27.
The benefit, with an initial term of 90 days, was granted by minister Alexandre de Moraes due to the former president’s health conditions. Lawyers ask that authorization covers all phases of treatment, including preparatory acts, pre-operative, hospitalization, surgery, post-operative and rehabilitation.
On Monday (April 17, 2026), the defense informed that Bolsonaro was ready to undergo surgery on his right shoulder. The lawyers request that the request be urgently analyzed by the STF, due to the medical nature of the case.
Orthopedic reports state that the former president has nighttime pain and functional disability in his right shoulder. Physical examination and MRI confirmed a high-grade injury in the region.
“Within this condition that is refractory to physiotherapy, and considering that it is a traumatic injury, in addition to the improvement in the clinical condition, the patient is ready to undergo the operation”states the orthopedic report.
The medical recommendation is that the procedure be carried out arthroscopically, a minimally invasive technique. Surgery aims to repair the rotator cuff and associated injuries. According to reports sent to the Court, Bolsonaro, currently 71 years old, is showing general clinical improvement after suffering from bilateral pneumonia.
Medical documents indicate “good evolution” of pulmonary and digestive conditions, with a reduction in symptoms such as shortness of breath, tiredness and gastroesophageal reflux. Regarding hiccups, doctors report that there has been an adjustment in the medication dosage, with a response “satisfactory”. Read the document (PDF – 50 MB).
The medical team reports that Bolsonaro’s current routine includes a strict diet and 6 weekly sessions of cardiorespiratory and motor physiotherapy. The former president also undergoes treatment to control his blood pressure.
ORDER HISTORY
This is not the first time that Bolsonaro’s defense has called the STF to address the need for surgery. On April 10, the lawyers sent new reports and physiotherapeutic reports 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 chronic and intense pain in his shoulder. At the time, lawyers already indicated the need for new surgery, although the document did not specify the side of the injury. Here is the report (PDF – 2 MB).
