U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Credit: Jason Doiy/ ALM

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor on Tuesday will undergo reverse total shoulder replacement surgery.

Sotomayor injured her left shoulder in a fall at her home on April 16, according to the court's public information office. Specialists recommended the surgery after tests revealed she had suffered a “multipart displaced head splitting fracture of her proximal humerus,” according to a statement from the court.

The justice, who keeps a very active speaking schedule, will curtail activities for the next few weeks, the court said. She also will wear a sling for several weeks and undergo physical therapy for several months. The justice was on the bench immediately after the fall at home.

Sotomayor is expected to recover full mobility and shoulder function, according to the court.

The 63-year-old justice has suffered other orthopedic injuries in recent years:

➤➤ In June 2009, before joining the court, she broke her ankle at New York's LaGuardia Airport as she rushed to make a flight to Washington to meet with senators in anticipation of her confirmation hearing.

➤➤ In April 2014, Sotomayor tripped on a sidewalk in New York City and broke four bones in her hand. She wore a cast on her forearm and hand.

After the 2014 episode, Sotomayor said, “My mother thinks I'm clumsy.”

The high court completed oral arguments for the current term on April 25. May and June are generally heavy decision months.

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