Even immediately after the season Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford did not expect to undergo shoulder surgery.At least that is what he said. But that all changed with his most recent examination on Monday.

Stafford underwent successful surgery on his right/throwing shoulder on Friday. It was done by noted orthopedic specialist Dr. James Andrews at the Andrews Institute in Pensacola, Fla. It was announced by the Lions late Friday afternoon.

In a statement Andrews said: “Matthew’s procedure (AC joint repair) today was very successful. It went very well. We now have plenty of time for a full recovery in order for him to get ready for next season. The procedure is the same one that we have successfully performed on a number of NFL quarterbacks. Matthew has one of the strongest arms in the League and I am confident that he will be as strong as ever.”

Stafford injured his shoulder in the opener at Chicago on Sept. 12 and then again against the Jets on Nov. 7. He was out for the remainder of the season.

“After Matt hurt his shoulder in the Jets game he was examined by both our medical staff and Dr. Andrews. There was a consensus at the time to proceed with a rehabilitation program and not to have surgery,'' coach Jim Schwartz said in a statement.

“Subsequent evaluations toward the end of the season by our staff and Dr. Andrews also confirmed that Matt had been making good progress with his rehab. But after Matt’s most recent visit to Dr. Andrews, it was determined by Dr. Andrews that Matt’s healing process could be enhanced by undergoing surgery at this time,'' Schwartz added.

The coach said that continuing the rehab program without surgery was still an option, but Stafford decided to have the surgery now so he will have plenty of time to recover and rehab before this coming season.

“We have full confidence that Matt will be 100 percent before the start of training camp,'' Schwartz said.

Stafford, the top overall pick in the 2009 draft, has been hampered with injuries for his first two seasons. In the 2009 season he was able to start just 10 games due to a left shoulder and a knee injury.

In the 2010 season he started three games. He was injured just before halftime in the opener and didn't play again until Oct 31. He picked up the win against the Redskins that day, then was injured in the second half of the game against the Jets.

(Follow me on Twitter @PaulaPasche.)