South Africa begin their three-month tour of England with a one-day international against the hosts at Leeds on Wednesday and team manager Mohammed Moosajee admitted the players are concerned.
Quinton de Kock's participation in the upcoming Indian Premier League was, on Thursday, thrown into jeopardy.
AB de Villiers has resigned as South Africa's Test captain, opening the way for childhood friend Faf du Plessis to take over on a permanent basis.
The 33-year-old Steyn returned home for the operation in Cape Town, which was performed on Thursday, and had a screw inserted in his right shoulder blade.
South African fast bowler Dale Steyn will not bowl again in the opening Test against England at Kingsmead after his shoulder spasm failed to clear up overnight, officials said on Tuesday.
After he whipped off the bails to run out AB de Villiers, Nathan Lyon leapt over him in celebration, dropping the ball on his opponent before joining his team mates in a jig of joy.
Steve Smith accused South Africa wicketkeeper Quniton de Kock of setting off a heated dispute by making a personal remark to David Warner
Ben Stokes claimed a wicket for England in the first session of the third cricket test at the Wanderers on Thursday, but South Africa dealt with the early swing from the bowlers and advanced to 73 for one at lunch. South African wicketkeeper Dane Vilas was forced to make a desperate dash to the ground, including a police escort from the airport, after being called up as a late replacement for the injured Quinton de Kock. Stiaan van Zyl was the only wicket to fall for South Africa as he top-edged an attempted pull straight up in the air and was caught by wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow off Stokes' bowing for 21.
South Africa captain Faf du Plessis will miss the remainder of his side's limited overs tour to Sri Lanka after injuring his shoulder in Sunday's 78-run victory that clinched the one-day international series.
New Zealand paceman Southee ruled out; Proteas 'keeper De Kock doubtful starter
South Africa coach Ottis Gibson said people should not harbour thoughts that they have complaints about the wicket even as the home players went off the ground after Dean Elgar took a blow on his helmet.
The International Cricket Council's response to the Australian ball tampering incident in the third test at Newlands is firmly under the spotlight with strong punishment expected for the culprits, South Africa coach Ottis Gibson said on Sunday.