What types of surgery are available for shoulder dislocation?

Question

I have dislocated my shoulder 6 times over the past 9 years. The last 3 times have been within 18 months.
The worst time was last week, when my shoulder went so far back, I was taken to casualty and sedated to have it put back. I was told that part of my shoulder blade has never formed and I will need surgery but the consultant never explained what types of surgery are on offer, and I have heard nothing since. This was 2 weeks ago and the pain is still there and I can feel my shoulder click when I move it back and forth. The slightest free stretch or knock can cause it to 'pop out'
Anyone any suggestions as to what I should do? Do I wait to hear from the hospital or go to see my gp? Does 6 times seem normal and still not have surgery? I have tried physiotherapy to strenthen the muscle tissue but it hasnt worked.

Answer 1

I subluxed my shoulder 13 times over about 18 months and decided to have surgery in 1992. Then, it was called a putti-plat where they take part of the chest muscle and reattached it over the front of the joint to stop it coming out again. When I had it done, it was an open procedure (a scar aout 8 inches long) but unless your surgery was complicated, they may be able to do it via an arthroscopic approach (3-5 small incisions). However, surgery has progressed a lot since I had it done and I am now a physical therapist!

Are you in the UK? That was where I had my procedure done. I would suggest going to see your GP and ask their opinion. I would also contact the consultant directly and ask for an appointment. Go into the appointment asking what is the most appropriate procedure for your particular problem - instability can be caused by numerous factors in the shoulder joint and it is difficult to advise what procedure is most appropriate for your particular condition.

After the appointment with the consultant, research the surgery throroughly. If you are able to discuss the surgery with the physiotherapist to gain their opinion, all the better.

I regained full motion to my shoulder after the surgery. I competed in the sport of triathlon afterwoulds for a few years without any problems. If you can go back to the physiotherapist before the surgery or really work at the exercises to get as strong as possible, your outcome will be that much better. Focus on strengthening the muscles around your shoulder blade and the rotator cuff muscles.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I'm not surprised that physical therapy has not worked. Given the number of dislocations over your life and the recent run of them over the past 18 months, you are definitely a candidate for surgery. If sounds as if your ligaments and possibly tendons as well have stretched to the point of no return. I would have to assume that you will end up with surgery that will remove some ligament and then the ends will be reattached. This process will shorten the ligaments, resulting in a tighter joint that will keep the joint in place. The level of work you need done will dictate the surgery you get. If at all possible, the orthopedic surgeon will operate with scopes, where a few small incisions will be made and the repair can be done through those small incisions. Healing time is reduced, though you will still be disabled for a long time, even up to 6 months or more. If too much damage exists, the doctor may have to open up your shoulder to repair it. This results in a longer healing time, which pushes back the rehab time, making for a longer time with disability.

I'm guessing, since you've seen doctors already, that you have some sort of health insurance. Insurance almost always requires that your GP (or PCP) send you to a specialist in order to receive insurance benefit. That being said, I recommend you make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible. I'm sure he'll send you to an orthopedist and/or an orthopedic surgeon and they'll let you know what your options are. Then you can work with them to fit the surgery into your schedule.

Answer 3

My daughter dislocated her shoulder three years ago. She is 20 now. THe doctor she saw at that time three years ago did not advocate surgery, rather therapy. She popped her shoulder out several times and her family practitioner told her to go to an orthopedic surgeon for an evaluation. The orthopedic surgeon told her she needed surgery. She had it Wednesday and they anchored the ligaments to the glenoid process and shrunk the muscles in the back to the bone, through arthroscopy. The sugery was a success and she has to wear a sling and abduction pillow for six weeks. She has done great. Hopefully, she will have a full recovery.

Answer 4

you are in a tough predicament. I would see an orthopaedic surgeon. Therapy at this time is probably a waste of time. Time off from surgery would be worth it. You can undergo a capsullorapy to tighten your shoulder or perhaps have a bony procedure to repair your glenoid. More than likely a shoulder expert is who you should see.

Answer 5

They move the muscle around the shoulder to stop you physically lifting your arm above shoulder height.
I have the same problem, but decided to be careful and live with it, than be restricted for the rest of my days.

Answer 6

I do alot that dislocates my shoulders they put pins and screws to limit mobility but i can still do everything i was able to do before