Dislocated shoulder surgery

Surgery is the only one treatment modality for the patients suffering from dislocated shoulder. This injury features with separation of the hummers and the scapula. This is a very painful injury accompanied by swelling of the shoulder, bruising, weakness of the affected arm, numbness and loss of sensations in the affected area or along the arm. Shoulder dislocation may occur after a simple fall or it may be a consequence of a major collision due to an accident. Traumatic injuries are the most common cause of dislocated shoulder.

Surgery for Dislocated Shoulder

Surgery is the last option for people suffering from dislocated shoulder. The patients are initially treated with immobilization of the affected shoulder, cold compresses, prolonged bed rest and dislocated shoulder exercises. Manual relocation of the dislocated shoulder may be also performed.

The surgery for dislocated shoulder carries certain risks and dangers. Potential dangers include minor impediments in everyday activities, reoccurrence of dislocation and in some cases permanent damage to the shoulder. The benefit of the surgery must exceed the risks and only certain number of patients actually decides for this type of surgery.

Different Types of Dislocated Shoulder Surgery

The surgeon decides which type of the surgery will be the best for the patients. There are several approaches of dislocated shoulder surgery and they include repairing of the rotator cuff, repairing of the biceps anchor or SLAP lesion, anterior/posterior labral repair, tightening of the shoulder capsule and repairing of the capsular ligaments. Severity of the injury, the degree of damage to the shoulder and general health of the patients significantly influences the choice of the surgery.

Dislocated Shoulder Recovery Time

The actual length of recovery time after dislocated shoulder surgery depends on several factors. They include patient's age, previous medical history and extent of the surgery and previous injury. The entire recovery time lasts approximately 2 months. After that time the patient can return to normal daily activities and perform full range of motions of the operated shoulder. In certain number of patients the complete recovery time and re-establishment of all movements of the shoulder are achieved after 3 to 5 months.

After the surgery patients engage in physical rehabilitation. It also determines the length of the recovery time. Physical therapy is of great help and restores all the movements of the shoulder and additionally strengthens the surrounding muscles. It is essential that patients do not engage in strenuous activities of any kind until the recovery is complete. This may only result in rather painful relapse of the condition.