Your shoulder helps accomplish many of your daily tasks. Sadly, because of its complex structure and range of motion, this joint can sustain injury, such as dislocation, more easily than you may think, and you could end up needing surgery.
Let’s take a closer look at this procedure performed by your shoulder surgeon in Maryland.
What Is Shoulder Dislocation?
A shoulder dislocation injury occurs when the ball-like end of the upper arm (humerus) moves out of its socket (glenoid). An anterior dislocation can happen due to a fall and subsequent forward movement of the humerus. The majority of dislocations are of the anterior kind.
Another type of dislocation is posterior. It happens with a backward twisting trauma to the front of the shoulder and upper arm. Either kind of dislocation may be complete or partial depending on the force applied to the joint, the condition of the shoulder, past injuries, and other factors.
Whatever the situation, shoulder dislocations cause:
- Severe pain
- Noticeable joint deformity
- Stiffness and inability to raise the arm
- Numbness
- Bruising
- Swelling
For many patients, the labrum, or cartilage surrounding the socket, is damaged, or the rotator cuff, which stabilizes the shoulder, tears. Rotator cuff tears are common in elderly patients.
How Does My Orthopedic Doctor in Maryland Fix a Dislocated Shoulder?
If you suffer a shoulder dislocation, seek medical help as soon as possible. Your orthopedic surgeon in Maryland will examine the joint and review your symptoms. You will also receive imaging tests, typically X-rays or an MRI or CAT scan.
This information helps your orthopedic specialist determine the best plan of treatment, so you can manage pain and can fully use your arm again. For partial and some complete dislocations, the doctor can replace the humeral head back into the socket. This is done with benefit of local anesthesia. Afterwards, you wear a sling to limit motion and undergo physical therapy to strengthen and further stabilize the joint. Over-the-counter analgesics can help with pain.
How Can Surgery Help?
If the injury is severe enough or if you have had multiple dislocations in the past, you may be a candidate for surgical reduction of your shoulder dislocation. This procedure is done with general anesthesia, and you can expect a period of rehabilitation afterwards to ensure return of full use of your shoulder.
What Do I Need To Know About Shoulder Dislocation Surgery?
There are a number of different repair procedures that may be done as open surgeries or arthroscopic (small incision) surgeries depending your particular needs and goals and your surgeon’s preferences.
Labral tear repair
Also called a Bankart procedure, this surgery repairs fraying of, or tears in, the cartilage that circles the glenoid (socket).
Capsular shift
Repairing repeated dislocations, this accurate surgery sutures overstretched shoulder ligaments to strengthen and stabilize them.
Latarjet procedure
This surgery involves bone grafting to repair the top of the humerus bone or the shoulder socket. Grafting bone is sourced either from the patient or a cadaver donor.
Partial or total shoulder replacement
A common surgery to resolve long-standing osteoarthritis, this complex orthopedic surgery replaces damaged joint components (socket and upper end of the humerus) with metal and plastic parts. The surgeon also may resurface the humerus to optimize its shape and operation.
After your shoulder replacement surgery you can expect to use:
- Opioid pain relievers in the initial post-operative period
- NSAIDS, such as ibuprofen, for the next few weeks to manage pain
- A sling to stabilize the shoulder and arm
- Movement restrictions, such as no crossing of your arm across your chest or lifting it above your head
Your occupational therapist will show you ways to safely dress and bathe. You may be advised to sleep in a recliner at home for a period of time. Three to four times a day, you should apply an ice pack to the operated site.
You will also likely begin a regular program of physical therapy to strengthen shoulder muscles and increase your range of motion and flexibility. Total recovery can take many weeks depending on the nature of your procedure.
Shoulder Dislocation Treatment in Maryland
Our ten board-certified orthopedic specialists offer a wide range of musculoskeletal treatments, including shoulder surgeries of all types. If you have sustained a shoulder injury, or have a degenerative condition, such as arthritis, consult us for a customized treatment plan that will help you manage pain, restore function, and strengthen the joint.
Call us today at (410) 296-6232 for a consultation. Or, use our online appointment request form. We look forward to seeing you soon!
