Surgery For Recurrent Shoulder Dislocation
When your upper arm bone slips out of the rounded socket in your shoulder, it’s known as a dislocated shoulder. Given that the shoulder has the widest range of motion of any joint in the body, it’s particularly susceptible to dislocation.
Such dislocations often result from the weakening of the surrounding ligaments, tendons, and muscles, which normally help hold the arm securely in place within the shoulder socket. When shoulder dislocations happen repeatedly, the tissues around the shoulder become less effective at maintaining the arm’s position in the socket.
A shoulder dislocation is considered chronic or recurrent if it persists for more than a week. There are various treatment approaches for managing recurrent shoulder dislocations, including both non-surgical and surgical methods.
Causes of recurrent shoulder dislocations
Chronic shoulder dislocations can arise from three primary factors:
Traumatic Shoulder Dislocation
The initial dislocation often results from an injury and can predispose an individual to recurrent or chronic dislocations in the future if the first incident is severe.
Repetitive Strain
Individuals with naturally loose shoulder ligaments can experience increased wear and tear from daily activities, especially those involving heavy lifting or raising the arms overhead, leading to chronic dislocations.
Multidirectional Dislocation
In certain cases, individuals may experience dislocations without any prior repetitive strain or injury. These dislocations are unique because they can happen in multiple directions, meaning the ball of the shoulder joint may slip out of its socket in the front, back, or bottom of the shoulder blade.
Treatment For Recurrent Shoulder Dislocations
Shoulder dislocations can be addressed through two main strategies: non-surgical and surgical interventions.
Non-Surgical Management
Initially, non-surgical methods are preferred for managing recurrent shoulder dislocations. This approach encompasses lifestyle modifications, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, and engaging in physiotherapy. Patients are typically advised to follow these non-surgical treatments for a duration of six months. If there’s no noticeable improvement after this period, surgical options may be considered by the healthcare provider.
Surgical Intervention
In cases where non-surgical methods fail to alleviate the condition, surgery might be recommended. The surgical options include:
Arthroscopy
This minimally invasive procedure involves a small cut through which a tiny camera is inserted, allowing the surgeon to examine the extent of tissue damage. Specialized instruments are then utilized to repair the affected areas. This technique minimizes tissue damage and can lead to a quicker recovery.
Open Surgery
Our institute is unique in performing all shoulder procedures using arthroscopic techniques, including advanced procedures like the arthroscopic Latarjet operation.
Post-operatively, it’s common for the shoulder to be supported by a sling to ensure the correct positioning of the repaired tissues and ligaments. After the removal of the sling, which usually happens a few days post-surgery, patients will be encouraged to engage in specific exercises aimed at enhancing their shoulder’s range of motion and blood flow.
Adherence to the prescribed post-surgery plan is crucial for recovery. Most individuals are able to return to their everyday activities within two weeks following the operation, though full recovery can span from 12 to 16 weeks.