“When is shoulder surgery needed?”
My husband has dislocated his shoulder 4 times in his life, and often experiences shoulder pain. We are looking to meet with a doctor, but are wondering, when is should surgery needed?
8 Answers
He probably needs surgery. The type will depend on the condition of his cartilage, ligaments and tendons as well as his age and health.
Like most things, surgery is the last option. Conservative measures like therapy and injections can help with pain and instability in many cases. When this fails then surgery for most problems related to instability, labral tears and rotator cuff problems are quite successful.
When he cannot lead the life he wants to lead due to shoulder pain or instability.
Most orthopaedic surgeons would say that he has recurrent instability. With that number of dislocations, surgery is probably indicated.
Your husband should consider meeting with a surgeon now given the pain that he is now experiencing to explore the options to reduce dislocation episodes
and subsequent additional damage
and subsequent additional damage
If his instability has occurred 4 times recently and remains unstable, I would recommend a stabilization procedure.
1. Find a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulders ONLY.
2. Attempted non-operative treatment including PT has failed.
3. MRI scan
Jack Drogt, M.D.
2. Attempted non-operative treatment including PT has failed.
3. MRI scan
Jack Drogt, M.D.
Each case is different. Active people with recurring dislocation should have surgery to stabilize the shoulder unless they are quite elderly.
