Shoulder Stabilization Surgery Overview
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body, allowing the ability to lift and rotate the arm, as well as reaching overhead. Even though its wide range of motion is very beneficial, the shoulder is prone to injuries that cause instability. One of the most common injuries that cause instability is a shoulder dislocation. When a shoulder becomes dislocated, the ball (humeral head) and the socket (glenoid) become pulled apart, often causing soft tissues to become damaged and requiring patients to undergo an arthroscopic shoulder stabilization surgery. Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens & NYC area orthopedic shoulder surgeon, Dr. Jonathan Ticker specializes in surgical shoulder dislocation treatments so patients can return to the athletic activities they enjoy while reducing the risk of future dislocations.
Unfortunately, many patients who have experienced one shoulder dislocation are at a higher risk of recurrent dislocations. This is because when the ball comes out of the socket, the ligaments and tendons that surround the socket and stabilize the joint become damaged. The damage often stretches or tears the soft tissues and causes them to no longer fit tightly around the socket.
The initial treatment for a dislocated shoulder is to put the ball back into the socket, commonly known as reduction. It is critical the injured shoulder is observed with imaging tests after it is reduced. Ongoing shoulder instability is more likely to occur if further assessment of the joint is not performed to determine the full scope of injury. Dr. Ticker commonly orders a series of x-rays and an MRI scan to view the bony and soft structures in great detail and to determine the extent of injury. If he feels a surgical shoulder dislocation treatment is necessary, he will recommend an arthroscopic shoulder stabilization surgery.
During an arthroscopic shoulder stabilization surgery, Dr. Ticker will examine the injured shoulder to confirm the degree and direction of instability. He will then continue the surgical shoulder dislocation treatment by placing anchors into the bone on the glenoid (socket) that contain strong sutures. The sutures are utilized to repair the torn ligaments, tendons and labrum. The procedure is designed to effectively “tighten” the shoulder by returning normal shoulder anatomy.
Arthroscopic Shoulder Stabilization Surgery Recovery and Rehabilitation
Following arthroscopic shoulder stabilization surgery, all patients will be required to wear a sling for about six weeks and participate in a thorough physical therapy program. Physical therapy typically includes gentle passive range of motion exercises followed by active range of motion and strengthening exercises. Dr. Ticker and his orthopedic team will continually monitor physical therapy progression until a full recovery is achieved.
Arthroscopic Shoulder Stabilization Surgery Recovery Time
Recovery time following arthroscopic shoulder stabilization varies for each patient, depending on the configuration of the injury and type of repair.
For additional details on arthroscopic shoulder stabilization surgery, or to determine if you are an ideal candidate for a surgical shoulder dislocation treatment, please contact the Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens & NYC office of orthopedic shoulder surgeon Dr. Jonathan Ticker.