The shoulder is a sophisticated joint that allows a wide range of motion. As the most mobile joint in the human body, the shoulder is prone to a number of injuries, including rotator cuff tears, dislocations, instability and labral tears. Many patients living in the greater Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens and NYC area undergo an arthroscopic shoulder surgery to alleviate pain and to return full joint function following an injury. Unfortunately, some of these patients will begin experiencing pain and other unwanted symptoms because of a failed surgery. Dr. Jonathan Ticker, orthopedic surgeon and shoulder specialist, specializes in treating patients who have experienced a failed initial arthroscopic surgery.
As arthroscopic shoulder surgery continues to evolve and becomes the preferred surgical method for numerous shoulder injuries and conditions, more patients around the world are undergoing surgery. Many patients also prefer an arthroscopic approach since it is minimally invasive and allows a quicker recovery time with less pain compared to a traditional open surgery. However, with the increased occurrence of arthroscopic surgery comes an increase of failed surgical cases.
The most common failed surgeries related to the shoulder joint include rotator cuff repairs and shoulder stabilization for shoulder instability. Post-operative stiffness and recurrent pain after bony resections are also causes for failed surgeries.
Symptoms of a Failed Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery
When an arthroscopic shoulder surgery is not successful, patients often report continued pain, stiffness and joint disability. The exact symptoms vary for each patient based on original shoulder injury and the surgical procedure performed to repair the joint.
Diagnosis of a Failed Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery
In order to determine the reason for a failed surgery and the reoccurrence of symptoms, Dr. Ticker will perform a detailed medical review and physical examination. Patients will be expected to provide him with information on symptom onset, some details of the initial arthroscopic shoulder surgery, injuries to the joint since the initial procedure and the physical therapy and rehabilitation program prescribed following the procedure. Dr. Ticker commonly orders a variety of imaging tests to view the injured joint in great detail and to reach a conclusion on the cause of failed surgery.
Treatment of a Failed Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery
Non-Surgical
Dr. Ticker may begin treatment of a failed surgery with conservative measures to assess how the shoulder joint responds. Patients may be encouraged to utilize medications, receive corticosteroid injections and participate in a physical therapy program designed to stretch and strengthen the affected shoulder structures.
Surgical
If surgery is necessary to correct the initial failed surgery, Dr. Ticker will determine the appropriate procedure during his diagnosis. The main goal of the second arthroscopic shoulder surgery is to alleviate pain, correct the conditions present, and increase joint function.
For more resources on arthroscopic shoulder surgery, or for additional information on a failed surgery of the shoulder, please contact the Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens and NYC area orthopedic office of Dr. Jonathan Ticker.