Shoulder Nerve Surgery
Patients living in the greater Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens & NYC communities suffering from shoulder pain, numbness and weakness may be experiencing a shoulder nerve entrapment syndrome. Two of the most common nerve entrapment conditions include a suprascapular nerve injury and thoracic outlet syndrome. Orthopedic surgeon and shoulder specialist, Dr. Jonathan Ticker is available to treat nerve entrapment syndromes with both a non-surgical and surgical approach. Patients requiring a surgical procedure often undergo an arthroscopic shoulder nerve surgery that involves a nerve release in order to alleviate painful, unwanted symptoms.
Two of the most common nerve entrapment syndromes that affect the shoulder joint include a suprascapular nerve injury and thoracic outlet syndrome. A suprascapular nerve injury is often the result of a shoulder dislocation, fracture or labral tear. The injury is also commonly associated with overhead athletes that perform repetitive overhead motions. Thoracic outlet syndrome is typically caused by a clavicle fracture or is found in patients with an extra first rib. The thoracic outlet is characterized as the space between the first rib and collarbone.
Patients suffering from a nerve entrapment condition are usually prescribed non-surgical measures at the beginning of treatment. If conservative measures fail to alleviate shoulder pain, weakness and numbness, Dr. Ticker may recommend an arthroscopic shoulder nerve surgery designed to provide a nerve release in order to alleviate symptoms.
A shoulder nerve surgery designed to treat an injury to the suprascapular nerve begins with Dr. Ticker creating tiny incisions at the front of the joint. Through the incisions, he will carefully examine any damage to the nerve, artery and superior transverse scapular ligament (STSL). He will then perform a nerve release, typically at the suprascapular notch, from the STSL to complete the decompression.
A shoulder nerve surgery designed to alleviate symptoms associated with thoracic outlet syndrome is performed through small incisions under the arm. The overall goal of surgery is to perform a nerve release on the nerves of the brachial plexus, the network of nerves that travel to the forearm and hand. If an extra rib is present, it will be removed during the same procedure.
Arthroscopic Shoulder Nerve Surgery and Nerve Release Recovery and Rehabilitation
All patients will be required to wear a sling or similar device for approximately 2-3 weeks following an arthroscopic shoulder nerve surgery with a nerve release. Dr. Ticker will develop a detailed physical therapy program to help improve the affected joint’s range of motion and strength.
Arthroscopic Shoulder Nerve Surgery and Nerve Release Recovery Time
Dr. Ticker will allow a full return to activities once a patient completes the prescribed physical therapy program and feels comfortable with the repaired joint’s overall function. This typically occurs within several months.
For additional resources on an arthroscopic shoulder nerve surgery with a nerve release, you are encouraged to contact the Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens & NYC area orthopedic office of Dr. Jonathan Ticker.