Shoulder Dislocation Surgery FAQ’s
If you suffer from a shoulder dislocation, you may have questions about the shoulder dislocation and the surgery you need. Below we have listed the answers to some of the frequently asked questions.
What is the most appropriate treatment for a dislocated shoulder?
Modification of activities and/or sling immobilization. Anti-inflammatory medication. Icing or applying heat to the shoulder joint. Strengthening exercises and/or physical therapy.
Can a dislocated shoulder heal itself?
If you have a fairly simple shoulder dislocation that does not cause major nerve or tissue damage, your shoulder should be able to heal within a few weeks, but you’ll be at higher risk for another dislocation in the future.
How long does it take to recover from a dislocated shoulder?
A dislocated shoulder will require about 12 to 16 weeks of recovery before you can stop wearing the sling. The majority of activities can usually be resumed within 2 weeks, but you should avoid heavy lifting and sports involving shoulder movements for up to 3 months.
What happens if a dislocated shoulder is not treated?
A shoulder dislocation left untreated will worsen in both pain and swelling. You will lose considerable mobility in the shoulder. Additional damage can occur to surrounding blood vessels and ligaments.
How do you sleep with a dislocated shoulder?
A dislocated shoulder may cause great pain when you sleep on it. Sleep on the back or the opposite shoulder, with a pillow under the armpit of the affected shoulder. The sling should be worn at night until your doctor or physiotherapist advises you to take it off.
What type of anesthesia is used for shoulder dislocation?
The patient is usually given intravenous (IV) anesthesia to reduce pain and make them unconscious for a short period of time. During sedation, the physician will manually reposition the dislocated shoulder.
How successful is shoulder dislocation surgery?
It is not possible to treat recurrent dislocations of the shoulder without surgery. The success rate for surgical reconstruction is reliably over 90%. While performing an intense activity, success is defined as the absence of additional episodes of instability.
What percentage of shoulder dislocations require surgery?
Twenty-two percent of patients aged 12-22 years with recurrent instability became stable 15–25 years after the initial injury, which led the authors to conclude that 30–50% would undergo unnecessary surgery.
How do you know if you need surgery after shoulder dislocation?
However, if you experience pain or weakness in your arm for more than a few weeks, you may need surgery. Severe tears may also require surgery to restore the ligaments.
What are the long-term effects of a dislocated shoulder?
As a result, a simple dislocated shoulder may result in persistent discomfort and limited range of motion for years. When you suffer from shoulder pain and stiffness, it can slow down your active lifestyle and prevent you from performing simple daily activities like getting dressed or reaching for a book on a shelf.
