This article discusses shoulder surgery types, reasons for each procedure, and the recovery process.
It also covers risks and outcomes.
Rotator Cuff Repairs
The most common surgery on the shoulder is arotator cuffrepair.
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The arthroscopic procedure used to correct impingement is known as a subacromial decompression.
Doing so creates space for the rotator cuff to glide without getting pinched between bone.
This surgical procedure may be performed alone or as part of a rotator cuff surgery.
The recovery process depends on whether the procedure is performed alone or as part of another surgery.
In general, recovery time can take around four months.
If it is part of another surgery, the recovery process can take longer.
There may also be more movement restrictions in place.
Risks include surgical errors or a misdiagnosis, which can both lead to long-term symptoms.
Rare complications includeinfection, as well as pain and stiffness in the shoulder.
This can occur from an injury, repeated trauma, or wear-and-tear arthritis.
This portion of the labrum is especially important as it serves as the attachment point for the biceps tendon.
Once repositioned,sutures, or stitches, are used to secure the bone to the cartilage.
More surgery may be needed if the damage extends into the biceps tendon.
Average recovery time is about three months, but will depend on how severe the tear was.
In general, it can take up to six weeks for the labrum to reattach properly to the bone.
After that, your healthcare provider will recommend ways to slowly begin strengthening your arm.
The majority of individuals recover full range of motion after the surgery.
Even athletes tend to be able to return to their sport without any restrictions once they’ve fully recovered.
In young athletes, the damage most commonly occurs at the labrum.
In a very small amount of individuals, the shoulder can dislocate on its own without an injury.
Repeated dislocations can lead to severe shoulder damage and require major surgery to keep the joint in place.
The recovery period typically takes about two to five months, even with an accelerated rehabilitation program.
Recovery typically involves immobilization for at least a month, followed by strength training.
Research suggests that about 92% of individuals who have Bankart repair surgery report feeling satisfied with their results.
When a frozen shoulder occurs, the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes tight and contracted.
Frozen shoulder tends to impact individuals between the ages of 40 and 60.
It most often occurs in assigned females.
It may also occur after having an arm immobilized after a surgery.
While often treated with non-surgical means, there are rare instances in which surgical treatment is required.
The goal of surgery is to loosen the contracted tissue to allow the shoulder to move more freely.
This is done by cutting the capsule all the way around the ball of the shoulder.
It can be a challenging procedure to do, as the space inside the joint becomes extremely tight.
Another challenge is that once the capsule is cut, the body responds by making new scar tissue.
Outcomes tend to be good after surgery.
Most individuals report reduced or no pain, as well as improved range of motion.
There are several problems that can occur at the AC joint.
The first is that it can wear out.
This can occur as a result ofarthritis, usually at the site of previous injury.
In some cases, hardware such as plates or screws will be placed during the procedure.
This can eventually lead toshoulder separation.
Hemiarthroplasty just replaces the ball of the shoulder, leaving the socket untouched.
Reverse shoulder replacementis another option.
You will need to wear a sling during the recovery process.
Cold therapy and physical therapy are recommended for several weeks.
You will also be given pain management options.
At the top end is a tendon called the long head of the bicep.
This makes the long head of the bicep a common target for shoulder problems.
Biceps tendon surgerycan be performed alone or as part of a rotator cuff repair.
There are generally two approaches used:
The recovery process can take around four months.
However, complications are not uncommon.
Risks include:
Summary
The shoulder is prone to many different types of injuries.
Often, these require surgical intervention.
Shoulder surgeries range from minimally invasive options to open procedures.
In some cases, an artificial shoulder replacement is necessary.
Take your time to make an informed choice and seek a second opinion if needed.
It is important to manage your expectations and fully understand what is required of you during post-surgical rehabilitation.
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