Shoulder Stabilisation Surgery

WHAT DOES SHOULDER STABILISATION SURGERY INVOLVE?

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Surgery to fix shoulder instability involves reattaching the damaged cartilage (labrum) to the shoulder socket (glenoid). At the same time, the stretched shoulder capsule will be tightened. You will need to have a general anaesthetic. When you are asleep, your anaesthetist may also place a nerve block injection to numb some of the nerves around the shoulder. In most cases the surgery can be done using a keyhole (arthroscopic) approach . A small camera is placed in the shoulder joint, and the whole joint is inspected for damage. Strong stitches are placed into the torn labrum and capsule, and these are then secured to the edge of the shoulder socket bone using a small implant called a bone anchor. The skin is closed with dissolving stitches. A sling will be fitted to keep your shoulder in the correct position and you will be taken to the recovery area.

In cases where shoulder damage is more significant, open surgery may be required to fully repair all of the injured structures. Parts of the bones in the shoulder joint can be crushed or broken during a dislocation. These may need to be fixed back into place using screws, or replaced with bone from elsewhere in your shoulder (Latarjet procedure) or from your hip.

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY FROM SHOULDER STABILISATION SURGERY?

After surgery is complete you will be taken to a hospital ward. On the ward you can get up as soon as you have recovered from the anaesthetic. Most people will stay in hospital for one night and go home the next day. You will need to wear a sling for six weeks. The sling should be worn day and night to protect the healing labrum. It can be removed carefully for showering. After six weeks, exercises can start under the supervision of a physiotherapist. These will initially focus on regaining shoulder motion, then subsequently on building muscle strength. Full recovery after surgery can take 6-12 months. Most people can drive after six weeks (once a sling is no longer required). Returning to work will depend on the individual requirements of your job. Office-based work is normally possible after a couple of weeks. If you have a heavy physical job, it may take several months or more before full duties are possible.

WHAT ARE THE RESULTS OF SURGERY?

The majority of patients experience restoration of shoulder stability and will be able to return to their desired level of physical and sporting activity. The chance of having another dislocation after surgery is approximately 5-10%.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF SURGERY?

Shoulder stabilisation surgery is generally very safe, and the risks of a significant problem are low. The main risks of surgery include:

  • Infection

  • Stiffness

  • Ongoing pain

  • Re-injury / further dislocation

  • Nerve injury.