Shoulder dislocation treatment in Burr Ridge

Also serving Plainfield, Morris and surrounding areas

Dislocated Shoulder Surgery Details

Procedure	• Arthroscopic, Outpatient • Torn capsule and Labrum (Bankart lesion or Perthes lesion) are surgically repaired to restore stability to the shoulder joint.
Duration	1.5 hours–2 hours
Anesthesia	General
Recovery	• Sling for 4-6 weeks. • Therapy begins at week 4 to allow time for early healing • Physical Therapy will last for 3–4 months • Return to work is dependent on type of work • Return to full sports is 4–5 months post-surgery.

Causes of Shoulder Dislocation

The shoulder joint consists of a ball and socket, and when these two become separated a dislocation occurs. There are many causes, but most commonly, some traumatic injury causes the dislocation such as sports injuries, work injuries, falls, or motor vehicle trauma. The shoulder may partially dislocate and return spontaneously to its normal position, or it may come completely out of socket and require medical attention to place the ball back in the socket. The most common form of dislocation is when the ball dislocates out the front of the socket.

Shoulder Dislocation through Age Groups

Younger patients (ages 25 and under) who are active in sports have a very high likelihood of repeat dislocation after sustaining their first injury. The chances range from 50%–90% that the shoulder will dislocate again. In this age group, a more aggressive treatment approach involving early Arthroscopic Surgical Repair of damaged ligaments and cartilage is becoming an acceptable norm, in much the same way a torn ACL is surgically treated early to stabilize the knee joint. Many studies now show significant benefit to early surgical repair of the dislocating shoulder joint in young athletes. There is a reduced chance of arthritis developing in the shoulder when earlier surgical intervention is undertaken for a dislocated shoulder.

Physical therapy will be enough to prevent repeat dislocation for many, but not all, patients in this age group, and treatment is individualized depending on activity level, type of sport, and desire for return to sports.

Older patients (ages 25 and up), are not as likely to have repeat dislocations. Treatment is based on ability to function in life and work. For people who do not re-dislocate, using a maintenance exercise routine may be all that is needed. For people who have instability or looseness in the shoulder that affects daily life or work, Arthroscopic Surgical Repair may be required.

Shoulder Dislocation FAQs

What causes a shoulder to dislocate?

Most cases of shoulder dislocation occur following an injury, such as a fall or a traumatic blow to the arm. Athletes are especially prone to shoulder dislocation, particularly if they participate in contact sports.

What are the types of shoulder dislocation?

The most common type of dislocation is anterior (ball dislocates out the front of the socket). Much less common are posterior dislocations (ball goes out the back of the socket) but these can occur with high energy trauma such as motor vehicles accidents, or during seizures. Subluxation means that the ball moved partially out of the socket in any direction, but not all the way out. These can occur with trauma and with various throwing sports such as volleyball, baseball, softball, and football.

How is a dislocated shoulder diagnosed?

When the ball is stuck outside the joint the patient is acutely aware and in pain. This is an emergency which requires immediate treatment to put the ball back into the socket. Most often this is at the emergency room or occasionally in a doctor’s office, or on the field of play. These cases are usually obvious with a deformed-appearing shoulder and will be confirmed with X-ray. Some patients will experience the ball spontaneously going back into the socket before emergency treatment is rendered. These situations still require orthopedic evaluation with X-ray and MRI. 

A subluxation can be more subtle. Often athletes will feel a quick out and back in movement to the ball and socket of the shoulder. These injuries require evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon, along with X-rays and often MRI. 

Is surgery necessary for shoulder dislocation?

Research and statistics show that younger age and athletic activity at the time of a first dislocation are high risk factors for repeat dislocation. For patients under age 25 and athletically active, the chance of repeat dislocations is 80%-90%. This chance of re-dislocation decreases with age and with lower athletic activity. For younger patients, surgery is often required. This will stabilize the joint, significantly reduce the chance for repeat dislocation, and help to prevent further damage and arthritis in the shoulder. Some patients may still do well with time and physical therapy alone, without surgery. Many athletes in season choose to rehab and attempt to return to play after the initial injury, and plan for surgical repair after the season.

How soon can an athlete return to sports after shoulder dislocation? If the shoulder is treated without surgery and rehabilitation is successful, athletes can return to play often within a month. When arthroscopic surgery is performed to repair a dislocated shoulder, it can take 6-8 months to return to sports. Return to play is guided by the surgeon and the physical therapy team throughout the rehabilitation process.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Dr. David Burt is a renowned sports medicine physician who is dedicated to helping his patients live life free from chronic pain or discomfort. He specializes in treatment of shoulder injuries, and offers a number of treatment solutions to patients who suffer from shoulder dislocation. In addition to treating shoulder dislocations caused by sports injuries, Dr. Burt works with patients in need of a workers compensation surgeon. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, contact his practice today at 815-267-8825. Dr. Burt proudly serves patients throughout Naperville, Joliet and Aurora, IL.