Shoulder Instability - Traumatic >> FAQs
A teenager has a first dislocation event. What is the likelihood
that recurrent instability will develop?
Older research suggests that up to 90% of teenagers will develop
recurrent instability after a first dislocation. More recent studies
put that number closer to 70%. It is clear, however, that the younger
a person is when the first injury occurs, the greater the risk is
that recurrent instability will develop.
What is the point of doing physical therapy for the rotator cuff
if the labrum and ligaments are torn?
The rotator cuff muscles and the periscapular muscles are important
in maintaining shoulder stability. The more ineffective the ligaments
are at supporting the shoulder, the more important muscular strength
becomes for the control of the shoulder. Strengthening the muscles
around the shoulder may provide enough stability to prevent recurrent
dislocations and eliminate the need for surgery.
Should an open or arthroscopic surgery be performed?
The decision to have an open or arthroscopic repair depends on many
factors. The cause of the instability, the total number of dislocations,
and which technique the surgeon uses are important considerations
when choosing the method of reconstruction. A thorough discussion
with the surgeon of the treatment options is essential. Regardless
of the technique used, the rehabilitation following surgery is the
same.
Is a laser used to make the shoulder more stable?
Thermal capsulorraphy (heat treatment of the shoulder
capsule) is a new technique developed to achieve shoulder stability.
Newer techniques involve a radio frequency probe instead of a laser
to shrink the capsule. This type of treatment continues to evolve,
and its results are still being evaluated.
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