What are the common surgical procedures used to treat recurrent shoulder dislocations?
Recurrent shoulder dislocations are a challenging condition that often affects athletes, active individuals, or those who have suffered trauma. When a person experiences repeated dislocations, non-surgical treatments like physical therapy or bracing may no longer be effective. In such cases, surgical intervention is often necessary to restore shoulder stability, prevent further damage, and allow patients to return to their daily activities or sports. This is where consulting a qualified dislocated shoulder surgeon becomes critical.
Understanding Shoulder Dislocation
The shoulder joint is the most mobile joint in the human body. This mobility makes it prone to instability, particularly dislocations. A shoulder dislocation occurs when the head of the upper arm bone (humerus) slips out of the shoulder socket (glenoid). When this occurs repeatedly, the supporting structures such as ligaments, labrum, and bone can become stretched or damaged, making the joint more susceptible to future dislocations.
A dislocated shoulder surgeon is specially trained to assess the extent of damage and recommend appropriate surgical options tailored to each patient’s condition.
Common Surgical Procedures for Recurrent Shoulder Dislocations
There are several surgical procedures used to treat recurrent shoulder dislocations, depending on the cause, frequency, severity of instability, and patient-specific factors such as age, activity level, and bone loss. Below are the most commonly performed procedures:
1. Arthroscopic Bankart Repair
This minimally invasive procedure is one of the most common surgeries performed by a dislocated shoulder surgeon. A Bankart lesion occurs when the labrum, a cartilage rim that stabilizes the shoulder, is torn during a dislocation. Arthroscopic Bankart repair involves reattaching the torn labrum to the glenoid using small anchors and sutures.
This surgery is performed using an arthroscope, a tiny camera that guides the surgeon during the procedure, resulting in smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery. At Amicare Hospital, highly skilled orthopedic surgeons use advanced arthroscopic techniques to ensure precise repair and excellent outcomes for patients.
2. Latarjet Procedure
When there is significant bone loss from the glenoid, the Latarjet procedure is often the recommended solution. In this surgery, the dislocated shoulder surgeon transfers a piece of bone from the coracoid process (a part of the shoulder blade) to the front of the glenoid. This bone graft increases the socket’s surface area, providing better stability and preventing future dislocations.
The Latarjet procedure is especially useful in patients with high physical demands or those who have failed previous surgeries. At Amicare Hospital, this procedure is performed with a high success rate using state-of-the-art surgical technology.
3. Remplissage Procedure
In some cases, a dislocation causes a dent in the back of the humeral head known as a Hill-Sachs lesion. If this lesion engages with the glenoid rim, it can lead to instability. The Remplissage procedure involves filling this defect using the infraspinatus tendon to prevent it from engaging.
This technique is often combined with a Bankart repair and is commonly used by experienced dislocated shoulder surgeons. Amicare Hospital offers comprehensive surgical care that combines both procedures when needed, resulting in better outcomes and reduced recurrence rates.
4. Capsular Shift or Plication
For patients with loose or stretched shoulder capsules (the tissue surrounding the joint), a capsular shift may be performed. This involves tightening the joint capsule by folding it over and suturing it, effectively reducing excessive mobility.
A dislocated shoulder surgeon may choose this technique for patients with multi-directional instability. This procedure can also be done arthroscopically, offering less post-operative pain and faster rehabilitation. Amicare Hospital is known for offering arthroscopic capsular plication with high patient satisfaction.
5. Bone Grafting for Glenoid Defects
In cases of severe glenoid bone loss, surgeons may use allografts (donor bone) or autografts (patient’s own bone) to reconstruct the glenoid rim. Bone grafting helps restore shoulder stability when standard procedures like Bankart repair are not sufficient.
Only a highly experienced dislocated shoulder surgeon should perform this complex surgery. Amicare Hospital houses a dedicated team of orthopedic specialists who routinely perform advanced bone grafting procedures using the latest imaging and surgical navigation tools.
Why Choose a Specialized Dislocated Shoulder Surgeon?
Choosing the right dislocated shoulder surgeon is critical to ensure the long-term success of any surgical procedure. Surgeons who specialize in shoulder instability have deeper insights into the mechanics of the shoulder, surgical nuances, and post-operative rehabilitation protocols.
At Amicare Hospital, patients benefit from:
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Board-certified orthopedic and sports injury specialists
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Advanced diagnostic tools including high-resolution MRI and 3D CT scans
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Minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery options
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Personalized rehabilitation programs
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World-class infrastructure and post-operative care
This comprehensive approach ensures that patients receive world-class care from the time of diagnosis through recovery.
Post-Surgical Recovery
Recovery from shoulder dislocation surgery varies depending on the procedure performed and the individual’s health status. Generally, patients will wear a sling for 2-6 weeks post-surgery, followed by a structured rehabilitation program. Physical therapy is essential for restoring range of motion, strength, and preventing stiffness.
A dislocated shoulder surgeon works closely with physiotherapists to ensure the recovery process is smooth and safe. Amicare Hospital provides in-house physiotherapy services with trained professionals who guide patients through each stage of recovery.
Final Thoughts
Recurrent shoulder dislocations can significantly impact one’s quality of life. Thankfully, modern surgical techniques offer excellent outcomes and restore stability and confidence. Whether it’s an arthroscopic Bankart repair, Latarjet procedure, or bone grafting, a qualified dislocated shoulder surgeon can tailor the right solution for you.
If you or a loved one is suffering from shoulder instability, consult the expert orthopedic team at Amicare Hospital. With cutting-edge technology, skilled surgeons, and a patient-first approach, Amicare Hospital is a leading destination for shoulder surgery and rehabilitation in India.
Trust your recovery to the hands of experienced professionals. Trust Amicare Hospital—where healing meets excellence.
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