Types of Shoulder Dislocation Surgery
A shoulder dislocation occurs when the upper arm bone (humerus) dislodges from its socket in the shoulder blade. Sometimes, this condition can be managed without surgery through techniques such as immobilization and physical therapy. However, if the shoulder keeps dislocating or if there is severe damage to the surrounding ligaments and muscles, surgery may be required to repair the joint and prevent future dislocations.
In this blog, we will explore the different types of shoulder dislocation surgeries and explain each in simple, beginner-friendly language.
1. Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery
Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure where the surgeon uses a small camera (arthroscope) to look inside the shoulder joint. This surgery is commonly used to repair labral tears or damaged ligaments after a shoulder dislocation.
Procedure:
- Small incisions are made around the shoulder.
- The arthroscope (camera) is inserted into one of the incisions to guide the surgeon.
- Tiny surgical instruments are inserted through the other incisions to repair the damage inside the shoulder.
Benefits:
- Less invasive: Small incisions mean less damage to surrounding tissues.
- Faster recovery: Since the surgery is less invasive, the recovery time is usually shorter.
- Less pain: There is typically less pain and scarring compared to open surgery.
Why It’s Important: Arthroscopic surgery is ideal for people with mild to moderate shoulder injuries, as it helps stabilize the joint while minimizing recovery time.
2. Open Shoulder Surgery
Open surgery is used when the damage to the shoulder joint is more severe, and a larger incision is needed to access and repair the shoulder. In this procedure, the surgeon makes a longer cut to directly view the joint and surrounding tissues.
Procedure:
- A larger incision is made to expose the shoulder joint.
- The surgeon repairs the torn ligaments, muscles, or bone fractures in the shoulder.
- The joint is stabilized to prevent future dislocations.
Benefits:
- More extensive repairs: Open surgery allows for more complex and detailed repairs, making it suitable for serious injuries.
- Long-term stability: This procedure provides strong, lasting support for the shoulder, especially for individuals with multiple dislocations.
Why It’s Important: Open surgery is recommended for patients with repeated shoulder dislocations or severe structural damage to the joint.
3. Latarjet Procedure
The Latarjet procedure is performed when there is a significant loss of bone from the shoulder socket (glenoid). This surgery helps to stabilize the shoulder joint by transferring a piece of bone from another part of the shoulder to the glenoid.
Procedure:
- The surgeon removes a small piece of bone (coracoid process) from the front of the shoulder.
- This bone is then attached to the glenoid to fill the bone loss and create a stronger shoulder socket.
- The coracoid process is held in place with screws to provide extra support to the joint.
Benefits:
- Strong stabilization: The transferred bone adds strength to the shoulder socket, making it more difficult for the joint to dislocate.
- Prevents repeated dislocations: This surgery is effective for individuals who have had several dislocations due to bone loss.
Why It’s Important: The Latarjet procedure is ideal for people with shoulder instability caused by significant bone loss, as it reinforces the shoulder socket and prevents future dislocations.
4. Bankart Repair
A Bankart lesion occurs when the labrum (the cartilage around the shoulder socket) tears due to a dislocation. This type of injury is common in younger individuals or athletes. The Bankart repair surgery is done to fix the torn labrum and stabilize the shoulder.
Procedure:
- The torn labrum is re-attached to the socket using small anchors or sutures.
- These anchors help the labrum heal and create a stable shoulder joint.
- The surgery can be done either arthroscopically (through small incisions) or as open surgery, depending on the severity of the tear.
Benefits:
- Stabilizes the shoulder: Repairing the torn labrum prevents future dislocations and restores shoulder function.
- Minimally invasive option: When done arthroscopically, it requires only small incisions, leading to quicker recovery.
Why It’s Important: Bankart repair is essential for people who have suffered a labral tear after a shoulder dislocation, as it strengthens the shoulder joint and reduces the risk of repeated dislocations.
5. Capsular Shift Surgery
In some cases, shoulder dislocations occur due to loose ligaments, which allow the shoulder joint to move excessively. Capsular shift surgery is performed to tighten these loose ligaments and prevent the shoulder from dislocating again.
Procedure:
- The surgeon makes small incisions around the shoulder.
- The shoulder capsule (the tissue that surrounds the joint) is tightened by folding or suturing the capsule to make it smaller.
- The tightened capsule restricts excess movement and provides better support to the joint.
Benefits:
Improves stability: Tightening the loose ligaments gives the shoulder joint more stability.
Prevents further dislocations: By restricting movement, this surgery reduces the chance of future shoulder dislocations.
Why It’s Important: Capsular shift surgery is ideal for individuals with shoulder instability caused by loose ligaments, as it prevents future dislocations by creating a tighter and more stable joint.
6. Rotator Cuff Repair
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that help move and stabilize the shoulder. Sometimes, these muscles are damaged during a shoulder dislocation. Rotator cuff repair surgery is needed to fix torn tendons and restore shoulder function.
Procedure:
The surgeon re-attaches the torn tendons to the bone using sutures or anchors.
The tendons are sewn back to their original position to allow them to heal.
Benefits:
Restores strength and function: Repairing the rotator cuff muscles helps regain shoulder strength and range of motion.
Prevents further injury: By fixing the torn tendons, the shoulder is better protected from future damage.
Why It’s Important: Rotator cuff repair is important for people with damaged shoulder tendons, as it restores full movement and prevents additional injuries.
Shoulder dislocation surgeries are essential for individuals with recurrent dislocations or severe shoulder injuries. Depending on the type of injury, doctors may recommend different types of surgeries, such as arthroscopic surgery, open surgery, Latarjet procedure, or Bankart repair. Each procedure is designed to stabilize the shoulder, repair damaged tissues, and prevent future dislocations. Understanding these different options can help patients make informed decisions about their treatment and recovery.