Restoring the strength and coordination of the shoulder is vital if the patient suffers from shoulder instability as this causes various degrees of pain, discomfort, and weakness. Shoulder instability occurs when the ball (humeral head) separates from the socket (glenoid). If it is partial (subluxation), it may last for only a few seconds, but if the pain does not go away, it typically means that this is a significant shoulder dislocation of the ball and socket.
This painful disease can happen for several reasons, including traumatic accidents, overuse of the shoulder, or loose joints. The situation may become worse if the patient does not get the on-time treatment. It may cause serious damage to the shoulder, such as cartilage injuries, rotator cuff tears, and fractures. Hence, you should opt for the on-time best medical treatment to optimise and endurance of the muscles.
What Can Be the Probable Causes of Shoulder Instability?
Shoulder instability can happen for several reasons. Check out some of the following causes that trigger this painful problem in the shoulder:
- Sports Injury
- Overuse of ligaments and muscles
- Falling on an outstretched arm that causes the humeral to come out from the socket
- Connective tissue problems in joints
- Seizure disorders
- Traumatic collision with another person and object.
Watch Out for the Symptoms of Shoulder Instability
Take a look at the following symptoms that patients with shoulder instability may experience:
- Inability to move the joint and intense pain
- Bruising and swelling in the shoulder
- Weakness in shoulder to perform daily activities
- The sound of a pop in the shoulder
- A sensation of increased movements in the ball and socket of the shoulder
- Difficulty in lifting the arm overhead
- Feeling that shoulder is stuck.
These symptoms can reoccur often whenever the individual tries to throw, swim, or tries to pick up things from the back seat of the car, or during sleep, then it is called recurrent shoulder instability. This needs thorough evaluation and definitive treatment.
What is the Course of Treatment for Shoulder Instability?
The treatment for shoulder instability may vary, depending on how severe the problem is. After getting an effective treatment, patients restore strength in their shoulders and return to their work and daily activities.
Nonsurgical Treatment
After an acute shoulder dislocation, the joint should be reduced at the earliest, which can be done with or without anaesthesia. Once reduced, the shoulder needs to be immobilised for three weeks, along with:
- Physical therapy to strengthen shoulders and enhance muscle endurance
- Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation and pain
- Activity modification to reduce stress on shoulders
This non-surgical treatment can ensure minimal chances of recurrences of the disease.
Surgical Treatment
Patients with recurrent shoulder instability need proper evaluation. The treatment depends on the underlying pathology, the age of the patient, and their activity level. Athletes who are more prone to suffering from recurrent shoulder instability or dislocation may need surgical treatment for a sustainable recovery. Likewise, those who experience multiple shoulder instability events and suffer from other shoulder damages (rotator cuff tears, cartilage tears, or fractures) also get surgical treatment.
- Young and active patients are more prone to recurrence; hence aggressive surgical treatment is ideal.
- Patients with recurrent shoulder dislocation with only soft tissue damage like a labral tear (Bankart tear) and a small or no hill sach legion need only Bankart repair with/ without remplissage.
- Patients with Bankart tear or Hill Sach lesion and ligamentous laxity need an additional procedure of dynamic anterior sling of the biceps along with Bankart repair and remplissage.
- Patients with less than 15% bone loss, if they lead an active/demanding lifestyle will need a bone augmentation procedure along with Bankart repair. Someone with a more sedentary lifestyle may require only a soft tissue procedure.
- In patients with more than 15% bone loss, it is also better to reconstruct the bone along with ligament repair.
Dr Banarji’s Expertise In Helping Patients with Shoulder Instability
Dr Banarji is an esteemed Orthopaedics surgeon in Bangalore, with a remarkable career spanning 20 years. Renowned for his expertise in treating shoulder instability, he offers an extensive range of services, including arthroscopy and reconstructive surgeries for the shoulder and upper limb.
Dr Banarji has treated several patients with shoulder instability, including professional sportspersons as well as those who are into recreational sports. Depending on the patient’s profile, he has helped people resume their favourite sport.
