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Shoulder Stabilization

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Shoulder Stabilization in Colorado Springs, CO

If you experience repeated shoulder dislocations, subluxations, pain, or a feeling that your shoulder may “give way,” shoulder stabilization in Colorado Springs, CO may help restore stability and improve shoulder function. Shoulder instability can develop when the structures that normally support the shoulder joint, including the labrum, ligaments, and surrounding soft tissues, become damaged or stretched.

Dr. John C. Redfern, MD, provides orthopaedic evaluation and treatment for patients in the Colorado Springs area with shoulder instability and related injuries. Treatment is based on the cause and severity of the instability, the patient's symptoms and activity level, and whether previous nonsurgical treatments have provided adequate relief.

Shoulder Stabilization - Educational Picture

When conservative treatment is not successful or recurrent dislocations continue, shoulder stabilization surgery may be recommended. Depending on the underlying injury, arthroscopic shoulder stabilization can use small incisions and specialized instruments to repair damaged tissues and improve the stability of the shoulder joint. Patients seeking treatment for shoulder instability in Colorado Springs can receive an individualized evaluation to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

What is Shoulder Instability?

Shoulder instability is a chronic condition that causes frequent dislocation of the shoulder joint. A dislocation occurs when the end of the humerus (the ball portion) partially or completely dislocates from the glenoid (the socket portion) of the shoulder. A partial dislocation is referred to as a subluxation while a complete separation is referred to as a dislocation. The repeated dislocation of the humerus out of its socket is called chronic shoulder instability. A tear in the labrum or rotator cuff and a ligament tear in the front of the shoulder (a Bankart lesion) may lead to repeated shoulder dislocations.

What are the Indications for Shoulder Stabilization?

When conservative treatment options such as medications, rest and ice application fail to relieve shoulder instability, your surgeon may recommend shoulder stabilization surgery.

What is the Procedure for Shoulder Stabilization?

Shoulder stabilization surgery is performed to improve stability and function to the shoulder joint and prevent recurrent dislocations. It can be performed arthroscopically, depending on your particular condition, with much smaller incisions. Arthroscopic stabilization is a surgical procedure to treat chronic instability of the shoulder joint.

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery and is performed through two tiny incisions (portals), about half-inch in length, made around the joint area. Through one of the incisions, an arthroscope (small fiber-optic viewing instrument) is passed. A television camera attached to the arthroscope displays the images of the inside of the joint on the television monitor, which allows your surgeon to view the cartilage, ligaments and the rotator cuff while performing the procedure. A sterile saline solution is pumped into the joint, which expands it and provides a clearer view. Bone spurs, defects or tissue tears will be identified.

Your surgeon makes use of tiny surgical instruments that are passed through the other incisions to treat the condition. Any tear in the rotator cuff will be sutured or stapled. The sutures will be held in place with the help of a small anchor that is drilled into the upper part of the humerus. Further, a thermal shrinkage device may be used in order to make the ligaments tight and prevent instability.

What Does Postoperative Care for Shoulder Stabilization Involve?

Following the procedure, your surgeon may advise the use of a continuous passive motion machine to prevent stiffness and improve the range of motion of the shoulder joint. Pain medications will be prescribed to keep you comfortable. A shoulder sling can be worn for 4-6 weeks to immobilize and facilitate healing. A postoperative rehabilitation program including strengthening exercises will be advised for 6-9 months. You will be able to participate in sports in about 18 to 36 weeks after the surgery.

What are the Advantages of Shoulder Stabilization?

The major benefits of arthroscopic stabilization as compared to the open repair are that it gives a chance to identify and treat coexisting diseases, lesser pain and complications, combined with a shorter hospital stay.

What are the Risks and Complications of Shoulder Stabilization?

As with any surgical procedure, there may be certain risks and complications involved and include infection of the surgical wound, post-operative stiffness, risk of arthritis, muscle weakness and injury to the nerves and blood vessels.

Why Choose Dr. John C. Redfern for Shoulder Stabilization in Colorado Springs?

Recurrent shoulder instability can interfere with everyday activities, exercise, work, and sports. Dr. John C. Redfern, MD provides orthopaedic evaluation and treatment for patients in Colorado Springs, CO, experiencing shoulder instability, recurrent dislocations, and related shoulder injuries.

A thorough evaluation is important for identifying the underlying cause of shoulder instability and determining the most appropriate treatment. Depending on the condition, treatment may include activity modification, medication, physical therapy, or surgical stabilization when conservative care does not adequately control symptoms.

When shoulder stabilization surgery is appropriate, the procedure is designed to address damaged or compromised structures contributing to instability and help restore shoulder function. Dr. Redfern can discuss your symptoms, previous shoulder injuries, treatment history, and activity goals when developing an individualized treatment plan.

Shoulder Stabilization FAQs

Shoulder instability occurs when the ball of the upper arm repeatedly moves partially or completely out of the shoulder socket. A partial displacement is called a subluxation, while a complete displacement is a dislocation. Repeated episodes can result in chronic shoulder instability.
Shoulder instability can result from an injury, repeated shoulder dislocations, or damage to structures that help stabilize the joint. Labral tears, ligament injuries such as a Bankart lesion, and other soft-tissue injuries may contribute to recurrent instability.
Shoulder stabilization surgery may be considered when recurrent instability or dislocations continue despite appropriate nonsurgical treatment. Surgery may also be recommended when structural damage makes the shoulder particularly susceptible to repeated instability.
Some patients can manage shoulder instability with nonsurgical treatment. Depending on the condition, treatment may include rest, activity modification, medications, ice, and physical therapy focused on improving shoulder strength and stability. Your orthopaedic surgeon can determine whether nonsurgical care is appropriate.
In appropriate cases, shoulder stabilization can be performed using arthroscopic techniques. Arthroscopy uses a small camera and specialized surgical instruments inserted through small incisions, allowing the surgeon to evaluate and treat damaged structures inside the shoulder joint.
Recovery varies according to the type and extent of the repair and individual healing. A sling may be used during the early healing period, followed by a structured rehabilitation program. Returning to sports and strenuous activities generally requires a gradual progression and clearance from your surgeon.
Physical therapy is an important part of rehabilitation for many patients after shoulder stabilization. Therapy can progressively improve shoulder range of motion, strength, coordination, and stability while protecting the healing repair.
Many patients are able to return to sports after completing rehabilitation, but the timing depends on the type of injury, procedure performed, healing, and sport involved. Your surgeon and physical therapist can guide your progression back to athletic activities.
You should consider an orthopaedic evaluation if you experience repeated shoulder dislocations or subluxations, persistent shoulder pain, weakness, instability, or difficulty with sports and daily activities. Prompt evaluation can help determine the cause of your symptoms and appropriate treatment options.

Schedule a Shoulder Stabilization Consultation in Colorado Springs

Repeated shoulder dislocations or a persistent feeling of shoulder instability can affect your confidence and ability to participate in everyday and athletic activities. Dr. John C. Redfern, MD provides orthopaedic care for patients in Colorado Springs, CO, including evaluation and treatment for shoulder instability.

If you are experiencing recurrent shoulder instability or have been advised that you may need shoulder stabilization surgery, schedule an orthopaedic consultation to discuss your condition and available treatment options. Contact Dr. John C. Redfern in Colorado Springs to take the next step toward improved shoulder stability and function.

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