What is recurrent shoulder dislocation?

The shoulder joint is the most commonly dislocated joint in the human body. 50% of dislocations occur in the shoulder joint. It is mostly seen anteriorly. With the formation of dislocation, the ligaments that hold the arm and scapula together in the anterior-lower part of the shoulder joint and a special structure called the labrum are torn. Defects may occur in the bones as a result of crushing the bones. The dislocated shoulder joint is usually repositioned in an emergency room. A displaced shoulder joint should be followed with an arm sling for 3 to 5 days. X-ray and MRI control should be performed after the shoulder dislocation is placed in its place.

Why does shoulder dislocation occur again?

If the labrum tissue and surrounding ligaments do not heal in the proper position after the first shoulder dislocation treatment, shoulder dislocations may occur even as a result of simple movements. With every dislocation, the joint is damaged. The more time elapsed since the first dislocation and the greater the number of dislocations, the greater the joint damage will be.

Treatment

Treatment planning after the first dislocation is related to age groups. Surgical treatment is not required under the age of 14. Appropriate rehabilitation is sufficient.

 Surgical intervention is required between the ages of 14-18.

Surgical treatment should definitely be offered to the patient between the ages of 18-25.

The activity level should be considered in patients aged 25-40 years. The probability of re-dislocation in this age range without surgical intervention is over 50%.

In patients over 40 years of age, the treatment is primarily carried out with rehabilitation.

It should be kept in mind that the risk of re-dislocation under the age of 20 is 90%. It would be more accurate to plan surgical treatment primarily in young people and athletes to prevent re-dislocation and further trauma to the shoulder.

Surgical treatment is performed by repairing damaged structures arthroscopically. Bone defect that occurs in individuals with a large number of recurrent dislocations or who have been exposed to high-energy trauma during the first dislocation is treated by adding bone block surgery. The use of an arm sling is required for about 4 weeks after surgery. After the arm sling is removed, a 4-6 week rehabilitation program is applied.