What is the treatment of shoulder dislocation?
When the shoulder first dislocates, it should be put back in joint as soon as possible because of potential damage to nerves and the joint structures. Each time the joint dislocates, there is another chance for further damage to the cartilage surface of the bone and more damage to the ligaments. The corrective treatment of shoulders with recurrent instability is an operative procedure to reattach the torn ligament back to the bone. This surgery is almost always necessary in people under 25 because without repair chance of recurrence is as high as 90%. In people over 40, it is probably better to allow the joint to heal with a period of rest followed by physical therapy. A second dislocation is usually an indication for surgical repair, even in the older age group. How is the shoulder joint repaired surgically? Surgical repair of the torn ligaments can usually be done using arthroscopic techniques. The arthroscope is a small telescope that is inserted into the shoulder to allow visualiza
