The shoulder is a complex joint that offers an impressive range of motion, but precisely this flexibility is accompanied by increased sensitivity to injuries and destabilization. Shoulder instability is one of the most common diseases, especially in young and sports active populations.
The shoulder joint acts as a “ball and socket” joint, that is, as a sphere (the head of the bone) that moves within a hollow surface (the shoulder). This structure gives the shoulder the highest possible range of motion throughout the human body. However, to make this joint functional and stable, many factors are required to ensure that the head of the arm remains firmly in the shoulder during movements.
What is shoulder instability?
When the mechanisms that hold the arm of the arm in the shoulder are unable to function properly, then the joint becomes unstable. This means that the head can move too much or even get out of place, causing the so -called shoulder dislocation.
The instability may be due to:
- Injuries (eg falls, abrupt movements)
- Excessive use and stress (as in athletes making repetitive movements)
- Weakness of the muscular background supporting the joint
What are the symptoms?
Patients with shoulder instability usually experience:
- Intense pain in the shoulder area, especially during movements
- Feeling of relaxation of the joint
- Restriction of movement
- In some cases, real dislocations, where the shoulder comes out of place either forward or backwards.
This situation creates great difficulty in everyday life, and even simple movements can become painful and dangerous.
How is shoulder volatility treated?
When dislocation occurs, the first step is the immediate recovery, that is, the reposition of the head of the arm in the shoulder. This process is usually done in emergencies.
After the recovery, the patient undergoes detailed imaging (eg magnetic resonance imaging) to evaluate the damage and extent of the problem. Restoring normal shoulder function is the next and most important step.
Modern Surgical Techniques: Arthroscopy
In recent years, the treatment of shoulder instability has been significantly improved by the introduction of arthroscopy, a minimally invasive method. Through small holes, the surgeon introduces a small camera and specialized joint tools, allowing accurate diagnosis and treatment. A common problem in patients with instability is to detach the cartilage (an important structure that helps in the stability of the joint). With arthroscopy, this cartilage is mobilized and reinstalled in its correct position with special stitches and bucks, which may be metallic or absorbable, depending on the needs and age of the patient.
The intervention and the restoration
Arthroscopic shoulder trigger procedures are usually performed as a day-case, that is, the patient enters the hospital in the morning and returns home in the afternoon.
After surgery, there is a specific rehabilitation protocol:
- Three weeks of immobilization with special splint to protect the joint
- From the fourth week, mild physiotherapy with passive motion range
- From sixth week, active exercises and gradual muscle strengthening
- Complete return to activities depends on the patient’s level of activity, with athletes following more
Specialized protocols.
What are the chances of relapse?
The restoration of the joint through modern techniques is considered definitive. However, there is always a slight chance of relapse, especially in athletes or people with intense physical activity who may suffer a new injury.
In these cases, there are now sophisticated methods of dealing with a solution.
The importance of specialization and equipment
The success of treatment depends not only on the technology but also on the experience of the physician. Surgical shoulder repair requires specialization and modern logistical equipment, which is available in specialized centers.
Shoulder volatility is a serious situation that affects the quality of life of many people. Fortunately, progress in medicine and surgery today offers safe and effective solutions, with the aim of restoring the normal functioning of the joint and returning to daily and sports activities.
With a proper diagnosis, timely treatment and specialized care, shoulder volatility can be fully treated, giving the patient again freedom of movement, without pain and restrictions.
Written by Dr. Gavriilides JosephOrthopedist, Director of the Second Orthopedic Clinic Medical Inter -Balkan Thessaloniki
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