Did you know that the shoulder is the only joint in your body that can rotate 360 degrees? It can lift, rotate, and reach making it the most “movable” joint. But, because it has the greatest range of motion, it can also have the most instability.
Shoulder instability is when the head of the upper arm bone is forced out of the shoulder socket. This can happen as a result of an injury or from overusing the shoulder. And, once this happens, it is likely that you’ll experience it again because the ligaments, tendons, and muscles around the shoulder have become loose or torn and their what holds the shoulder socket in place.
“Chronic shoulder instability” is the inability to keep the arm centered in the shoulder socket and dislocations occur repeatedly.
Symptoms of chronic shoulder instability include shoulder pain, dislocations and the shoulder feeling loose with the arm feeling like it’s just “hanging there.”
An accurate diagnosis should includes xrays and also many times an MRI to confirm the condition. These imaging tests will show the doctor the condition of your shoulder and let the orthopedic surgeon know how severe the problem is.
Treatment usually beings with non-surgical shoulder therapies, like rest, anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy exercises. If the shoulder does not respond to those, then shoulder surgery may be required to relieve pain and suffering. Surgery can repair the ligament and tendons that hold the shoulder in place so that it becomes more stable.
Dr. Jason Vourazeris, orthopedic surgeon at Ortho El Paso, specializes in arthroscopic procedures of the shoulder. This minimally invasive orthopedic surgery has replaced what once could only be done through open surgery and a big incision. Arthroscopic shoulder surgery can lead to faster recovery time, less pain and a smaller scar. A consultation with the orthopedic surgeon is required before determining whether or not arthroscopic shoulder surgery can be done vs. open surgery.
Ortho El Paso’s Surgery Center offers treatment of chronic instability of the shoulder, post traumatic issues of the shoulder, and the arthritic shoulder. And, Dr. Vourazeris is one of the best for shoulder procedures due to his fellowship training and speciality in shoulders.
If you are suffering from systems of Chronic Shoulder Instability, call Ortho El Paso for a comprehensive consultation at 915-249-4000 or to learn more about our Shoulder Center, visit http://www.orthoep.com/the-shoulder-center.html.
