Shoulder dislocations are among orthopedic emergencies. Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist Dr. Lecturer Ü. Burak Çağrı Aksu said that shoulder dislocation can occur in all age groups due to diseases that cause loss of consciousness such as falls, trauma during sports activities, or epileptic seizures. Dr. explains that shoulder dislocation must first be replaced by the dislocated joint and then must receive medical treatment. Lecturer Ü. Aksu said that otherwise the dislocation may recur.
Explaining that the most typical symptom of shoulder dislocation is severe pain, Dr. Lecturer Ü. Aksu explained that although there is sometimes a tingling sensation and numbness in the arm and hand, the pain is so obvious that there is no room for doubt. Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist Dr. Lecturer Ü. Tolga Aksu, Kozyatağı Hospital of Yeditepe University gave the following information about the symptoms, “When shoulder dislocation occurs, the patient immediately applies to emergency services. When comparing the two sides of the shoulder, patients notice a drastic change in its symmetry and the joint is out of place. He also has difficulty moving his arm. The first treatment for shoulder dislocation is to replace the shoulder joint. We can usually do this in emergency situations, perhaps by giving some relaxing medication, without giving anesthesia.”
“The patient should not be kept waiting for a long time”
Stating that the first treatment of shoulder dislocation is done in the emergency room and the patient should not be kept waiting for long hours, Dr. Lect. Ü. Aksu said that shoulder dislocation will cause severe pain in the patient who is kept waiting for long hours and may affect bone circulation and nerve tissue. Dr. says that in this case, the first treatment that needs to be done is to put the shoulder joint into place. Lecturer Ü. Aksu continued his words as follows, “After the first intervention in shoulder dislocation, treatment is planned in the form of physical therapy, surgical treatment or a combination of these, as a result of follow-ups and radiological examinations. If these are not followed, we may encounter problems such as instability in the shoulder joint, re-dislocation, chronic painful shoulder, and decreased range of motion.”
“The probability of second shoulder dislocation under the age of 20 is 90 percent or more.”
Recording that age is a very important factor in the recurrence of shoulder dislocation, Dr. Lecturer Ü. Aksu said, “Statistics show that young people under the age of 20 who have experienced shoulder dislocation are at-risk patients. We see this situation mostly as a sports injury in young people. The probability of a second shoulder dislocation is 90 percent under the age of 20. Therefore, this age group is important. Between the ages of 20 and 30, we do not consider surgery for the first dislocation. We plan physiotherapy specifically for the patient. If a second dislocation occurs, surgery is the primary treatment option in this group as well. The risk of recurrence decreases significantly after the age of 30. When it happens again, we decide whether surgery is required or whether physiotherapy is sufficient with necessary examinations such as MRI and tomography.”
“Physical therapy is always required during the recovery process.”
Reminding that today the treatment is 90 percent closed, that is, arthroscopic surgery, Lect. Ü. Aksu said, “The complication rate that patients may experience after closed surgery is also lower. However, there are things the patient should pay attention to during this healing process. First of all, physical therapy is definitely required during this process. Depending on the patient’s ability, we often find it appropriate to continue with physical therapy. We will complete the acute recovery period within 4-6 weeks.”
“Athletes return to sports activities after the rehabilitation process”
Emphasizing that the aim of surgical treatment is for the patient to be able to use the shoulder stability and return to normal life, Dr. Lecturer Ü. Aksu continued, “Especially for professional athletes, it is much more important to be able to return to sports. After the rehabilitation process, an average of six weeks is needed, although it varies from person to person. Afterwards, the return to sports activities is made gradually. After the injury, we cannot expect him to pick up where he left off. After the 6th week, he meets with the physiotherapist of the team he works for and returns to sports.”
“Do not try to put the dislocated shoulder back in place by yourself.”
Indicating that certain movements should be performed in patients who have undergone surgery, Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist Dr. Lect. Ü. Burak Çağrı Aksu, Kozyatağı Hospital of Yeditepe University, said, “If we cannot perform these movements, movement limitations may develop depending on the healing properties of the tissue. Physical therapy is as important as surgery in operations performed after shoulder dislocation.”
Noting that some people, perhaps under the influence of movies, try to put their shoulder back into place, but this is extremely dangerous, Lect. Ü. Aksu concluded his words as follows, “When the shoulder dislocates, it is necessary not only to put it in place, but also to continue the treatment afterwards. Trying to position one’s own shoulder can be not only painful but also dangerous. Not only does it affect joint health, but it also restricts some activities in your life. Even worse, a person may acquire this as a psychological habit. If this situation develops, the chances of success of subsequent surgeries decrease. Therefore, it should never come to this point.”
