Basics of failed shoulder surgery, complications of shoulder surgery and revision shoulder surgery
Edited By: Frederick A. Matsen III, M.D.
Last updated Tuesday, September 08, 2009
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Basic of failed shoulder surgery and revision shoulder surgeryAbout basic of failed shoulder surgery and revision shoulder surgery A shoulder surgery has failed when it does not achieve the expectations of the patient and the surgeon. Failure can result from stiffness, weakness, instability, pain or failure to heal as well as from complications such as infection or nerve injury. Every surgery has a risk of failure, whether it is an operation for dislocation, rotator cuff tear, arthritis or fracture. Because fracture fixation, Bankart repairs, rotator cuff repairs, shoulder joint replacements, and reverse total shoulders are performed commonly, a substantial number of patients have experienced these failures.
When a patient experiences a failure of shoulder surgery, a surgeon experienced in the evaluation and management of these conditions. Even though the problem may seem to be pain, it is important to identify the likely mechanical causes of the failure, in that a mechanical cause may be repairable. If a shoulder surgery has resulted in stiffness or limited range of motion, either stretching exercises or a second surgery to release adhesions may be helpful. If a rotator cuff repair has resulted in weakness or catching and popping on shoulder movement, a ‘smooth and move’ or possibly a re-repair may be considered. If a shoulder arthroscopy has resulted in stiffness, chondrolysis may have resulted. If a Bankart repair or surgery for shoulder dislocations has resulted in persistent instability or limited motion, a revision repair or removal of adhesions may be of benefit. If a conventional shoulder replacement for shoulder arthritis or a reverse total shoulder replacement has become stiff, unstable or if the artificial components have become loose, a revision surgery to rebalance the tissues and to re-secure the humeral and glenoid replacement parts may restore comfort and function. Finally, if surgery for a fracture has resulted in stiffness or non-healing of the bone, removal of scar tissue and re-fixation of the fracture may improve the result.
The evaluation begins with a history of the shoulder problem, starting before the surgery, a review of the report from the surgery, a physical examination, high quality X-rays, and a complete assessment of the overall health of the patient. This evaluation enables the experienced revision shoulder surgeon to discuss the different treatment options with the patient, including the potential risks and benefits.
Revision shoulder surgery is rarely an emergency. Substantial thought should go into considering the pros and cons of additional surgery and when and where it can be best performed.
Surgery for Basics of failed shoulder surgery at the University of Washington, Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Seattle, Washington If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure in Seattle, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-BONE (2663) to make an appointment. Our clinical center is located in Seattle Washington, USADisclaimer
This resource has been provided by the University of Washington Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine as general information only. This information may not apply to a specific patient. Additional information may be found at http://www.orthop.washington.edu or by contacting the UW Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine.
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