Shoulder Reconstruction Specialist

What is shoulder reconstruction?

Shoulder reconstruction refers to several surgical procedures that treat shoulder instability by stabilizing the joint, preventing ongoing dislocations, and restoring function.

Before you have shoulder reconstruction surgery, you first have physical therapy to reduce swelling and strengthen the tissues. Getting your shoulder into the best shape before surgery reduces post-op scarring and speeds up your recovery.

When would I need shoulder reconstruction?

If you have shoulder joint instability and recurrent dislocations, you may need shoulder reconstruction. Shoulder instability often occurs after an injury that damages the ligaments and labrum (rim of cartilage around the socket) that stabilize the joint.

Instability is common after a complete dislocation that forces the arm bone out of the joint. You can also develop instability after a partial dislocation (subluxation).

When the shoulder dislocates, the supporting soft tissues stretch and tear. As a result, they can't hold the joint together, it becomes unstable, and repeatedly dislocates. While the first dislocation typically requires a forceful injury, recurrent dislocations easily occur during normal daily activities.

Though not as common, you can develop shoulder instability without a dislocation. If you frequently make the same shoulder movements, you can stretch the ligaments. This problem most often occurs due to overhead movements such as those required of pitchers, swimmers, and volleyball players.

What symptoms indicate I need shoulder reconstruction?

You can't miss the symptoms of a dislocated shoulder. You have immediate, intense pain, deformity, swelling, and can't use your shoulder.

The primary symptoms of instability include recurrent subluxations and dislocations. You may feel the shoulder slip or the joint may feel loose when you use your arm. You could also have pain during certain movements and popping or grinding sounds.

What happens during shoulder reconstruction?

During shoulder reconstruction, Dr. Codjoe repairs the ligaments and labrum. He carefully considers the direction of your shoulder dislocations and the severity of the injuries before recommending a specific surgical technique.

Whenever possible, he uses minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery when performing reconstruction procedures such as:

Bankart reconstruction

During this procedure, Dr. Codjoe repairs, tightens, and reattaches the ligaments, trims the labrum, and uses suture anchors to reattach the cartilage to the bone. When needed, he also has extensive experience repairing damage to the glenoid bone that forms the shoulder socket.

Capsular shift

This procedure targets the shoulder joint capsule. The joint capsule includes ligaments and connective tissues that surround and stabilize the joint. The capsule is also a sac-like structure that produces synovial fluid.

Shoulder instability occurs when the ligaments and capsule become too loose. A capsular shift procedure treats the problem by tightening the ligaments and decreasing the size of the capsule.

To learn if you're a good candidate for shoulder reconstruction, call Paul Codjoe, MD, or book an appointment online today.