Anterior Shoulder Dislocation Surgery

Who is the Right Candidate for Anterior Shoulder Dislocation Surgery?

Determining who would benefit from Anterior Shoulder Dislocation Surgery largely depends on a patient’s specific circumstances and the extent of their injury. Generally, a patient might be considered a suitable candidate for this procedure if:

• They have experienced recurrent dislocations that have not been successfully managed by non-surgical treatments.
• They have significant bone loss that affects the stability of the shoulder joint.
• There are extensive soft tissue injuries associated with the dislocation that need to be addressed surgically.

Remember, it’s essential to consult with your doctor or specialist before deciding on any course of treatment. They will be able to provide you with personalised advice based on your individual circumstances and health condition.

What are the Benefits of Anterior Shoulder Dislocation Surgery?

Anterior Shoulder Dislocation Surgery is a treatment approach that provides many benefits to patients, particularly those struggling with recurrent dislocations or notable bone loss. Let’s delve into the numerous advantages that this procedure offers:

• Improved shoulder stability and reduced risk of recurrent dislocations: Surgical techniques such as arthroscopic stabilisation, Bankart repair, and the Latarjet procedure can amend torn ligaments and tighten the shoulder joint, significantly decreasing the chance of future dislocations.
• Restoration of shoulder function and range of motion: Following suitable rehabilitation, a majority of patients regain full or near-full range of motion and functionality of their shoulder post-surgery.
• Ability to return to sports and physical activities: Numerous athletes can return to their sport after undergoing anterior shoulder dislocation surgery, especially if the surgery is performed promptly and they commit to a dedicated rehabilitation programme.
• Reduced risk of long-term complications: Unattended recurring dislocations can lead to osteoarthritis and other enduring complications. Surgery aids in preventing these issues by reinstating stability to the joint.

Improved quality of life: Patients with recurring dislocations often undergo pain, instability, and limitations in their everyday activities. Successful surgery can notably enhance their quality of life.

How to Prepare for Anterior Shoulder Dislocation Surgery?

Surgery for anterior shoulder dislocation requires adequate preparation to ensure a successful operation. Here are some steps you can follow to prepare for your procedure:

• Familiarise yourself with the procedure, including factors like the type of anaesthesia used and anticipated recovery time.
• Quit alcohol or tobacco consumption at least a few days before surgery.
• Follow pre-operative instructions provided by your surgeon, which may include refraining from certain medications.
• Steer clear of supplements or medicines like blood thinners a week or two before surgery.
• Arrange to take leave from work for a few days.
• Prepare for a comfortable recovery by organising all you need within easy reach.
• Ensure someone accompanies you to and from the surgical centre.

What are the Recovery Tips and Precautions to follow after Anterior Shoulder Dislocation Surgery?

Recovering from Anterior Shoulder Dislocation Surgery involves a mix of physical rehabilitation, pain management, and careful follow-up to ensure proper healing and minimise complications. Here are some key points to consider:

• Pain management: Adhere to your doctor’s instructions for pain medication and use it as directed.
• Immobilisation: Wear a sling or shoulder immobiliser as suggested by your doctor to protect the joint and encourage healing.
• Rest and ice: Rest the shoulder and apply ice packs as needed.
• Strengthening exercises: Start with gentle exercises like shoulder flexion and extension to maintain muscle mass and deter atrophy.
• Stretching and range of motion: Gradually regain range of motion through stretching exercises, concentrating on external rotation, and abduction.
• Progressive strengthening: Progress to advanced strengthening exercises like lat pulldowns and shoulder presses to enhance shoulder function.
• Avoid heavy lifting or bending: Refrain from heavy lifting or bending for several weeks.

Monitor for complications: Look out for signs of complications such as infection, nerve damage, or stiffness, and inform your doctor promptly.

Potential Risks or Complications associated with Anterior Shoulder Dislocation Surgery

Like any surgical intervention, Anterior Shoulder Dislocation Surgery does carry some potential risks. It is crucial that patients are aware of these risks so they can make an informed decision:

• Nerve damage: Nerve damage is a potential risk associated with this surgery due to the proximity of nerves to the glenohumeral joint.
• Glenohumeral Chondrolysis: This is a rare but serious complication linked with anterior shoulder instability repair.
• Infection: There is a risk of infection following both open and arthroscopic stabilisation procedures.
• Stiffness and loss of motion: Stiffness and loss of motion are common complications. These can be managed with physical therapy and rehabilitation.
• Persistent pain: Persistent pain is a potential complication which can be managed with medication and physical therapy.
• Degenerative Arthritis: The risk of degenerative arthritis increases with age and number of dislocations. This risk can be mitigated by early surgical stabilisation.
• Hill-Sachs Lesion: A complication where the shoulder’s ball (humeral head) has been badly damaged by dislocation. This can be treated with a remplissage procedure to resurface the head or fill in the defect.
• Latarjet procedure complications: Includes infection, nerve damage, and stiffness.

What is the Cost of Anterior Shoulder Dislocation Surgery in India?

Anterior Shoulder Dislocation Surgery is an effective treatment for individuals who have recurrent bouts of shoulder dislocation. However, the cost of this procedure can vary depending on a number of factors. Here are some things that might influence the overall cost:

• Geographic location: The city where the operation theatre (OT) is located can impact the surgery’s price. For instance, Gurgaon offers these surgeries at a lower cost than many other Indian cities.
• Technique of the surgery: There are several methods for treating anterior shoulder dislocation, and each has its own cost implications. Techniques like arthroscopic Bankart repair tend to be less expensive than open Bankart repair or the Latarjet procedure.
• Facility utilisation: The costs associated with using an OT, like charges for the inpatient stay and operative facility costs, can significantly affect the surgery’s total cost. High-volume facilities may offer savings due to their efficiency and experience.
• Implant costs: The cost of the implants used during the surgery can contribute significantly to the final bill. Some studies have found that implant costs account for up to 41% of arthroscopic shoulder stabilisation’s total cost.
• Surgeon volume: Surgeons who perform a high volume of these procedures may be able to offer more competitive pricing due to their expertise and efficiency.
• Patient characteristics: Factors like age, sex, race, and presence of comorbidities can influence the surgery’s cost too. Studies show that older males with comorbidities tend to be charged more for arthroscopic Bankart repairs.
• Type of anaesthesia: The choice between regional anaesthesia and other types can also affect the final bill.
• Postoperative admission: Staying in the hospital after surgery can result in significant additional costs.
• Additional procedures: If other procedures are performed during the surgery, such as remplissage or rotator cuff repair, these can also lead to increased costs.

These factors highlight the importance of a holistic evaluation of each patient’s individual circumstances when determining the most cost-effective treatment plan for anterior shoulder dislocation.

Is Anterior Shoulder Dislocation Surgery covered under Insurance?

Most insurance providers in India do cover the cost of Anterior Shoulder Dislocation Surgeries. However, the specifics can vary from one policy to another. Here are some inclusions and exclusions that generally apply:

• Inclusions:
  • Medical necessity: Only surgeries deemed necessary for treating anterior shoulder dislocation are typically covered.
  • Preauthorisation or prior approval: Some insurance providers require prior approval before they will cover surgery costs.
  • Procedure code: The surgery must have an accepted procedure code to be eligible for coverage.

• Exclusions:
  • Cosmetic procedures: Any surgeries intended purely for cosmetic purposes, such as those designed to improve the appearance of the shoulder, are usually not covered by insurance.
  • Elective procedures: Procedures performed for non-medical reasons are typically not covered.
  • Experimental procedures: Any procedures that have not yet received regulatory approval are generally not covered.

We recommend consulting with your insurance provider and your doctor about your coverage options before undergoing Anterior Shoulder Dislocation Surgery, so you can avoid any unwelcome surprises.