Can Modern Medicine Correct an Old Dislocated Shoulder Pain-Free?

Regarding dislocation?

Hello Dr.
Yeh,
I would like to ask a question: When I was six years old, I dislocated my right arm (the joint between the upper arm and the forearm) due to a fall.
At that time, I sought help from a local martial arts clinic to have it reset, but due to poor technique, it was not aligned properly and is slightly crooked.
The bone setter at that time said that it would need to be broken again and reset (wasn't that very painful and frightening?).
Now, 30 years later, although there is not much impact on my range of motion, I occasionally experience soreness.
My question is: With current medical advancements, is it possible to realign it properly without pain? Thank you!

sinki, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/07/17

Dr. Ye Qingnian reply Orthopedics

At the age of six, a fall resulted in an injury to the right elbow, which was a fracture of the right elbow.
This is what caused the bending of the upper limb, and it is definitely not a dislocation.

Reply Date: 2004/07/17

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the possibility of correcting an old dislocated shoulder without pain. Your situation is quite common, and many individuals experience lingering discomfort from past injuries, especially when they were not treated optimally at the time.

First, it’s important to understand that a dislocated shoulder, particularly one that has been improperly set, can lead to long-term complications such as chronic pain, instability, and limited range of motion. The fact that you have experienced occasional soreness after 30 years suggests that there may still be some underlying issues related to the original dislocation.

Modern medicine has made significant advancements in the treatment of shoulder injuries, including dislocations. Today, we have access to various imaging techniques, such as MRI and CT scans, which can provide a detailed view of the shoulder joint and surrounding tissues. This allows healthcare providers to assess the extent of any damage to the ligaments, tendons, and cartilage that may have occurred due to the initial dislocation.

In terms of treatment options, if you are seeking to correct the alignment of your shoulder, there are several approaches that can be considered:
1. Physical Therapy: Often, the first line of treatment for shoulder discomfort is physical therapy. A physical therapist can design a program tailored to your specific needs, focusing on strengthening the muscles around the shoulder and improving flexibility. This may help alleviate some of the discomfort you are experiencing.

2. Non-Surgical Options: If the shoulder is stable but causing pain, non-invasive treatments such as corticosteroid injections may provide relief. These injections can reduce inflammation and pain in the joint without the need for surgery.

3. Surgical Intervention: If the shoulder joint is significantly misaligned and conservative treatments do not provide relief, surgical options may be considered. Advances in arthroscopic surgery have made it possible to correct shoulder dislocations with minimal pain and quicker recovery times. During arthroscopy, small incisions are made, and a camera is inserted to guide the surgeon in real-time. This technique is generally associated with less postoperative pain compared to traditional open surgery.

4. Anesthesia Options: Regarding your concern about pain during the procedure, modern anesthesia techniques have improved significantly. Many procedures can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation, meaning you would be awake but relaxed and pain-free during the correction. Discussing your fears and concerns with your surgeon can help tailor the anesthesia plan to ensure your comfort.

5. Postoperative Care: After any surgical intervention, a structured rehabilitation program is crucial. This will help restore function and strength to the shoulder while minimizing pain.

In conclusion, while the prospect of undergoing a procedure to correct an old dislocated shoulder may seem daunting, modern medicine offers various options that can be performed with minimal discomfort. I recommend consulting with an orthopedic specialist who can evaluate your shoulder and discuss the best course of action based on your specific situation and health status.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have further questions or need assistance in finding a specialist.

Best regards,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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