Shoulder Dislocation and Recovery: Your Questions Answered

I have been troubled by a long-standing question about "dislocation." Can you help me clarify it? Thank you!

Hello Dr.
Yeh: I apologize for bothering you, but I have two questions I would like to ask.
Thank you!
First question: I injured my right hand while playing basketball in high school, and my mother took me to see a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner (the kind that does manipulation and bone setting).
After three months, I felt something was wrong and went to Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for surgery.
However, after the surgery, my hand still cannot rotate (it remains close to my waist, and I cannot rotate my fist side to side).
Is this abnormal? Additionally, after the surgery, when I do push-ups or certain positions, I feel a tight and painful sensation in the "tendons" of my right hand.
Sometimes, when the weather is bad, I experience soreness in my right hand.
Do I need to see a doctor again for my right hand and possibly undergo another surgery?
Second question: My left shoulder was injured about four years ago in my senior year of high school when a classmate pulled on it while we were playing basketball, causing a "dislocation" between the bones in my shoulder.
At that time, my physical education teacher said it was a "dislocation" and helped me lift my arm straight up, which miraculously fixed it (though I experienced about a week of muscle soreness).
I thought everything was fine, but over the past four years, my left shoulder keeps dislocating whenever I make large arm movements.
Can this be treated, or should I just avoid making large arm movements? I have been hesitant to see a doctor because of my previous right hand injury and the fear of my mother finding out about my left shoulder dislocation.
Whenever it dislocates, I just lift my arm to let the bone slide back into place.
May I ask for your professional opinion? Should I just leave it as it is (since it seems to only dislocate with larger movements), or do I need to go to the hospital? If I go to the hospital, will I need another surgery? These two questions have been troubling me, and it feels like I am destined to be "handicapped" for life.
Thank you!

A You, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/02/24

Dr. Ye Qingnian reply Orthopedics

Left forearm fracture, currently still has poor rotation.
Further X-ray examination is needed to provide detailed recommendations.
When the left arm is raised, it dislocates and can be easily reduced.
I believe it is not a dislocation, but rather a slight displacement.
Since the first dislocation requires a specialist to reduce, for a detailed examination, you may need to go to a large hospital for a CT scan or MRI to make a decision.

Reply Date: 2005/02/24

More Info

Dear Ah You,
Thank you for reaching out with your questions regarding your shoulder and arm issues. I understand that you have been dealing with these injuries for quite some time, and I will do my best to provide you with clear and informative answers.

Question 1: Right Hand Injury and Surgery
From your description, it seems that your right hand has not fully regained its function after the surgery you underwent. The inability to rotate your hand and the tightness you feel during certain movements could indicate that there may be residual issues related to the original injury or complications from the surgery.
Injuries to the wrist and forearm can lead to stiffness, weakness, or even nerve entrapment if not properly rehabilitated. The tightness and pain you experience during push-ups could be a sign of tendonitis or scar tissue formation, which can restrict movement and cause discomfort.
It is crucial to consult with an orthopedic specialist who can perform a thorough examination, possibly including imaging studies like X-rays or MRI, to assess the current state of your wrist and forearm. Depending on the findings, further treatment options may include physical therapy to improve range of motion and strength, or in some cases, additional surgical intervention may be necessary to correct any underlying issues.

Question 2: Left Shoulder Dislocation
Regarding your left shoulder, it sounds like you have experienced recurrent dislocations, which can be quite common after an initial dislocation. When the shoulder dislocates, the ligaments and soft tissues can become stretched or torn, leading to instability. This instability can cause the shoulder to dislocate again with certain movements, especially those involving lifting or throwing.

The fact that you can reduce the dislocation by raising your arm is a sign that you may have learned to manage the condition, but it does not address the underlying instability. Over time, repeated dislocations can lead to further damage to the shoulder joint, including arthritis or rotator cuff injuries.

It is highly advisable to seek medical attention for your left shoulder. An orthopedic surgeon can evaluate the extent of the damage and determine whether surgical intervention is necessary to stabilize the joint. Surgery may involve repairing the torn ligaments or tightening the joint capsule to prevent future dislocations.

Conclusion
In summary, both your right hand and left shoulder require professional evaluation to determine the best course of action. While it may seem daunting to seek medical help, addressing these issues now can prevent further complications and improve your quality of life.
Physical therapy is often a critical component of recovery for both types of injuries, focusing on strengthening the surrounding muscles and improving flexibility. If surgery is indicated, it can provide a more permanent solution to your problems.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider who specializes in orthopedic injuries. They will be able to guide you through the recovery process and help you regain full function in your arms. Remember, it is never too late to seek help, and taking proactive steps now can lead to better outcomes in the future.

Wishing you a speedy recovery and better health ahead!
Best regards,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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