Separated Shoulder Advice

[mwilly]

Ive recently suffered a 3rd/4th degree AC shoulder separation which is complete tearing of the ligaments that make up the AC joint. Im looking for for advice/experience with this type of injury from fellow windsurfers and sports oriented people. Docs are split on whether to repair surgically or leave it alone. Most are saying leave it alone and if it doesnt come back OK do the surgery later. Pretty much all the athletic types Ive talked to who have been through this were not happy with the non-surgical route. Any experience on this at all would be appreciated.

[laudermouth]

Yes have it fixed go to rehab so you can start having fun! Docs. always use surary as last means so you may need to fail rehab once first for the inc.co.

[dblack]

Mark, I too have a completely separated shoulder (mountain biking) as does a sailing buddy of mine. I did mine about six years ago and have never had surgery. I made the decision not to have surgery at the advice of the orthopedics at Kerlan-Jobe. These guys are recognized as the best in their field. My guy told me that the implant ligaments will never be even half as strong as the original ligaments and could very well separate again due to a much less signifigant impact. I started doing push ups about six weeks after the injury happened. Another two or three weeks and I was back riding. Sure the shoulder feels a little funny, but you get used to it. With time the prominence of the collarbone becomes almost invisible. With the sugery you will have to take another six to eight weeks to recover and your shoulder could remain quite stiff for years to come. Just lift weights and you will not even notice after a while, besides, chicks dig it when you have disfigurements that show how hard you are. I am a little bit confused about what youre doctors mean by the separation coming back. Uh, your arm is no longer attached to your collarbone; this doesnt come and go, it just is the way it is.

[mwilly]

David,
It sounds like you have been good to go w/out surgery. Im trying the same. Its been 5 weeks since it happened and Im starting rehab/PT in a few days. Thanks so much for relating your experience.

Note: By coming back I just meant healing to the point that it will be functional. I did not mean that the gap between clavicle and AC would return to normal (I know it wont).

[isobars]

Docs go for surgery last? Not the ones who make a living at it. First doc to look at my knee said CUT. Next four said BS. First charged by the stitch, next four were paid an annual salary whether they prescribed Tylenol or rebuilt joints.

Took some Tylenol and some PT. Knees 95% now, and has been for years.

Seymore Dox.

Mike \m/

[mwilly]

Thanks everyone for the feedback, Ill let you know how it goes.

[goltz]

Mark, I am an orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist who also windsurfs. I dont know exactly what you have in terms of degree of separation, but I can tell you what is known: 1) Almost no one recomends surgery for a grade I, II or III seperation with the exception of pro or college overhead athletes with grade III seperations. 2) The results of late surgery are not worse than early surgery 3)the operation is good for reliveing pain but not so good for eliminating the bump 4)grade IV seperations are different, they usually require surgery 5)you can sail just fine with a grade III seperation, you might (I stress might) have a little aching when you waterstart. If you have surgery you will miss most of the season 6)chicks do dig deformities.

Hope this helps.

Dave

[mwilly]

Dave, thanks for the feedback. I am pursuing the non-surgical route at this point. My Doctor asessed the degree of separation I have as somewhere between a grade 3 and a grade 4. Its been 6 weeks since it happened and I basically have full range of motion but I cant do do anything strenuous yet. Started rehab a week ago. I am hopeful, well see how it goes with the chicks!