Your shoulder is an extremely mobile joint that can turn in many directions while lifting and moving your arm. This wide range of motion also makes the shoulder susceptible to instability, which occurs when the structures around the joint cannot keep the ball securely positioned in the socket.
Shoulder instability can interfere with work, sports, exercise, and everyday activities. With more than 20 years of orthopedic experience, Dr. Brian Cohen provides arthroscopic shoulder stabilization in Columbus, OH for patients with recurrent instability that may require surgical repair.
Shoulder Instability Causes
Chronic shoulder instability is typically the result of one of the following:
-
-
where the ball comes partially or completely out of the socket. This causes the shoulder’s ligaments, tendons, and muscles to become loose or tear and compromises their ability to keep the ball in the socket.
-
Repetitive strain causes the ligaments in the shoulder to loosen over time. Loose ligaments contribute to instability. Certain activities that require overhand motions can loosen ligaments over time. These activities include painting, tennis, and swimming.
-
Multidirectional instability occurs in individuals with naturally loose ligaments. The ball may sublux out the front, back, or bottom of the shoulder.
How Arthroscopic Shoulder Stabilization Works
If you suffer from recurrent shoulder instability, then surgery may be necessary to repair your torn or stretched ligaments. Once repaired, the ligaments will be better able to hold your shoulder in place.
Dr. Cohen specializes in “minimally invasive” surgery. That means surgery that causes as little stress to the body as possible. Shoulder arthroscopic stabilization is minimally invasive surgery commonly performed to alleviate recurrent shoulder instability. Shoulder arthroscopy (opens in new tab) is performed with a device about the size of a pencil that carries a tiny video camera (an arthroscope). Instead of using large cuts to open the shoulder joint, Dr. Cohen is able to use the arthroscope to look inside the shoulder area. Images from the camera are displayed on a video screen that Dr. Cohen utilizes as a guide during the procedure.
Arthroscopic Shoulder Stabilization Preparation
Most patients are able to return home shortly after the procedure instead of staying overnight in the hospital. Please make plans for a trusted family member or friend to drive you home after the procedure.
You will receive complete pre-operative instructions from Dr. Cohen before your procedure. He may ask you to discontinue medications you are currently taking or make other adjustments. Dr. Cohen will also explain when you will need to stop eating and drinking prior to surgery, and when to arrive at the hospital for your procedure.
As part of your pre-operative preparation, you and Dr. Cohen will review the available anesthesia options and select the choice that is most appropriate for your case.
What to Expect the Day of the Surgery
Your shoulder arthroscopy will be performed in an operating room. Once your anesthesia has been administered, you will be positioned so that Dr. Cohen can easily adjust the arthroscope. You will be placed either in a semi-seated position or lying on your side.
Dr. Cohen will then make a few small incisions in your shoulder and introduce a sterile solution into the shoulder joint. The solution helps Dr. Cohen see clearly inside your shoulder.
Next, Dr. Cohen uses the arthroscope to confirm the cause and extent of your shoulder instability. If stabilization surgery is necessary, he will insert small surgical instruments through the additional incisions to complete the repair.
The procedure performed will depend on your specific needs. In many cases, sutures and anchors are used to reattach the damaged labrum and supporting tissue to the edge of the shoulder socket. Once the procedure is complete, Dr. Cohen closes the incisions and covers your shoulder with a bandage.
Arthroscopic Shoulder Stabilization Recovery
You will most likely be able to go home within a few hours of your arthroscopic stabilization procedure. Your recovery will depend on several factors, including the following:
-
Age
-
Health
-
Original damage to your shoulder
-
Type of surgical stabilization procedure performed
Dr. Cohen will discuss the recovery process with you. You may be in pain, and you will most likely require a sling to immobilize your shoulder. You may also need physical therapy to help in the recovery process.
FiberTak® Instability Repair
The OrthoIllustrated® animation for shoulder labrum repair is an educational tool to help patients better understand this treatment.
Knotless Shoulder Labral Repair with Arthrex® PushLock®
FiberTak® DR Anchor Bridge Technique
The OrthoIllustrated® animation for rotator cuff repair is an educational tool to help patients better understand this treatment.
Knotless SutureTak® Instability Repair
The glenohumeral joint in the shoulder consists of multiple bones, tendons, and ligaments that help with shoulder movement. In this procedure, the damaged labrum or rubbery tissue surrounding the socket is repaired using a suture anchor to improve joint stability.
Why Choose Dr. Cohen?
OVER 25+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
One of the first orthopedic surgeons employed by a large hospital. Dr. Cohen spent 20 years.
TRUSTED BY OVER 100,000+ PATIENTS WORLDWIDE
Over his distinguished career, Dr. Cohen has cultivated a reputation of excellence and trust among his patients and his peers.
UTILIZING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY
To achieve the best surgical outcomes, Dr. Cohen uses the most advanced technologies and techniques, keeping his practice state-of-the-art.
PATIENT SAFETY IS TOP PRIORITY
An individualized, patient-focused process coupled with decades of training and experience helps ensure maximum safety for all of Dr. Cohen’s patients.
Arthroscopic Shoulder Stabilization in Columbus, OH
Recurrent shoulder instability can make it difficult to participate confidently in work, sports, exercise, and everyday activities. Dr. Cohen evaluates the cause of the instability and the extent of the tissue damage before recommending arthroscopic stabilization or another appropriate treatment.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Brian Cohen, call (614) 788-0375.
