How to Tell If You Need Shoulder Surgery: 7 Key Signs and Symptoms

When you have shoulder pain after an accident, every task can feel challenging. Lifting and reaching objects will be more difficult. You may even have trouble sleeping. Many people don’t take shoulder pain seriously. But if you’re not getting any better with rest and therapy, you might need shoulder surgery.

In this blog, we will discuss the key signs and symptoms that could indicate the need for surgery. We’ll also discuss common surgery procedures, how to prepare, and what to expect. Here at Surgery Consultants of Florida, we want you to be more confident and informed about your treatment options after your accident.

When is Shoulder Surgery Needed? 7 Key Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Shoulder pain after an accident can usually be relieved with enough rest, proper stretching, or chiropractic therapies. However, there are some cases when shoulder surgery is needed. Many signs and symptoms can indicate the need for surgery. If you’re feeling some of these shoulder pain symptoms, then you’ll need to have a medical examination and treatment.

1. Persistent Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain that lasts more than six weeks is concerning. This could stem from various conditions. Shoulder impingement, rotator cuff tears, and frozen shoulders are some of the causes. 

2. Weak Shoulder

Weakness or loss of strength of orthopedic extremities (shoulders, elbows, wrists, etc.) could also be a sign. If you can’t lift or hold objects like you used to, your muscles or tendons might be damaged. You might need to undergo specific treatments; such as labrum repair, if the damage is serious. Some conditions that may cause remarkable shoulder weakness are bone spurs, rotator cuff, or labral tear, among others. In this case, you might need labrum repair if it gets seriously damaged.

3. Limited Range of Motion

A frozen shoulder or severe inflammation could greatly limit your range of motion. Simply raising or rotating your arm will be difficult. If left untreated, it could worsen over time. This could lead to shoulder surgery. Many doctors conduct subacromial decompression to restore mobility.

4. Radiating Pain Down the Arm

Sharp or burning pain that extends from the shoulder down the arm is another sign you shouldn’t ignore. This symptom usually indicates nerve compression or shoulder impingement. Ignoring this key sign could lead to chronic issues, which could require specific care or surgery.

5. Recurring Shoulder Dislocations

Frequent shoulder dislocations could be a sign of damaged cartilage or loose ligaments. If you’re experiencing these, you might need SLAP or labrum repair to restore shoulder stability and prevent recurring shoulder dislocations.

6. Sleeplessness or Night Pain

Chronic shoulder pain can lead to sleeplessness or nighttime pain. It commonly worsens when lying on the affected side, disrupting sleep.

7. Conservative Treatments No Longer Work

If medications, injections, or physical therapies no longer work; it could be a sign that you need shoulder surgery. Persistent symptoms that are resistant to non-surgical treatments could indicate more serious issues.

What Shoulder Surgery Do You Need After An Accident?

The shoulder surgery you’ll need depends on your condition. Here are some of the most common shoulder surgeries you’ll encounter and what they are for.

Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery

Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small camera inserted through tiny incisions. Doctors and other medical professionals use this surgery to repair damaged tissues while viewing the patient’s shoulder joint on a screen. It treats rotator cuff tears, shoulder impingement, and labrum injuries.

Rotator Cuff Repair

Rotator cuff tears can also be treated with rotator cuff repair, which can be performed through arthroscopy. However, for severe tears an open surgical approach might be needed.

SLAP Repair

Another common surgical intervention is a SLAP repair. This involves reattaching the torn labrum to restore stability and prevent further dislocations. Orthopedic surgeons perform this surgery when the shoulder feels unstable and dislocates frequently.

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation

When patients have major injuries from falls, sports-related trauma, or accident; they need to undergo open reduction and internal fixation most of the time. This surgery realigns broken bones and secures them with plates, roads, or screws.

Trust SCOF With Your Shoulder Surgery After An Accident

Choosing the right medical team matters before you undergo shoulder surgery. That’s why we’re here. At SCOF, our orthopedic surgeons ensure safe, effective treatment tailored to your needs.

Our Expertise

With over 30 years of experience, our team of surgical physicians delivers top-tier orthopedic and spine care, pain management, and regenerative therapies after your personal injury. We specialize in treating shoulder conditions and other trauma-related injuries.

Our board-certified and fellowship-trained surgeons use cutting-edge medical technologies to provide you with the highest standard of care. With years of experience and advanced medical tools; we can perform advanced procedures such as rotator cuff repairs, spine surgeries, and minimally invasive surgeries.

Why Choose SCOF?

Thanks to our expertise, personalized care, and comprehensive services, we are a trusted choice for shoulder surgery after an accident. We handle everything, including diagnostics, treatments, and follow-ups. If you need shoulder surgery, book an appointment with us today.