Teenaged athletes who received surgical treatment after a first-time shoulder dislocation experienced long-term benefits, according to a study led by Tyler J. Marshall, MD.
The study examined 121 patients who experienced a first-time shoulder dislocation, and who received treatment at one of eight fellowship-trained surgical practices. Patient ages ranged from 16 to 30 years old — the average patient age was 19 years old.
Here's what you need to know:
1. The subsequent dislocation rate for those treated with an arthroscopic bankart repair after their first injury was 29 percent.
2. The subsequent dislocation rate for those treated non-operatively after their first injury was 62 percent.
3. This finding suggests that surgical treatment after a first-time shoulder dislocation may lower future injury risks and reduce the need for follow-up surgery.
4. "While young athletes and parents may be wary of surgery, our study shows the advantages of this treatment approach," Dr. Marshall said in an American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine news release. "Physicians should counsel those with first time injuries on these benefits moving forward."