If you are reading this article, it could be that you have undergone surgery on your shoulder, but the results are not what you or your orthopaedic surgeon expected. Here we outline how to identify if your shoulder surgery has failed and what can be done about it.
Reasons for undergoing shoulder surgery
There are many different reasons why people have shoulder surgery. Some of the most common include: a torn rotator cuff or labrum, shoulder instability caused by frequent dislocations of the joint, damage to the tendons, a frozen shoulder that has failed to improve over time or persistent shoulder pain that significantly impacts your life.
What is meant by ‘failed shoulder surgery’?
Whatever type of surgical procedure you undergo, you and your surgeon will have goals that you want to achieve – typically to relieve pain, restore range of motion and to improve stability or strength. We define a procedure as having ‘failed’ when it has not met these original goals set by the surgeon and the patient.
The ultimate aim of any treatment is to improve quality of life, so it can be very disappointing when the surgical procedure fails to live up to expectations and does not deliver the benefits you hoped for.
The remedy might be some kind of non-surgical approach, such as physiotherapy, or it might be further surgery to address complications from the initial surgical procedure. We discuss possible treatments in more detail below.
What are the symptoms of failed shoulder surgery?
Possible symptoms include: persistent or worsening pain that does not improve with rest or medication; a reduced range of motion in the shoulder joint; shoulder instability; popping, grinding or clicking noises when you move your shoulder; swelling in the joint which does not subside; or loss of muscle strength.
What causes shoulder surgery to fail?
Shoulder surgery might fail due to the formation of scar tissue which may restrict movement in the joint. You may experience bone loss which hinders complete healing or there may be further damage to the shoulder which occurs after surgery. In some cases, failure is caused by surgical or technical errors.
Failure rates vary depending on the procedure you undergo. Your orthopaedic surgeon will discuss these with you prior to surgery and outline the potential risk of developing complications.
What to do if you are concerned post-surgery
If you believe your surgery may have failed, it is important to discuss this with your orthopaedic surgeon. It can take a little time to determine if the procedure has actually failed or if you are still in the process of recovering from surgery. When you are discharged after any procedure, the team looking after you will advise you on what to expect and any signs to look out for that could indicate complications.
If symptoms such as pain or swelling persist beyond the time your surgeon suggested they would, it is advisable to seek a follow-up appointment. You may need to be monitored over time to see how your symptoms progress or you might require diagnostic testing – an X-ray, MRI or ultrasound – to assess the condition of your shoulder joint.
What treatments are available for failed shoulder surgery?
The treatment that is recommended will depend on the cause of the failure, the symptoms you are experiencing and their severity. You may be offered non-surgical treatments such as medication or physiotherapy, or further surgery to repair tissue damage or replace damaged or infected components. In the most severe cases, you may need a shoulder joint replacement. It is important not to suffer in silence, however, revision surgery to correct a failed procedure can be complex and your surgeon will discuss the options with you in detail beforehand.
Can anything be done to prevent failed shoulder surgery?
While it is not always possible to prevent failed shoulder surgery, there are some steps you can take to minimise your risk. Always choose a reputable surgeon who is experienced in carrying out the particular procedure you need. If in doubt, take a look at their profile on a site like iwantgreatcare.org which contains patient reviews. Effective prehabilitation before surgery can increase the chances of having a positive outcome. This might involve losing weight, quitting smoking or improving your diet to minimise the risk of complications and support the best possible outcomes. Always follow the exercises recommended by a physiotherapist after surgery to assist with your recovery and listen to the advice of your surgeon about how soon to resume everyday activities like going to work or driving.
If you are concerned that your shoulder surgery may have failed and would like a second opinion or to discuss your treatment options, contact us.
Orthopaedic Consultant & Surgeon | London
Thames Shoulder & Elbow are able to provide advice and support to anyone experiencing symptoms affecting the upper limbs (shoulder, upper arm, elbow, forearm and wrist).
Telephone: 020 376 15987
Email: admin@thamesshoulderandelbow.co.uk
Our Locations
Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth, St John’s Wood – Directions
BMI The Syon Clinic, Brentford – Directions
HCA Chiswick Medical Centre, Chiswick – Directions
West Middlesex University Hospital, Chelsea and Westminster Foundation Trust, Isleworth – Directions
