My physio dislocated my shoulder.

[welshwizard]

In April last year I dislocated my shoulder playing Rugby. I'm not sure if it was a full dislocation or a subluxation because the first time it appeared to relocate itself. It was a match final, therefore ended up back on the pitch and within the first hit the exact same happened, except the pain, on a scale of 1-10 was hitting the high numbers.

I left it a few days and went to A&E. They offered me an X-ray which showed nothing and then referred me to a physio who told me to do a few exercises and off I was.

3 months later, I beg my GP to refer me to a physio because I'm struggling to work. Every so often, in the most ridiculous of circumstances (putting on a pair of socks) I would endure this sudden JERK (in capitals because this is the only word I have to describe!) in the suspected shoulder. I end up seeing an orthopedic who offers me an MRI scan. Like the X-ray, this shows nothing so the consultant offers me a choice; carry on with the physio or go under the knife so we can inspect further.

I decide for the surgery. My date is on the 14th of July - so I've been waiting well over 7-8 months for this. Now, in this 7-8 months of wait I have not played a single game of Rugby, but remained consistently in the gym and seen some great strength gains in my shoulder and never really had any problems, so I think.."Do I really need surgery?!"...so decide to pay for a top class physio (recommended off many people) who I explain all the above to.

He starts his test, tells me I'm a little tight in the traps etc then continues to do what I believe to be the Obriens test. Right arm, fine, I can resist. Left arm? He forces my arm down with his little finger. I can't resist, my shoulder has just collapsed and it's down by my chest. A complete dislocation. I had my top off, and could see it all and I genuinely believe between the pain, and the actual sight I will be scarred for life. Anyway, after a 10 minute lie down (I had too, I turned white and nearly fainted) I'm back on my feet and he's explaining to me that yes, I most certainly do need surgery.

So my questions;

1. The Obriens test clearly tests the labrum, which is obviously damaged. Why didn't the MRI scan pick this up, and what will the surgeons do to fix this?
2. How long will I be in a sling/unable to move my arm? Finances are extremely tight, I'm not sure I can afford to take much time off work.
3. Anyone even heard of an Obriens test causing a dislocation?!

Thank you.

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[toddchaney]

It is your doctor, who can answer what treatment procedure will be employed. As far as recovery is concerned, it takes at least four to six weeks for the labrum to re-attach itself to the rim of the bone, and probably another four to six weeks to get strong.