Shoulder surgery - open vs arthroscopic

Im going to be getting surgery on a torn labrum. The doctor indicated that there’s some bone loss which they can also fix with a cadaver bone to prevent dislocations, but there are pros and cons to either option. Has anyone regretted not getting the bone loss fixed and instead optimg for just the labrum surgery?

Have you considered getting a second opinion from an orthopedist?

FrankPS wrote:

Have you considered getting a second opinion from an orthopedist?

Yeah that’s a good idea. This orthopedist told me there may be a lower chance of success if the glenoid fossa (shoulder socket bone) isnt repaired. This would require an open surgery. Just wanted to see if anyone opted for the less invasive labrum only repair and did okay with some glenoid fossa loss of bone. They wont know the extent of the bone loss until I have my MRI.

Cornelius Yukon wrote:

I’ve had arthroscopy x2 on the same shoulder, both from traumatic/ballistic injuries -one skateboarding, one playing hockey. Barring big falls or collisions, my shoulder feels pretty good.

One thing I would look for is a surgeon with athlete clients. Look for a guy who works on baseball or football players -these two sports have lots of repetitive-use shoulder injuries, and a doctor with experience in this field would better understand your performance goals versus a McHealthcare repair.

Thanks for your response. I met with my surgeon (sports doctor) after the MRI and he told me that I only have about 5% bone loss so no need for the open procedure. He does about 200 labral repairs a year so I think Im in good hands. He also said that if I would have waited until next year, more of the bone would probably be gone due to the recurrent dislocations and I might be looking at a bone graft. The surgery is in a couple days on April 22nd. Said 6 months until I can climb again, but hey, at least I will miss the crappy hot summer weather here.

How much did the MRI cost if you don’t mind me asking? Feel free to message me. Shoulder issues for 3 years and I declined the MRI initially due to cost concerns but am wondering if I should go back and get it. Hope the surgery goes well! 

Bryan wrote:

How much did the MRI cost if you don’t mind me asking? Feel free to message me. Shoulder issues for 3 years and I declined the MRI initially due to cost concerns but am wondering if I should go back and get it. Hope the surgery goes well! 

Thanks! Im not sure how much they billed the insurance company for but I paid $300 out of pocket so far (did not come close to meeting my deductible yet). My doctor did an apprehension test to my bad arm and I failed it so he ordered an MRI arthrogram. It really isnt fun, the injection wasnt bad but for about 5 mins I had to hold my arm above my head in the mri machine. It was excruciating for some reason, maybe with all that dye in the joint, not sure. Also, it ached pretty bad for a couple days afterward. It was worth it though since it got me cleared for surgery. Dont want to scare you off but just want to give full disclosure here. Hope you get your shoulder sorted.

I should add - make sure you are getting the MRI arthrogram done. As much as it sucks, its really the only way to adequately detect labral tears.

I got my labrum repaired arthroscopically about 2.5 months ago. I was told the same, 6 months until I can climb again. Shooting for early august. I will say, the first month sucked with a sling. I'm fine doing most daily activities now, but I don't think I could climb yet even if the doc said I was good. Hopefully, PT will help and get it back to working order by august. 

My deductible was $2500 and my MRI was ~$1000. 

Anthony- good luck with it. I’ve had 3 shoulder surgeries. They all came out fine. The last thing I told my surgeon was: “I don’t give a f@&k about scars- just fix my shoulder so I can climb again” 

Afterwards I did my PT - really tough cause he stitched it together really tight. 6 months is nothing don’t be in a hurry- I’ve known people who messed their surgery up by going climbing to soon and needed a redo. It was 1.5 years before I was confident enuf to reach out right and commit to a do or die mantle.

Good luck tomorrow 

Guy Keesee wrote:

Anthony- good luck with it. I’ve had 3 shoulder surgeries. They all came out fine. The last thing I told my surgeon was: “I don’t give a f@&k about scars- just fix my shoulder so I can climb again” 

Afterwards I did my PT - really tough cause he stitched it together really tight. 6 months is nothing don’t be in a hurry- I’ve known people who messed their surgery up by going climbing to soon and needed a redo. It was 1.5 years before I was confident enuf to reach out right and commit to a do or die mantle.

Good luck tomorrow 

Thank you! The surgery went well. 6 anchors in the labrum! Guess the tear was more extensive than they thought. I cant feel or move my arm at all because of the nerve block. Happy to be on the road to recovery!

edit- they also did a “remplissage” which is where they drive an anchor through the hill sachs leision to keep it from engaging with the glenoid. This gives a better outcome/lower recurrence rate for patients with a large or engaging hill sachs leision.

Glad things turned out well....  welcome to the club.

Remember PT is fun!