Shoulder surgery - Hills Sachs/Bankarts Lesion

[oldmonk_87]

Hello, Had a surgery for my left shoulder about a month back to mend a shoulder which had dislocated a second time. The Doctor's notes said Hill Sachs and a Bankarts lesion.  Now, the problem is that I am slated to appear for the Army's medical Board pretty soon (Say November 3rd or 4th week), I will require to have full movement of my left shoulder and well, a good amount of strength too!
My Doctor has been pretty conservative in his treatment, and I am a little worried that I wont be ready in time . I cant miss this opportunity and would be really heart broken if I dont make it to the Army.

Please advise, does it take 6-7 months for full movement of the shoulder? Or is my Doc playing extra safe?  Would like to hear your experiences!

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi again Arjun!

Well, 3-4 months is the minimum time required for return to sports activities and may be 10-12 months in some individuals depending on the severity of the injury, associated injuries, extent of repair, healing pace post repair etc. On an average it fairly takes 6-8 months before sports activities may be allowed; while aggressive sports may need to be delayed by 10-12 months. The recovery is slightly faster in individuals having undergone an arthroscopic repair than an open surgery. The recovery time being dependent on individual cases, is best predicted by your treating doctor. It’s better to give it time to heal better than rush things to make healing impaired. I would suggest discussing the situation in detail wit your treating doctor.
Hope this information is useful.

Take care!

[oldmonk_87]

And , My apologies, Ma'am  The little MCP-ness in me automatically assumed you to be male.  

[oldmonk_87]

Thankyou for the prompt reply, Sir :)  I have failed to mention, I already went through the repair for Bankarts, and have started with the physiotherapy sessions in addition to bare minimum weight training.
By 'conservative in his treatment' , I mean that he wants me to go real slow with my shoulder (Might take a year to heal and regain total use of my shoulder in his words). I am running really short of time.

Have you, in your own experience Sir , seen people gain near complete usage of their shoulder within 4 months of the Bankarts repair surgery? My Doc. placed 3 titanium anchors in my shoulder.

Thankyou!

Regards,
Arjun

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!
Yes, it may take a few months with conservative management to return to aggressive activities. If you plan to appear for the Army Medical Boards a surgical repair for Bankart’s, followed by extensive physiotherapy may need to be considered to reduce the risk of a future dislocation; though you might not be able to make it till November. I would suggest discussing the option with your treating orthopedician.
Hope this helps.

Take care!