Separated Shoulder

[Teri1228]

My son has had 2 Weaver-Dunn procedures to repair a separated shoulder but it has once again separated and the bone is sticking up quite a bit and putting pressure on the existing scar.  Will it heal on it's own or should he seek additional surgery?  He has been experiencing numbness in the shoulder and upper arm areas and is in constant pain.  He is using a sling and is restricing physical movement.  Any suggestions?

[Dr Vinod]

This is a generally successful type of surgery involved in the treatment of severe separated shoulders developed by James K. Weaver, M.D., Albuquerque, NM , and Harold K. Dunn, M.D., Salt Lake City, UT in the early 1970s. The procedure is done to essentially replace the coracoclavicular ligaments with a sacrificed ligament.

There is currently no "gold standard" surgery to repair acromioclavicular separations, and many surgeries have been created. However, this is one of the more common fixes.

You should expect recovery and follow up near the operating surgeon. If by an X-ray and scans everything is aligned wait for atleast 3 months for recovery.
If the surgeon thinks it is a failure the correction should be done immidiately. Take care!

[Teri1228]

Am I understanding correctly, he should wait about 3 months and if the symptoms persist he should seek additional surgery?  If this is not done will there be long term repercussions?

[Dr Vinod]

With younger age the healing would always happen, wait for some time for the inflammation to subside. Even after 3 months of surgery it causes symptoms and problems follow up near the surgeon/orthopaedician for a follow up surgery. Take care!