Shoulder injury from football may require surgery to regain range of motion

Q. I’m a high school football player who in practice fell on my left shoulder. I noticed a bump on top of my shoulder and I had pain trying to move it. I went to the team doctor who said I had a grade 3 separated shoulder and I should have surgery. I really don’t want surgery as this is my senior year and I do not want to miss the season. I have been in a sling for a week and I am feeling much better. My parents and I are confused as to what I should do for treatment. Please give me your take.

A. There are two major joints in the shoulder region. The ball-and-socket joint known as the glenohumeral joint is the most important for range of motion and stability.

Above this on top of the shoulder sits the acromioclavicular joint . This is joint where the collarbone and the shoulder blade meet. The joint is important for reaching across the body and overhead movement.

The AC joint is stabilized by two pairs of ligaments. When these ligaments are all torn, this is known as a grade 3 AC separation.

Traditionally, this injury was treated with a sling, rest and then rehab. Most athletes missed two to three months with non-surgical treatment. Most athletes regained good range of motion and strength and were able to resume all activities without surgery.

However, the large bump on the top of the surgery remains permanently and recent studies suggest that stability, range of motion and strength are better if surgery is performed. With surgery, you would be in a sling four to six weeks followed by a rehab program. You would likely be out of contact sports such as football for six months, which would result in you missing this season.

This is a difficult decision so I suggest you get a second opinion to further discuss your best option.

Dr. Harlan Selesnick is team physician of the Miami Heat and director of Miami Sports Medicine Fellowship, Doctors Hospital. Send your questions to HarlanS@baptisthealth.net