A rotator cuff tear can take up to six months to recover after surgery

Q. I am a 55-year-old skier who just returned from Colorado. Last week, I fell and dislocated my right shoulder. The shoulder was put back into place at the hospital and I was given a sling. X-rays showed no fracture. Since returning to Miami, the pain has subsided but I am unable to lift my arm out to the side or overhead. Is it unusual to remain this weak and how long till I return to normal? I have another ski trip planned for February.

A. Patients under the age of 35 who dislocate their shoulder usually injure the labrum, which is a cartilage bumper that keeps the shoulder joint stable.

Older patients who dislocate their shoulder may sustain a large tear of the rotator cuff tendon when they fall. This tendon is made up of four muscles that allow active motion of the shoulder. When torn, your shoulder may remain weak and unstable.

I recommend you see an orthopedic surgeon for an exam and likely an MRI. If a large rotator cuff tear is diagnosed in a relatively young active individual like yourself, it will probably need to be fixed surgically. Recovery back to skiing post surgery is usually six months.

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