Dislocated shoulder might never heal without surgery

Q. I am a high-school wrestler who was competing about a month ago when my opponent yanked on my right arm and my shoulder popped out. The shoulder went back into place on its own. I rested for a few days, and now a month later I have no pain and nearly full motion.

However, the shoulder still doesn’t feel stable and when I reach back to throw it feels like it could pop out again. Are there exercises to do to make it stable? I want to return to wrestling, but I am not sure it is safe to do so. Any advice?

A. Shoulder stability is maintained by ligaments and a cartilage that surrounds the socket part of the shoulder joint known as the labrum.

The labrum keeps the ball part of the shoulder centered within the socket. When the shoulder pops out, known as a dislocation or subluxation, the labrum is usually torn off the bone. When this happens it is easier for the ball part of the shoulder to slide out of place as there is nothing to impair this abnormal movement.

Although shoulder stabilization exercises may help in your age group, you have a 95% chance of this happening again without surgical repair. I recommend you see an orthopedic surgeon who will examine you and likely order an MRI scan. The doctor will be able to discuss with you your best options for return to wrestling.

Dr. Harlan Selesnick is team physician of the Miami Heat. Send your questions to HarlanS@baptisthealth.net