Quantcast

Any dislocated shoulders?

Mulestar

Mulestar

Turbo Monkey
Sep 18, 2007
1,061
0
in the dirt
So I dislocated my shoulder a week ago. I was riding down a gravel road (hardcore, I know) here in costa rica. Excruciating pain and muscle spasms ensued but we got to the hospital and it was back in place about two hours later. Pain was greatly reduced and now it just feels weak and sore. Needless to say, communication was fragmented at the er and they pretty much sent me on my way with a makeshift sling and told me to wear it for eight days. I was ready to fly home if it was serious but they said I'll be fine soon. I'm here as a crew leader building single track in the jungle so I am sucking it up but it will be at least two weeks before I can see my ortho back home.

Any first hand experiences? Complications? I'm trying to keep it still but this sling looks about like something a WFR would make on the trail. With my collarbones it has always been "use pain as your guide for immobilization". I won't be riding or falling obviously but I'm wondering how much it's okay to move this thing. gentle movements are not uncomfortable.

I've heard everything from 3 weeks to 4 months on recovery time, but nothing from a trustworthy source. Looking forward to getting it checked by a real doc as soon as I can.

Also bummed because I'm paying almost $400 round trip to have my trail bike down here and all I got to ride was gravel with granny gear climbs and kamikaze dh style descents. Oh well.
 
Total Heckler

Total Heckler

Beer and Bike Enthusiast
Apr 28, 2005
8,171
189
Santa Cruz, CA
I have dislocated both shoulders too many times to remember and have now had 3 surgeries on the 2 shoulders over the last 6 years.

Keep it in the sling and move it as little as possible until you have a doctor look at it. It could have partially (sublexed) dislocated and gone back into place? Usually when this happens it will keep the regular movement and just be painful for a few weeks unless you tore something up in there.

Usually recovery time is anywhere from 1- 4 months depending on how badly it was injured.

Sucks about the cost for everything, but your health is your health. It is best to put that first.
 
Mulestar

Mulestar

Turbo Monkey
Sep 18, 2007
1,061
0
in the dirt
Total Heckler said:
I have dislocated both shoulders too many times to remember and have now had 3 surgeries on the 2 shoulders over the last 6 years.

Keep it in the sling and move it as little as possible until you have a doctor look at it. It could have partially (sublexed) dislocated and gone back into place? Usually when this happens it will keep the regular movement and just be painful for a few weeks unless you tore something up in there.

Usually recovery time is anywhere from 1- 4 months depending on how badly it was injured.

Sucks about the cost for everything, but your health is your health. It is best to put that first.
Click to expand...
It was a full dislocation. Out for about two hours. The xray looked like the ball at the top of my humerus was resting against my rib cage. I got copies of the x rays to show my doctor back home.

So far I'm keeping it quite still and I'll try to buy a real sling down here. Sucks about the bike costs indeed but I won't be taking any chances, I want this thing to stay in place so I can be back strong in a few months. I know the risk of re injury is high with dislocations.
 
D

Deano

Monkey
Feb 14, 2011
233
0
Ive had the right shoulder dislocate too.

I didnt take the sling thing too serious the first week, and it took me 6+ months for it to be ok fully- meaning riding with full confidence and strength again.

had i kept it still the first few weeks, im sure it would have been ok in half the time.

So lesson learned- keep it still.
 
LOOnatic

LOOnatic

Turbo Monkey
Jun 7, 2002
2,515
3
Hucking Race lines at WindRock while i wait for jo
Yeah u want it fully imobilized for a while dude. No to bag on BlackOhio but its a trap to move it around at 1st.
Any high level ortho will tell you to keep in a sling for a couple of weeks with very little movement .
Been through it more than once:think:
Is this the same shoulder that you blew up at WindRock2 or so years ago and i made some sling out of duct tape i think?
 
bizutch

bizutch

Delicate CUSTOM flower
Dec 11, 2001
15,928
24
Over your shoulder whispering
Herndon and Tyler both have done it. Do not do like Tyler and attempt to reset it by slamming it against a Snowshoe lift tower ala "Lethal Weapon".


Mulestar, that truly is terrible that it happened to you down there. If you keep it immobile, you risk atrophy of muscle tissue, but I have to assume that is far better than tearing anything further with use.

Just be sure to stay active to keep bloodflow to it and just as you know RICE! Good luck to you brother.:(
 
N

nowlan

Monkey
Jul 30, 2008
496
2
Do you know if you had an anterior separation as well? Usually with a full dislocation their is a separation. Where you put under to have it put back in?
Your situation sucks, but id get a good sling and keep it in it for 6 weeks. Try to not move it as much as possible, eat healthy and wait er out. Then rebuild it and get your range of motion back on a solid physio program. Its a serious injury and if you dont let it heal right it can cause you issues for the rest of your life. I messed mine up 2 summers ago and made a complete recovery. The people you hear about that say " I messed my shoulder up a while back and it pops out all the time" Is because they didn't let it heal up properly. There are so many tiny muscle fibers that help make a shoulder work properly that need a few weeks to repair. If I were you, id take a few protein shakes a day and also some Nutra Sea which is essential fatty acids and also a really good mutli V. This is all the stuff my physio had me doing and once I got out of the sling I made some fast improvements. Good luck man.
 
Mulestar

Mulestar

Turbo Monkey
Sep 18, 2007
1,061
0
in the dirt
LOOnatic said:
Yeah u want it fully imobilized for a while dude. No to bag on BlackOhio but its a trap to move it around at 1st.
Any high level ortho will tell you to keep in a sling for a couple of weeks with very little movement .
Been through it more than once:think:
Is this the same shoulder that you blew up at WindRock2 or so years ago and i made some sling out of duct tape i think?
Click to expand...

Yes, same shoulder (left). I'm right handed so it could be worse.

I just bought a real sling so I'm immobilized for now. I have been using a sling but have likely been moving it more than ideal and have not slept in my sling every night.

It can hang comfortably after a week and can be lifted to shoulder height without much pain so it seems okay (much less tender than a week old clavicle break is) but I guess I'm out for a few months.
 
Mulestar

Mulestar

Turbo Monkey
Sep 18, 2007
1,061
0
in the dirt
nowlan said:
Do you know if you had an anterior separation as well? Usually with a full dislocation their is a separation. Where you put under to have it put back in?
Your situation sucks, but id get a good sling and keep it in it for 6 weeks. Try to not move it as much as possible, eat healthy and wait er out. Then rebuild it and get your range of motion back on a solid physio program. Its a serious injury and if you dont let it heal right it can cause you issues for the rest of your life. I messed mine up 2 summers ago and made a complete recovery. The people you hear about that say " I messed my shoulder up a while back and it pops out all the time" Is because they didn't let it heal up properly. There are so many tiny muscle fibers that help make a shoulder work properly that need a few weeks to repair. If I were you, id take a few protein shakes a day and also some Nutra Sea which is essential fatty acids and also a really good mutli V. This is all the stuff my physio had me doing and once I got out of the sling I made some fast improvements.an.
Click to expand...
I was awake when they put it back in. They gave me a muscle relaxer shot and popped it right back in. Thanks for the advice.
 
samnation

samnation

Monkey
Jan 25, 2009
139
0
Somewhere in KANURDUR
Keep the sling I dislocated my right shoulder just over a year ago now Tore my rotator cuff and a few other ligaments, I didn't take the sling seriously at all. previously i too had broken arms and it was always use pain as a reference well it didn't hurt and at a week i hadn't seen a doctor as i was out of the country so when i did get to the doctor I was banished to the sling for 8 weeks. I couldn't do that because of other commitments so now at 57weeks i still have a hole in my Cuff and a shoulder that comes out with a good smack. and am staring a surgery with a dreadful recovery time in the face.
 
4130biker

4130biker

PM me about Tantrum Cycles!
May 24, 2007
3,884
449
That sucks man! I feel your pain, one of my last times, I was surfing in Hawaii!!!!
I have researched, seen doctors and my conclusion is that it's too complex of a joint for doctors to reliably fix. Everyone I know with surgery either a. still pops em out or b. has range of motion problems. I think my joints are fairly loose (apparently the tension of peoples tendons/muscles vary- see people who can dislocate joints at will). I'm usually able to ride decently within a month after two weeks in a sling, and a poor attempt at physical therapy. Since it's your first time, you should definately give PT a shot. Physical therapists will tell you it's better than surgery, and surgeons, well you know what they'll tell you. Physical therapy doesn't involve anasthesia or someone cutting you open, so it always sounds like a good option to me.
One trailside fix I learned is to bend over at the waist like you're picking up a rock, pick up a big rock with your dislocated arm, relax, and wait a minute or two and it will go back in. As I'm sure you've already learned, the longer it's out, the more pain (since the muscles slowly tighten more and more).
Here's what I take away from this situation: My shoulder could and probably will pop out again. My friends with surgery? Same. The only lurking thing is potential nerve damage, but what I'm saying is that I look at surgery as a last resort.
That has been my experience, in a nutshell, of 5-6 dislocations in the last ten years, and no surgery.
The last thing is that I do feel it holds me back from situations where I would be in serious trouble with out the arm, like mountaineering, surfing, etc. But I'm fine with that. Biking is plenty for me :)
Hopefully this helps!
 
B

BUNKERCHUNKS

Monkey
Apr 8, 2008
217
0
EAST COAST
Few things to do are, let it rest for a bit, ice it any chance you get, then do some physical therapy. Unfortunately I did not follow these steps, then the labral tear started after a few more dislocations. In the end I needed surgery and it's 100 percent better (I got pretty good at popping it back in before surgery) but you do not want to go this route. Sleep on your back with your arms on you side, it's hard to get used to but helps. DONT GO SURFING (popped it out in the ocean not a good scene)!! Give it some time let it heal..
 
Last edited:
Jim Mac

Jim Mac

MAKE ENDURO GREAT AGAIN
May 21, 2004
6,352
282
the middle east of NY
BUNKERCHUNKS said:
Few things to do are, let it rest for a bit, ice it any chance you get, then do some physical therapy. Unfortunately I did not follow these steps, then the labral tear started after a few more dislocations. In the end I needed surgery and it's 100 percent better (I got pretty good at pooping it back in before surgery) but you do not want to go this route. Sleep on your back with your arms on you side, it's hard to get used to but helps. DONT GO SURFING !! Give it some time let it heal..
Click to expand...
Dude, pooping it bacK!?!? :eek:
 
B

BUNKERCHUNKS

Monkey
Apr 8, 2008
217
0
EAST COAST
4130biker said:
That sucks man! I feel your pain, one of my last times, I was surfing in Hawaii!!!!
I have researched, seen doctors and my conclusion is that it's too complex of a joint for doctors to reliably fix. Everyone I know with surgery either a. still pops em out or b. has range of motion problems. I think my joints are fairly loose (apparently the tension of peoples tendons/muscles vary- see people who can dislocate joints at will). I'm usually able to ride decently within a month after two weeks in a sling, and a poor attempt at physical therapy. Since it's your first time, you should definately give PT a shot. Physical therapists will tell you it's better than surgery, and surgeons, well you know what they'll tell you. Physical therapy doesn't involve anasthesia or someone cutting you open, so it always sounds like a good option to me.
One trailside fix I learned is to bend over at the waist like you're picking up a rock, pick up a big rock with your dislocated arm, relax, and wait a minute or two and it will go back in. As I'm sure you've already learned, the longer it's out, the more pain (since the muscles slowly tighten more and more).
Here's what I take away from this situation: My shoulder could and probably will pop out again. My friends with surgery? Same. The only lurking thing is potential nerve damage, but what I'm saying is that I look at surgery as a last resort.
That has been my experience, in a nutshell, of 5-6 dislocations in the last ten years, and no surgery.
The last thing is that I do feel it holds me back from situations where I would be in serious trouble with out the arm, like mountaineering, surfing, etc. But I'm fine with that. Biking is plenty for me :)
Hopefully this helps!
Click to expand...
The right doctor is Key ,fortunately I had the US Freestyle ski team doctor fix mine. If you keep dislocating it a dent forms inside the joint and you don't want that. I'm sure anyone in orthopedics would agree
 
Last edited:
gemini2k

gemini2k

Turbo Monkey
Jul 31, 2005
3,526
117
San Francisco
4130biker said:
I have researched, seen doctors and my conclusion is that it's too complex of a joint for doctors to reliably fix. Everyone I know with surgery either a. still pops em out or b. has range of motion problems.
Click to expand...
I would disagree. I've dislocated my right shoulder BADLY about 3-4 times (like had to have someone or medical professionals pull it back in) and sublaxed it at least half a dozen times. Had surgery on it, there were bone fragments, 2 torn tendons in it, and a year after surgery and lots of hard riding I have all the range of motion I could want and it has yet to pop back out. A good doctor is key. Luckily in Santa Barbara I get doctors who work on NBA hall of fame-ers and tons of pro athletes. The only time I still notice any weakness is throwing a baseball/softball. I doubt I'll ever have my pitching arm back, but luckily I don't really care.

The left shoulder on the other hand...just debating these days when I should have surgery done on it.

Edit:

Depending on how old you are you might be able to get back to riding fairly quickly. The first time I popped my right arm out I was back to DH/FR within 2-3 weeks or so. I wasn't 100% but was able to hit 40ft doubles. I was pretty young and dumb back then though...
 
motomike

motomike

Turbo Monkey
Jan 19, 2005
4,584
0
North Carolina
Mulestar said:
Yes, same shoulder (left). I'm right handed so it could be worse.

I just bought a real sling so I'm immobilized for now. I have been using a sling but have likely been moving it more than ideal and have not slept in my sling every night.

It can hang comfortably after a week and can be lifted to shoulder height without much pain so it seems okay (much less tender than a week old clavicle break is) but I guess I'm out for a few months.
Click to expand...
Start by lifting 12oz Tecates a minimum 6 times a day and work up to 12x12 then lower the reps back to 6 again but with 32oz bottles. Should be good to go in no time. :thumb:
 
4130biker

4130biker

PM me about Tantrum Cycles!
May 24, 2007
3,884
449
gemini2k said:
I would disagree. I've dislocated my right shoulder BADLY about 3-4 times (like had to have someone or medical professionals pull it back in) and sublaxed it at least half a dozen times. Had surgery on it, there were bone fragments, 2 torn tendons in it, and a year after surgery and lots of hard riding I have all the range of motion I could want and it has yet to pop back out. A good doctor is key. Luckily in Santa Barbara I get doctors who work on NBA hall of fame-ers and tons of pro athletes. The only time I still notice any weakness is throwing a baseball/softball. I doubt I'll ever have my pitching arm back, but luckily I don't really care.

The left shoulder on the other hand...just debating these days when I should have surgery done on it.

Edit:

Depending on how old you are you might be able to get back to riding fairly quickly. The first time I popped my right arm out I was back to DH/FR within 2-3 weeks or so. I wasn't 100% but was able to hit 40ft doubles. I was pretty young and dumb back then though...
Click to expand...
Fair enough, I'm just giving my experience, and don't feel like it has held me back from biking... I view surgery as a big deal, and I'm not convinced that the benefits outweigh the risks/ costs of surgery in my situation. I went to the local guy who cuts on the UW football team who of course reccomended surgery, but was also realistic about it with me (only necessary if it's holding you back).
I have ridden for over two years with no problems and only PT, does that mean that it's not going to happen again? No, and the same goes for surgery. Smaller statistical chance, sure, but what really counts is making informed decisions.

While I appreciate your point of view and have agonized over the good points that you make, I have been happy with my decision.

To the OP- see a physical therapist, see a surgeon, follow doctors orders, you'll be out for a bit, but everything will work out. :thumb:
 
C

Commencal-guy

Monkey
Nov 25, 2007
341
0
Massachusetts, US of A
From personal experience, you should really take your time and let your body heal. Don't force it and you'll be glad you didn't. Even if you feel like its a lot better. Shoulders take a huge beating/ stress while riding and sadly as a result, Shoulders take a while to heal. I had an orthoscopic surgery the first time to tighten my tendons, but me being smart and thinking it was all healed dislocated my shoulder again and made it deem useless. I got a second surgery and learned my lesson. However my second surgery was more successful in my eyes. They grafted some bone from my collar bone and wedged it between the opening space in where my shoulder kept popping into. (since I lost so much bone due to dislocation) then they re-attached my tendon from my biceps and used that as the main stabilizer. I've had noting but awesome success. Plus I got almost all my range of motion back which is amazing. Usually after shoulder dislocations you never get the same body movement as you used too.


good luck champ!
 
Mulestar

Mulestar

Turbo Monkey
Sep 18, 2007
1,061
0
in the dirt
Thanks guys! I'm no stranger to frustrating injuries or giving plenty of time to heal. I'm pretty much hearing what I was expecting to hear. It's a bummer I'm in this beautiful country with a brand new bike and can't ride, but I'm not risking it at the cost of my shoulder. I have too many DH runs to do and trails to build for the rest of my life to have a bum shoulder because I wasn't patient.

I'm anxious to get on to physical therapy as soon as it's safe to do so but I'm playing it safe while i'm in CR and staying fully immobile until I talk to an ortho.

I'm taking Motomike's advice and "supervising" my trail crew.
 
Last edited:
Jeremy R

Jeremy R

<b>x</b>
Nov 15, 2001
9,698
1,053
behind you with a snap pop
I don't who know has it worse:

You for being in Costa Rica and not getting to ride,

Or Costa Rica for you being there and not being able to build trail.
That jungle could use some dirty bird berms.;)
Heal up man.
 
beaverbiker

beaverbiker

Monkey
Feb 5, 2003
586
0
Santa Clara
You'll be fine without surgery for about 15-20 dislocations if you rigorously do PT. After a bunch of dislocations, you're going to want to get that thing dialed in before it gets too much worse. I dislocated my shoulder at least 5-10 times a year for about 6 years and finally had the surgery after a moto race destroyed anything that was left of my lebrum (tore about 60% of it off). If you dislocate it a bunch it will get to the point where you just put it back in and keep doing what you're doing. It won't even hurt at all after a while. That's where it gets dangerous because you're doing all kinds of damage, but you don't want to slow down since it doesn't really hurt too bad. I finally had the surgery because if I took my hand out of my pocket, my shoulder would dislocate. My range of motion sucks now because they pulled everything super tight, but my shoulder is strong in the motions that I need (riding bikes and motos).
 
Mulestar

Mulestar

Turbo Monkey
Sep 18, 2007
1,061
0
in the dirt
Jeremy R said:
I don't who know has it worse:

You for being in Costa Rica and not getting to ride,

Or Costa Rica for you being there and not being able to build trail.
That jungle could use some dirty bird berms.;)
Heal up man.
Click to expand...
I'm going to be surveying and flagging an intermediate DH trail with over 1,000 ft of vertical while I'm here. The plan is to come back after first xc loop is in and the rainy season has passed and get to work.
 
beaverbiker

beaverbiker

Monkey
Feb 5, 2003
586
0
Santa Clara
rockofullr said:
WTF? :eek:
Click to expand...
Yea man, it was roached. The last straw was when I dislocated it twice in the middle of a 100 mile moto race at Stonyford. I finished the race, but couldn't even load any of my gear or bike. All the other times I popped it out I was good to go after getting it back in since all the crap was stretched out from previous dislocations. This time, it was done for. 4 days later I had surgery. Best decision I ever made.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom