Saw ortho surgeon today. he says my choice shoulder surgery or not. would definitely recommend for younger person, at my age "optional", my choice.
no surgery would likely result in a more or less 30% loss of strength and ability to lift arm overhead.
surgery is 1.25 to 1.5 hours likely anesthetic propofol.
ER xray reading: FINDINGS: There is a comminuted fracture of the proximal left humerus involving the humeral neck and greater tuberosity. Acromioclavicular joint is intact. There is no dislocation. Left axillary surgical clips are identified.
Ortho says displacement is "moderate" of greater tuberosity fragment.
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Please give me your opinion, if it is from personal experience or thoughtful consideration. i can't find the posts on anaesthesia, but my doc says propofol is what dentists use for "twilight" and that she doesn't think it's a problem.
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i"m trying to schedule for Thursday as apparently time is a consideration in outcomes.
Shoulder surgery options
Have surgery:
pro
-Will most likely return full mobility to left/arm, shoulder.
-Can start rehabilitation immediately after surgery.
-Rehabilitation time might be somewhat less, but will be long in either case.
-Sleep might be better sooner with surgery (and i already have sleep issues).
-With surgery any soft tissue issues will be seen and can be repaired.
Con
-Anaesthesia 1.25 to 1.5 hours.
-Plate/screw (can be titanium or stainless steel) can give problems down the line but fairly rare.
-Anesthesia always entails risks.
-may need narcotics post op for pain, not sure yet. trying to get topical compounded (my doc is helping) and/or Toradol injectable (preferred) or oral.
No surgery:
Pro
-No anaesthesia/surgery risk
-No plate/screw risk
-no narcotics
Con
-Movement (lifting arm above head) and strength in injured arm, likely reduced by around 30%, could be less, could be more.
-Can be more problematic in the future. Would definitely recommend surgery for a younger person, at my age (65) it’s 50/50 option.
Recovery in either case will be long. 1-2 years max movement and pain resolution... i think i can get there in less time, my doc has already given me suggestions for helpful therapies.
my functional medicine doc says for 65 i'm in good health and she is in favor of the surgery.
Thank you my friends!