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surgery to create a space in the shoulder AV joint

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Chronic Pain
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Posted 3/19/2015 9:04 AM (GMT 0)
I have been suffering from severe shoulder pain for almost 2 years, preventing me from playing sports and resulting in disturbed sleep. Years of weight training and tennis have probably been the root cause. I have had no relief from countless physiotherapy sessions, acupuncture and a cortisone injection.I am now ready to try surgery as last resort. My surgeon has said the problem is that there is no space left between the AV joint (the joint where the shoulder blade meets the collar bone) and he will need to cut through the joint to create a small space which will give the shoulder better flexibility.
Has anyone undergone such a procedure? I have tried to look on the internet to find out more about this procedure but all I have found is a procedure that is the exact opposite i.e where a AV joint has separated due to a trauma and the surgery actually joins it up to stabilise the joint.
Can anyone please advice or tell of their experience?
Posted 3/19/2015 12:27 PM (GMT 0)
I have had decompression surgeries on both of my shoulders. Is your surgeon planning arthroscopic or open procedure? Mine attempted arthroscopic first. The result wasn't the best so I went back and had the open done. I was back to work after about 3 months (each time) but it took about a full year before I was at maximum result with the left shoulder. I am right handed which might explain why the right shoulder didn't have as good a result. In addition, I had a different surgeon and a different physical therapist. My body also reabsorbed more of the bone on the right side than the left. Who knows why? Bottom line, I was fully functional and only had some restriction in range of motion on the right side. Good strength though. If I overdo, I get easily fatigued. I've had additional injuries to the right shoulder so it wouldn't be fair to comment much more on that side. You sound very disciplined and should come through very well. Best wishes for you!
Posted 3/19/2015 6:10 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for sharing your experience, its very helpful.Good to hear you have recovered well.
Posted 3/19/2015 6:31 PM (GMT 0)
Please keep us updated on how things go for you!
Posted 3/19/2015 7:02 PM (GMT 0)
I would get a 2nd opinion with a shoulder specialist, one that deals with shoulder problems only. Good luck.
Posted 3/20/2015 10:15 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Susie, good advice.
Posted 3/23/2015 8:22 PM (GMT 0)
First off, I have to correct you slightly. The joint is the AC joint (Acromioclavicular joint) not the AV joint. Anyway, when I had my shoulder decompression and clean-up surgery, the AC joint was addressed also due to arthritis. The procedure is called a Mumford Procedure and if you google it you will find info about it. Since I didn't have just a Mumford Procedure done, I can't give you recovery time info for that. Overall though, my shoulder did well post-op and the pain relief was wonderful. Good luck to you :)
Posted 3/23/2015 8:25 PM (GMT 0)
That's really helpful and reassuring.
Fingers crossed then and full steam ahead!
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