What to expect from shoulder stabilisation surgery for shoulder dislocation

The surgeon assesses the labrum, capsule, ligaments, bone, and muscles that help keep the shoulder centred. Through keyhole or open techniques, the damaged tissues may be repaired, tightened, or reconstructed; the choice depends on the injury pattern, activity demands, and previous treatment.

A sling protects the repair while early healing takes place. Pain, bruising, and stiffness are expected parts of recovery, but motion is advanced in stages so that exercises improve control without placing excessive strain on the repaired tissues.

Arrange help with daily tasks and keep frequently used items within easy reach. Follow instructions about fasting, medicines, and sling use. Move the hand, wrist, and elbow as advised, but avoid the shoulder positions your surgeon identifies as risky.

Attend physiotherapy and progress only when the therapist or surgeon permits. Do not lift, push, pull, drive, or return to throwing and contact activity until strength, movement, and healing have been reviewed. A gradual programme is safer than testing the shoulder early.

Call the surgical team for worsening pain, spreading redness, fever, unusual drainage, or swelling around the wound. Seek urgent care for a new deformity, sudden inability to move the arm, a cold or discoloured hand, new numbness or weakness, severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, or collapse.

Ask which stabilising structures need repair, whether bone treatment is involved, how long the sling is required, and which shoulder positions are restricted. Confirm when physiotherapy, driving, work, lifting, swimming, and sport can be reconsidered.