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Bankart Repair (advice?)

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Z-Juice
Posts: 3151 - Karma: 1,504
Searchbar only came up with this thread: https://www.newschoolers.com/ns/forums/readthread/thread_id/693474/ in which SkierX provides a helpful account of his surgery. Didn't find a whole lot more on the internet though as far as personal stories (especially from skiers).

Long story short, I had the surgery June 19th. And I was initially told that the recovery process would take a little under 6 months. I fell on my outstretched arm about a month ago (exactly how I hurt it originally), causing some mild pain and soreness, after visiting the doctor, he said he would like to re-evaluate my shoulder in January before he wants me to ski, but deemed that my shoulder was still "fine" for the most part.

The doc knows that I ski somewhat aggressively, but I don't think he fully understands the type of skiing that I(we) do which can involve direct impact on the shoulder, abrupt rapid shoulder movements in all possible directions (which I am most concerned about), tomahawking, etc. So I am wondering if anyone else on here has experience with this surgery. Just curious if any problems arose after the surgery in skiing or non skiing related matters.

I can provide a more detailed account of the injuries leading up to surgery, rehab, how it is today, etc. as well. I'm concerned getting back to trying new stuff this year, considering that I the crashes I might take could be far worse than simply falling on my arm as a result of a failed flat box trick in which my shoulder was initially hurt.

Any info is greatly appreciated.

Dec 1 2013 11:37PM
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SKI.ING
Posts: 2695 - Karma: 2,535
Every surgery and patient is different so keep that in mind. I had the surgery and skiied mellow for the tailend of last season. I passed the 1 year mark in august. I got cleared and everything. Honestly I would ski, but not aggresively and taking huge risks. In my opinion there will be pain and soreness associated with any surgery for quite some time. I'm talking years after the surgery. This is my experience and from others. So if you rehabbed correctly and it feels good then continue doing PT and skiing a bit, but with the safety of your shoulder in mind.

This isn't saying just be careless, because I was super careful when it came to my rehab and following doctor's orders to a T. But, if I went in for a reevaluation every time I felt pain and soreness in my surgery shoulder I wouldn't be doing anything. Everybody heals at their own pace, just listen to your body. Case in point, Adrian Peterson's recovery compared to Derrick Rose's recovery. Its a case by case thing.
Dec 2 2013 12:25AM
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S.A.M.
Posts: 148 - Karma: 50
Threads for info. Had my surgery 4 weeks ago, still got 2 more weeks in a sling. Hoping to be skiing semi-normally in 6 months, gonna be nice not having my shoulder pop out every time I fall.
Dec 2 2013 12:40AM
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bfulmer
Posts: 3053 - Karma: 1,975
I had one roughly 6 months ago and I literally JUST got cleared to ski. Rough recovery for sure.
Dec 2 2013 12:42AM
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
I had bankart surgery about 8 years ago now. shoulder has been out of socket multiple times since. once a shoulder dislocates it will NEVER be as good as new.

my advice is to do stabilizing exercises and learn how to have your shoulders set so they are more stable. also begin to think of your shoulder differently. I try to keep my elbow close to my body as often as I can.
Dec 2 2013 1:09AM
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Z-Juice
Posts: 3151 - Karma: 1,504
Thanks for the post & to everyone else who posted. Let my clarify, the pain lasted about 10 seconds after falling on my arm and the soreness ensued for 30 minutes (I possibly subluxed the shoulder then). That was the only issue I have experienced the whole time. My physical therapist and doctor both have recognized my above average mobility as well as consistent increases in strength.

I just think it's incredibly difficult to gage if a shoulder is ready to ski after this surgery. Besides constant minor vibration and winding up for tricks (which is one of the few skiing-subluxations I experienced before surgery), the vulnerability is solely in crashing/weird movements. I mean if I didn't know any better I'd say that my shoulder felt fine for any activity in September, just because my mobility was essentially 100%. It's also my understanding that the repaired shoulder doesn't necessarily get more stable over time, no matter how much strengthening you do (the risk of re-dislocating is the same 1 year out vs. 10 years), sort of like Tinga's story. While wearing my sling working at Home Depot after surgery, at least 10 old dudes asked what happened and proceeded to tell me about their multiple surgeries and how their shoulders still suck (they didn't specify what surgery they had though). I am certainly willing to take this whole season easy, even though I am almost at the 6 month mark. It's obviously the "smart" choice, but I'm not sure if it when I decide to start skiing, tramping, etc. makes a difference as far as risk goes.

This is just my paranoia, not trying to be pessimistic.

Dec 2 2013 11:57AM
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Z-Juice
Posts: 3151 - Karma: 1,504
bump,

I think I had a significant issue last night unfortunately. I was playing soccer and collided with this kid which caused my arm to move in the anterior direction rapidly, causing immediate pain and concern. I did not here a pop or another alarming noise at the time. I am fairly certain my shoulder did not sublux or dislocate. My shoulder was sore for a while after and was sore this morning. I think this is a pretty big issue but it is 8+ months after the surgery and I have been very diligent with my rehab.

Anyways, for the few of you that have had this surgery and have been through the recovery process how serious would you say this incident is? My doctor is extremely busy for the next two weeks so I can't get into see him and I can't really speak to him directly over the phone.

Thanks
Mar 2 2014 3:15PM
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lIllI
Posts: 1255 - Karma: 1,986
Flush your pain meds down the toilet, always do your exercises, and NEVER risk injuring until way beyond full recovery.

I had mine 3 years ago, and now my repaired shoulder is stronger than my uninjured shoulder. Sadly, I can no longer do hand drags because I'm scared it will pop right out.
Mar 2 2014 3:47PM
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MisterMahalo
Posts: 67 - Karma: 21
I am a snowboarder and I had open Bankart surgery three days ago.. I am having lots of pain in my whole arm. In my fore arm and elbow I experience pain because of the constant position in my sling. Shoulder is almost always constant pain. I'm sort of anxious for next season, i don't want to screw up my life anymore with this injury. Any tips mentally or physically?
Apr 7 2014 9:25PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
most shoulder reconstructions tend to be some of the most painful surgeries you can get. Its gonna suck. I suggest using the pain meds for sleeping, and a toke here or there(not getting high) when the pain gets bad. Small amounts of weed were far superior to opiates in killing the pain.

Like everyone has said, you need to hit PT hard.

Other than the normal stuff, i would suggest having someone(mom, GF, best bud) move your arm around while you are totally relaxed(passive movement exercises). Your PT will do this when you start going in a week or 2 so you can get an idea of how it should be done. Start doing this all the time. Ice, and ibuprofen, and for god sakes, make sure you dont slip in the bathtub a week after surgery like i did and tear all your sutures!

Another weird thing about the body is sympathy hypertrophy. If you workout the healthy arm, the injured arm will gain muscle as well. not as much as the healthy one, but it does make a noticable difference, and can give you a head start when it comes time to start resistance exercises.


As for staying sane, i setup my computer so that i could play GTA San Andreas while lying in my bed, sling and ice machine on. that kept me pretty darn busy for a week or two. after the first week you can start going out more, walking around, and generally start to get back to semi-normal life.
Apr 7 2014 9:53PM
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