thoughtful. entertaining. random.

shoulder: no more sling!

Went to see the orthopedist yesterday afternoon for my two-week (really three-and-change-week) follow-up appointment.

He looked at my MRI scans and was dumbfounded: my ligaments are completely intact, my cartliage fine, my muscles fine, and my bones merely bruised. Given that I had a posterior dislocation (arm was pushed out of socket, versus the more common anterior, or pulling, kind), the doctor was amazed that my shoulder was in such shape. He explained that over ninety percent of posterior dislocations require surgery, as they are extremely unstable.

He actually said that he “was looking forward to operating on my shoulder,” to which I laughed. He then said that, barring major trauma, my should should be quite strong from now on.

He then tested my range of motion, which stands at approximately 80 percent. My muscles are stiff and the joint still has pain (raw nerves and bone bruising), but it’s mostly stable. While I can’t ride the bike just yet, I can hike, jog, run and lift lightweight things to build up strength. And I’m going to get physical therapy on the shoulder for four to six weeks to build up strength and flexibility, getting back to full range of motion.

But the best part for now: no sling!

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