Sick of my shoulder

[xonicjan]

Hi, I need some advice regarding my shoulder.

I had an MRI done on my shoulder in Feb which should a 1cm posterior supra tear, cartilage loss on the acromioclabicular etc and a slap tear at 12 oclock extending to the posterior labrum and some other bits and pieces wrong.

In April I saw a well known and respected surgeon who said that my slap tear is insignificant and overstated.

Well since then the ache I have in my shoulder has not improved, neither has the clicking and clunking I get.I have continued with my conservative treatment of exercise and physio but the ache is sometimes unbearable.

My question is should I get a second opinion or go back to this guy as hes supposed to be really good. I also dont want to be seen as doctor shopping as this is a workers compensation case.

[injuryupdate]

If you have a lesion on the scan and bad symptoms that persist, I would think surgery is going to worth doing eventually. If the scan has a SLAP but the pain gets a bit better, by all means leave it. But from what you described, going through with an arthroscope sounds like a good option.

Make sure that:
1. You like the surgeon personally. If he seemed like an arrogant type to you, look elsewhere, even if you heard he was good.
2. Make sure you get an independent opinion that he is good. Your physio and referring doc MAY not be independent, but if they wrap the surgeon and you get good vibes from another source, it would be worth sticking with him. If you are in a big city, he should be a shoulder subspecialist, not a knee guy who does the odd shoulder.

[xonicjan]

The surgeon is definitely a shoulder surgeon. Well known and when I told all those concerned I was seeing him everyone was like "oh wow hes really good". And he is a surgeon that this forum also gives biiiggg raps to.

So I was a bit dissapointed with his dismissive attitude. But I think 12 months of conservative treatment with no positive improvements would be enough for him to at least go in and have a quick squizz at my bits.


Thanks for your reply

[injuryupdate]

Surgeons have a natural inclination to avoid operating too early on worker's comp cases, as they definitely have a worse outcome to athletes. However, if you've done your time with physio, he should change his attitude on the review visit.

If he is a shoulder gun, then you'd be best to stick with him if he is happy to do a scope on the next visit, as at least he now knows some of the history.

[xonicjan]

Im seeing my sports doc 2morrow and Ill see what he thinks.

Thanks for the advice.

[xonicjan]

Just an update for anyone who is interested.

Saw my sports doc on Tue.

Got an appointment with ortho surgeon on thursday (how quick was that!) and am now a very happy camper.

He said what the original surgeon said but explained everything, answered all my questions and didnt make me feel like I was neurotic.

So looks like its more physio, gym and another bloody injection!!!

thanks for the advice people.