Scope shoulder capsulorrhaphy procedures

Insurance just approved the procedure and my surgery date is scheduled for May 1, 2024, which is the earliest one available from Dr. Eklund who specializes in sports injury. Admittedly, I'm a bit anxious and I'm currently trying to read up as much about it as I can. Realistically there's not much else for me to do but to just rest and heal, but it's always nice to know the details. 

There are a couple types of capsulorrhaphy procedures that can be performed: 

1. Capsular Shift: In this technique, the surgeon tightens the loose or stretched tissues of the shoulder capsule by folding and overlapping them, effectively reducing the size of the capsule and improving joint stability. 
2. Capsular Plication: This involves the use of sutures or anchors to gather and cinch together the loose or redundant tissues of the shoulder capsule, similar to taking in excess fabric when tailoring clothing. 
3. Capsular Reconstruction: In cases of severe shoulder instability or extensive capsular damage, the surgeon may perform a capsular reconstruction using tissue grafts or synthetic materials to reinforce and strengthen the shoulder capsule. 

After capsulorraphy surgery, patients will usually be allowed to go home the same day. After surgery, you will be monitored closely and given pain medication to keep you comfortable. You will also be given a sling to wear and instructions on how to care for your incisions. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure proper healing. Recovery from capsulorraphy surgery takes time, but most people are able to return to their normal activities within four to six months.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMytPkQeblM

Ski accident

April 2, 2024: somebody pointed out that I posted this on April 1. As much as I wished that it was just an April Fools prank, unfortunately, this is real 😢.

April 1, 2024: I'm typing this 1 handed and under painkillers so forgive me for typos and or mistakes. I typically ski on the green slopes but I've been trying to learn on the easy blues lately. On the last day of our vacation, my son took me to this blue run. Apparently this blue run we was quite icy and very narrow and after failing to negotiate the turns and slowing down, I slipped and went down at about 20-25MPH. The skis popped out, and I started tumbling down and eventually stopped on my back. That's when I realized that my right shoulder dislocated in a very awkward position, and I couldn't move it at all (although, I still had finger sensations, which was a good sign). My son called in for help and 2 ski patrols put me on the sled and went down to the slopes. The ambulance brought me to the Truckee Hospital (20 min away), and after few failed attempts of "shoulder reduction" procedure, the surgeon decided to put me to sleep so that my muscle spasms would not interfere with the procedures. When I woke up the surgeon explained to me that the X-rays showed fractures and that I needed a follow up at my local hospital. I went home, painless, thinking I was going to be just fine. Later on, as the pain-killer wore off, I felt awful and was literally crying for pain killers! Below is a composite CT (they stitched CTs to make a 3D render) taken a few days after the accident:

Below is an X-ray which shows an old staple on my arm -- the staple was from a childhood sports injury many decades ago. The arrow is what the surgeon thinks is a fracture on the scapula (shoulder blade).

Lastly, the MRI scan (showing swollen soft tissues/liquids/etc)

As long as I'm on an arm immobilizer I am ok, but obviously I can't (and shouldn't) move my right arm up and to the side. The earliest surgery date is May, and the surgeon says I need to take off AT MINIMUM 3 weeks, and possibly up to 6 weeks, for me to resume normal activities. For sports, he recommends waiting at least 6-9 months + consistent PT time before I start doing anything more strenuous.

I'm mentally ready for all the challenges ahead but my body is not. Or at least, not yet. I shall be back!