Fixing a Wobbly Shoulder: A Closer Look at a Unique Surgery

A 65-year-old woman faced a serious shoulder issue.

Her shoulder kept popping out of place, a condition doctors called "chronic anterior shoulder instability." This was caused by weak shoulder ligaments, making her shoulder unstable and painful.

Initial Treatment and Setback

First, doctors attempted a simple procedure to fix her shoulder. However, it didn't work. Her shoulder remained painful and loose. A different approach was needed.

The Solution: Open Modified Gallie Procedure

Doctors decided to perform a "open modified Gallie procedure." In this surgery:

• They used a tibialis anterior allograft (a piece of tissue from a donor's leg).
• They tightened her shoulder capsule by moving a part of it.

Recovery and Results

After the surgery:

• Her shoulder became stable, and the pain disappeared.
• A year later, she could use her shoulder normally.
• She had minor difficulties reaching up high or rotating her arm inward.

Future Implications

Doctors believe this surgery could help others with similar issues, especially those with multiple shoulder dislocations and weak ligaments. However, more research is needed to determine if this is the best solution. Other treatments might also be effective, so all options should be considered before choosing surgery.