is there a doctor in the house?

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster

the technical name for the injury (I just read) is a SLAP... superior labrum something...

just wondering what dangers am i in if i put the surgery off until fall?

PS... i know i can talk to my surgeon, but he's not a kiteboarder, and doesn't understand the stresses induced from the kite...figured i'd try on here.

pacifichigh · Since 11 May 2005 1004 Posts ATX Texan

I have torn my labrum and had a bankhart repair done under the scope. The consequences of not going under the knife is that its easier to dislocate your shoulder.

You are looking at a minimum of 8 weeks rehab post op if you do meet the knife.

kss · Since 24 Apr 2006 614 Posts pdx Addicted

pacific - stevenson sunny and W16...

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

My experience: I spent 5 in the sling and after 8 weeks I still couldn't raise my arm all the way, much less lift anything. Started kiting again at about 12 weeks, but I was still being real careful.

Dislocations hurt like hell but they weren't ever that bad for me, I was always able to reset my arm within 30 seconds without much trouble. Probably happened 50+ times over the years since the original injury.

Still not as strong as I was now 6 months post op, I work on it everyday though.

pacifichigh · Since 11 May 2005 1004 Posts ATX Texan

My dislocations (x3) sucked!! Hospital every time and it still didn't go back in easy.

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

That's F'in brutal dude, I don't think I'd trade my 50 easy locations for your 3 tough ones.

pacifichigh · Since 11 May 2005 1004 Posts ATX Texan

yeah phil before mine started going all the way out (and staying out) I had dozens of subluxations where it came out then right back in.

Any which way you slice it, that sh*t sucks!!!

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster

good news and bad here...
since mine is a superior labrum tear (the top of the labrum), my shoulder probably won't come out (typically, it only comes out the front or the back)...
the bad news is, the top is where the bicep connect to the shoulder...

Scribble · Since 18 Nov 2005 636 Posts NoPo Addicted

How did you injure it? Now that my ACL is about 3 weeks from allowing me to kite again I need to know what else to watch out for :O)

Rehab is a bitch but I'm in better shape now than I was when I hurt the knee.

Gluck,
Andy

mjc · Fri Apr 27, 07 11:10 pm

That depends on how long you plan on living and how functional you'd like your shoulder to be. I'm sure you could continue to kiteboard, but you risk further damage to surrounding tissues (rotator cuff for example) and possible permanent impairment. There are options of rehab and strengthening of the shoulder girdle to help protect yourself, but if you pull an unhooked move with some pop.....out goes your shoulder....potentially damaging and excruciatingly painful. It's your decision but make sure you consider the future and how long you'd like to continue kiteboarding. Just my two cents....

Reaper356 · Since 10 Dec 2006 781 Posts Salem / LC Oregon Opinionated

I too am curious - I take it these shoulder injuries are occurring during unhooked airtime?

shastadogs2 · Since 28 Mar 2005 336 Posts Obsessed

there is an old saying in medicine: "born loose or torn loose."

the rotator cuff apparatus, a series of muscles and tendons that, while tying the shoulder together and allowing for flexibility unmatched in other joints, is because of its flexibility prone to tear and tendonitis.

some people are loose to begin with, others like you pkh do it doin what ya do. and the easier it is to reset the humeral head after dislocation, the easier it may be to again unseat.

there are ways to prevent such pathology:

-keep your shoulders strong-easy when you are young, just do lots of physical labor. sitting behind the wheel and at your computer doesnt count.

its likeplaying hoops. as you age, you may find you cannot "kite yourself into shape" for kiting. you must train for it. the fifth decade can be a challenge. and we have not even begun to discuss the prostate.

-practice yoga. flexibility is mandatory, eating meat is optional.

another way to prevent injury is not to age. Shocked

"nobody lives for ever and who would want to."-grandma lola

J.P. · Since 10 Mar 2005 638 Posts Addicted