Shoulder Decompression Surgery Following a Motor Vehicle Accident
Our roadways are incredibly dangerous. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, more than 30,000 people die every year in motor vehicle collisions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 2.3 million more were injured in 2013. We all know that the roads are no safe place and injuries and fatalities happen on an all-too regular occurrence.
Recovering from a soft tissues injury that resulted from a motor vehicle collision can be time consuming, frustrating, and, of course, incredibly painful. While whiplash is the predominant soft tissue injury sustained in car crashes, shoulder injuries are very common as well. Shoulder impingement syndrome happens when the rotator cuff tendon gets pinched, causing loss of movement and intense pain. If you or a loved one suffered a shoulder impingement injury, please contact us today to talk with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys to learn how we can help.
Medical and Surgical Procedures are Available
There are different options available to recover from shoulder impingement syndrome. The first treatment option to explore involves non-surgical procedures, including physical therapy, rehabilitation, cortisone injections, and anti-inflammatories. However, more intrusive measures have to be taken in many cases. According to the Cleveland Clinic, 85 percent of patients experience improved range of motion and decreased pain with shoulder decompression injury. Arthroscopic shoulder decompression surgery involves a five millimeter incision in the shoulder, as opposed to an open surgery. After the incision is made, the surgeon will check the ligaments, muscle, and bone within the joint for tears or loose pieces that need attention. After the shoulder joint is examined thoroughly, any spurs or uneven surfaces that are causing the impingement are smoothed away within the rotator cuff. Recovery from arthroscopic surgery takes considerably less time than that of open surgery.
Recovery Following Arthroscopic Shoulder Decompression Surgery
Following the surgery, you will be given appropriate painkillers and anti-inflammatory. You may also be placed in a sling or a splint. Your surgeon will let you know how long you will be in these, along with the appropriate time to rest, as well as exercises to perform. Most patients are able to return to work and normal activities within one week to three months after the surgery. By four to six weeks, strength will return to your shoulder, though it can be important to seek out the help of a shoulder therapist to regain full strength and mobility. The length of time you are out of work will impact the claim you make against the negligent party that caused the collision. In addition to medical costs, pain and suffering, and property damages, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. Shoulder decompression surgery costs thousands of dollars alone, and the associated physical therapy bills and pain and suffering compound the costs of your auto accident.
Let Us Help You
Contact Gillette Law, P.A. in Georgia or Florida to talk with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys to discuss your legal options. If you or a loved one has suffered a shoulder impingement injury in a car collision, we will help you get the medical treatment and financial support you are owed. Call us today at 888-366-5904 for a free consultation.
