Shoulder Reconstructions are conducted to stabilise the shoulder and used as a prevention of dislocating again. The recovery time differs for different athletes but the minimal recovery time is six weeks, players usually decide to have shoulder reconstructions at the end of a season due to the lengthy recovery period. The player will remain in a shoulder sling after the operation to give support to the shoulder.
Chris Judd
Chris Judd, the former Carlton captain needed a full shoulder reconstruction on his right shoulder, late 2011.
Shoulder Injuries occur quite often in AFL due to dangerous tackling or they can be from just bumping against another player.
Shoulder Dislocation
Shoulder Reconstruction
AC Joint
Clavicle Fracture
Rotator Cuff
Pectoralis Tendon Tear
SC Joint
Brachial Plexus
Dislocations occur very easy due to the ball and socket joint being very shallow, so the bone can become loose a lot easier. A shoulder dislocation can easily be put back in place with minimal damage but if other structures such as the tendons surrounding the bones are damaged, the recovery process will be a lot longer and more painful. Dislocations result from direct contact therefore means they are classified as a direct injury.
Rotator Cuff muscles are buried in the shoulder, the tendons of these muscles form a 'cuff' that contribute to dynamic mobilisation. Rotator Cuff Injuries are treated by a cortosone injection and this is supported by a shoulder sling. Rotator Cuff injuries are classified as indirect injuries.