How Advances in Shoulder Surgery can put Tennis Players in their 50s and 60s Back on the Court

A research study conducted on professional female tennis players who underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery found 100% of the participants were able to return to professional play after the procedure. Another study on middle-aged tennis players averaging around 51 years of age showed that almost 80% were able to return to tennis after rotator cuff surgery.

The continuing improvements in shoulder surgery are making it possible for players in their 50s and 60s to return to their game after suffering a debilitating shoulder injury. Here are some advances in shoulder surgery that can help you recover fast from shoulder injury.

Arthroscopic surgery

Since arthroscopy was first used for treatment of shoulder injuries in the 1980s, there have been significant advances in the procedure which include:

• Use of fiberoptic technology and digital monitoring for improved image quality.
• Special scopes that greatly increase the field of view, including around tight corners.
• Decreased diameter of the arthroscopes so they cause minimal damage to healthy tissue.
• Bioabsorbable suture anchors that have high pull out strength.
• Improved designs of suture anchors so they can be easily inserted into poor-quality bone.
• Use of bioabsorbable materials that encourage early bone formation.

Anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty

The latest implant designs allow accurate reconstruction of the joint, taking into account details such as inclination, version, and offset of the humeral head (upper arm bone). This allows for better balancing of the rotator cuff muscles and improved functional outcome.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty

This is an innovative surgical procedure that reverses the placement of the implant components. The prosthetic socket is placed in the end of the upper arm and the "ball" component is placed in the shoulder socket. This alters the center of rotation, making it possible for patients to raise their arm overhead relying primarily on the deltoid muscle.

A note of caution

These are just a few advanced techniques that could help you get back to the game you love. However, it is very important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard. Follow your surgeon's instructions regarding how soon you can return to the game after surgery and seek medical attention as soon as possible if you experience any persistent pain.

Dr. Patrick Denard has been voted one of the top 20 Shoulder Surgeons in North America and is the most widely published shoulder specialist in Oregon. Dr. Denard has advanced arthroscopy training and is able to perform the vast majority of shoulder procedures in a minimally invasive fashion, including all types of rotator cuff repairs and instability repair. These techniques allow him to repair tears that some consider "irreparable."