Your Questions About Treating Shoulder Injuries and More!

In this segment, NYC Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Steven Struhl answers some interesting questions posed by his Twitter and Facebook followers.

The art and science of asking questions is the source of all knowledge. – Thomas Berger

DOS AND DON’TS

Question: In the unfortunate event that we sustain a shoulder injury, what are some of the dos and don’ts you would advise patients to follow in the immediate minutes, hours and/or days following the injury?

DO

  1. Use ice.
  2. Try to immobilize the arm in a real or makeshift sling.
  3. Do get medical attention.
  4. Take photos of both the injured area and/or initial x-rays so that you can communicate with experts not on site.

DON’T

  1. Don’t “tough it out”. When you’re hurt, it is difficult to know the severity of the injury, so play it safe and get in touch with Dr. Struhl’s office.
  2. Don’t use heat. It is likely to make things worse.
  3. Don’t wait to get medical attention. Knowledge is power.
  4. Don’t take matters into your own hands by manipulating the area – some maneuvers can make a bad situation worse.

PATENTED AC JOINT SEPARATION PROCEDURE

Question:  As I understand it, with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection. Does your patented AC Joint Separation Procedure happen to eliminate any of these risks?

Dr. Struhl answers: “Surgical risks can only be drastically reduced, but never fully eliminated.  Infection is extremely rare with the procedure – well under 1%!  The patented procedure also reduces the risk of re-dislocation dramatically compared to other techniques.”

CAN KIDS BENEFIT ALSO?

Question:  Can your patented AC Joint Separation technique work for both adults and children?

Answer: “Due to biological and anatomical differences between adults and children, an AC dislocation is almost unheard of in children.  Traumatic injuries in children are much more likely to produce a fracture than a dislocation.”

EMTS HAVE QUESTIONS TOO!

Question:  As an EMT, the current protocol we follow for shoulder injuries is to do a sling and swath.  Is there a more effective way of splinting an AC Joint?

Answer:  “A sling and swath is effective in most situations.”

BIKING SURVIVAL KIT FOR SPORTS INJURIES

Question: Dr. Struhl, as an avid mountain bike rider, what would you suggest I carry as a “survival kit” in case of an accident or injury?

Answer: “I would suggest the following:  A communication device, a simple first aid kit that allows construction of a very simple sling, a whistle or horn, water, high calorie energy bar, identification, money and a Mylar blanket (this type of blanket only weighs 2 ounces).”

Follow Dr. Struhl on Twitter, Facebook or visit our website to have all of your questions answered!