Bones - Shoulder dislocation

Q: I am fast bowler, and I dislocated my right shoulder in an accident (July 2001). The doctor replaced the ball back into the socket and advised some physiotherapy. The strength in my arm has reduced dramtacially. Will I ever play cricket again and bowl at the same pace? Do you suggest surgery or just plain physiotherapy?

A:As per your history you dislocated your shoulder some time in July 2001 when your age was around 24 years. In the younger patient the probability of a single dislocation becoming a recurrent dislocation is very high (in some studies as high as 80 -90%). However, you have not mentioned anything about any episode of dislocation after the first injury. The fact that you are having weakness in the arm indicates that you are compelled to restrict your arm activities. Therefore, you will have to be examined by a good orthopaedic surgeon before any decision can be given.