THIS POST IS PART OF THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SPORTS MEDICINE
For many young athletes, participating in a variety of sports year-round is normal. If an athlete isn’t in the middle of a particular sport’s season, they’re at least training to be in top physical condition for when the next season begins.
At 16-years-old, this was Braxtyn Hurley’s life. However, in fall 2016 Braxtyn injured her right shoulder during a soccer game.
“While I was running a girl on the opposite team pulled my arm back and I felt a pop and knew something had happened,” said Braxtyn.
Braxtyn wasn’t ready to admit defeat. So she finished her soccer season and started basketball season without seeking help. But the pain was constant and only getting worse. It was so bad, an athletic trainer decided Braxtyn could not continue playing until her shoulder was looked at more extensively.
Braxtyn’s mom, Taryn Wagers decided to make Braxtyn an appointment with shoulder specialist, Dr. Jeffery Soldatis at OrthoIndy.
The diagnosis: Dislocated shoulder
Dr. Soldatis determined Braxtyn had a partially dislocated shoulder and tore her labrum. A partial dislocation (subluxation) means the head of the upper arm bone (humerus) is partially out of the socket (glenoid). In more traumatic shoulder dislocations the labrum will tear.
“A partial dislocation or sprain to the shoulder is relatively common in athletes and sometimes it takes more than one event before a patient seeks treatment,” said Dr. Soldatis.
Braxtyn would need surgery before she could participate in sports again. Dr. Soldatis performed an arthroscopic surgery using a camera and instruments through small skin incisions to repair Braxtyn’s ligaments.
Dislocated shoulder recovery
It usually takes four to five months for an athlete to return to their sport after surgery. The first six weeks after surgery the shoulder needs complete rest so the ligaments can heal. Then, physical therapy and strengthening exercises are needed to return the shoulder to normal.
“My experience at OrthoIndy Hospital was very good. Everyone that helped me when I arrived for my surgery was very nice and helpful,” said Braxtyn. “Everyone explained what was going to happen, when and how. They were also helpful post surgery when I got home.”
Her mother was very pleased with the care her daughter received. “We highly recommend OrthoIndy and I have referred as many people as I can since our first visit. Hands down the best customer service we have received anywhere,” said Taryn. “Dr. Soldatis was an excellent surgeon. He explained everything in great detail and we knew from the first visit he was the surgeon for us.”
A return to sports
Because of Braxtyn’s hard work and determination to return to her sport after she dislocated her shoulder, she focused on strengthening her shoulder and getting back in shape.
“Braxtyn had a positive attitude from the start,” said Dr. Soldatis. “She was ready to get her shoulder fixed, she listened to the physical therapist and got back on the field.”
Braxtyn is currently playing soccer for her senior year of high school and is working hard to get back into top physical condition.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Soldatis please call 317.569.2515 or learn more about sports medicine treatment at OrthoIndy.
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Your well-being is important to us. Click the button below or call us to schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists. If your injury or condition is recent, you can walk right into one of our OrthoIndy Urgent Care locations for immediate care. For rehabilitation and physical therapy, no referral is needed to see one of our physical therapists.
