Orthopedics Forum - Bullet wound: damage to nerves and muscles, suggestions for

Conditions and Diseases > Orthopedics Forum > Bullet wound: damage to nerves and muscles, suggestions for

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Q: Bullet wound: damage to nerves and muscles, suggestions for

asked by: DoctorQuestion on September 11th, 2006

I am a 24 year old female who was recently shot in the right shoulder ( for no reason and unexpected mind you)..that happened about 2 months ago. The bullet had entered from the back of my shoulder and exited out the front. From what I understand,the impact of the blast shot off a piece of my rotator cuff,well,as the doc put it "it turned to dust",as well as tearing tendon,muscle,and nerve. I am in physical therapy for now to try and get a little movement and break up the scar tissue. As of now,I can't even lift my arm to put up my hair or reach for things. The doc is hoping that the nerve will rejuvinate. My question is, with your expierence, do you think there may be a possibility of a shoulder replacement? and what would you suggest for the pain?

Replies(2)

Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov , MD

replied on September 20th, 2006

Orthopedics, Hip, Knee Replacements Answer A1521

According to your description (fire-shot wound of the right shoulder) you have suffered severe damage to the right shoulder. You'll probably need more than 2 months for recovery. The nerves themselves may require 6 months for regeneration. Permanent anatomic and functional damages of the shoulder are also possible. A shoulder joint replacement can solve the bone damages but can’t fix damages to the nerves and muscles. You can wait to see the results from physical therapy and nerve regeneration. If the condition remains intolerable you can consult an orthopedist about shoulder joint replacement. In the mea time you might request a prescription for painkillers (aspirin, ketoprofen, diclofenak, ibuprofen etc.) to help manage the pain.

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Comments (1)

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