Wade Opts to Delay Shoulder Dislocation Surgery

Basketball superstar Duane Wade of the Miami Heat has opted to delay season-ending shoulder surgery in an effort to rehabilitate his shoulder injury. Wade sustained a shoulder dislocation in a game of February 21 against the Houston Rockets.

Shoulder dislocations are often treated surgically to prevent a chance of having a repeat, or recurrent, dislocation. Once an individual has sustained a shoulder dislocation (not a shoulder separation), he or she is at a much higher risk of suffering another dislocation. Surgery can dramatically lower the chance of having a recurrent dislocation.

In determining if surgery is appropriate or not, doctors weigh factors including age, activities, and expectations of the patient. In addition, as was the case with Wade, the timing of the in-season athlete can be considered. Because surgery would end Wade's season, it was decided to try non-operative treatment in hopes he may be able to return for the playoffs. In Wade's case, even if he does successfully return for the season, he plans on undergoing off-season surgery to repair the damage.