Skiing after full shoulder replacement?

[davemac]

Curious if anyone has first hand experience with this (in or out of the course)...and whether they continued skiing,what level they pursue, or adjustments they make, and what ortho surgeon advice they received??

I am turning 50 next month and the "gift" to self is an (overdue) full shoulder in my non-dominant arm. Still very fit and active ...just not prepared to swap my Vapor for being towed at 10mph in one of those inflatable sofas....or taking up wake surfing.

 

[Marco]

I went through a complete shoulder rebuild in 2010. Dislocated my shoulder so bad my arm was stuck sticking out at 90 degrees, and down where my armpit was. Complete rotaor cuff, labrum and bicep tendon tear. Think pulling off a turkey leg. After a 6 hour surgery and 9 months of intense rehab, that arm now feels like it did when I was 20. Not sure how my injury relates to a full replacement, but I think it would be similar. I'm still skiing, and my shoulder is not even an issue.

[Razorskier1]

George Lindy in MN. He skis with a power vest now, but is back into 35 off again and he's in his 60s.

[RLW]

I am an orthopedic shoulder specialist and would worry about loosening of the socket (glenoid) with skiing after a full shoulder replacement. You should discuss this with your surgeon and consider showing him/her a video that shows the stresses our shoulders undergo with competitive skiing. Perhaps a partial replacement could be an option - may not have the same pain relief, but partial relief may be better than a failed/loose total. Sorry for the negativity, but you need to discuss this clearly with your surgeon to understand the risks.

[davemac]

I appreciate the candor, @RLW . Due to bone wear of the socket, a partial shoulder is not an option at this point.

My surgeon is a wakeboarder... familiar with the stresses of slalom skiing. The thought is skiing at a "casual, throttled back" level would probably be okay. The concern seems more with hard skiing and inevitable crashes...not so much worried about the replacement holding up, but more that any tendon injuries (post replacement) would have a catastrophic impact on life.

Being on the very "young" end of spectrum for this (necessary) procedure, one of the goals is longevity. I'm physically ready for the procedure, but mentally still digesting it..

Thanks again.

[spicoli]

Are all sports this hard to let go at older age I'm almost 60 ,8 dislocations.back surgery, broke leg, now hip problems .why can't we just give it up like other athletes do o well I understand were your coming from but it probably don't make good sense

[OldboyII]

At the first seconds of

you may see solution how to partially unload shoulders/back.

Could be inexpensive alternative to powerwest.

 

[mwetskier]

@Mark_Matis -jim salmas was one of the toughest old guy skiers i ever met. when he took a hit off his off side turn (which was often) his entire body would shudder from the force but he would just keep skiing and never miss a beat. he was one tough dude.

[cragginshred]

I'm glad @RLW chimed in from an actual ortho perspective. HUGE difference from cuff tear and a Total replacement in terms of functional outcomes.

 

I have treated many total replacements in the PT clinical setting and not one would ever be able to slalom ski at discharge. I will say however as a huge caveat, none of them were in shape as a prior level of function.

 

The comment about the power vest is interesting as an assistive device.

 

Also if you can have fun at 32mph and -22 there would obviously be a lot less traction forces on the joint but I would still let your ortho who sounds familiar with being towed behind boats make that call.

[rawly]

Give yourself two gifts . The shoulder , and a Goode power vest . I had labrum and rotator cuff surgery a few years back , and gave myself the gift of a power vest . $600 may sound like alot of money compared to other vests , but I couldn't come up with a price tag for not skiing . Heck , I usually lose that much money each time I sell my used skis .