Do I Need To Remove The Metal Hardware After Shoulder Narrowing Surgery?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in shoulder narrowing surgery. I was curious if you performed this procedure; if so, how many times have you performed it? (if you do not offer the surgery I would appreciate a referral) I was interested in the healing time for the procedure and if it would make sense to do 1 arm at a time due to mobility issues. Also for the left over support hardware is it frequently removed with a subsequent surgery after healing or left inside the body?

A: Thank you for your inquiry. In answer to your questions:

1) I have performed shoulder narrowing surgery for the past five years in over 40 shoulders.

2) There is a specific arm motion protocol in which it takes 4 to 6 weeks to return to full range of motion.

3) Patients always have the option to remove their metal hardware 6 months after the surgery. To date no one has requested to do so.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana