new to forum. work comp case. slap tear. have put off surgery. anyone out there think the risk outweigh advantage of surgery?

HI, Sorry to hear you have a slap tear. Personally, for me there was no choice in having the surgery regardless of the risks. I am a very active person and the tear was inhibiting just about every activity that I do. I am also a nurse and was having a hard time in lifting the heavier patients prior to surgery. So for me I was willing to take the risks associated with the surgery. I was also extremely comfortable with the surgeon that I chose. He had my full confidence.
Wishing you luck.
jmcwil in michigan

Although NOT having surgery for my part was NOT an option, I had lost the use of my arm. Being a work comp issue, THAT could bode badly, they don't like to see people get therapy or be off work. You may want to see what you need to do to insure you get the proper recovery, maybe talk to a work comp lawyer or ?? Don't let them mess with you. Good luck!

Sky

I had a SLAP tear and had surgery 6 weeks ago. For almost two years, I tried all forms of therapy, with marginal results. If you are active and want to continue that way until your later years, I would go ahead and have it done. Dont let Joe Schmoe orthopedist do it. Find someone who specializes in the shoulder. My recovery has been faster than normal (according to my doc--Randy Schwartzberg in Orlando FL). LIke I said, I spent years doing all my scapular stabalizing/rotator cuff exercises prior to the surgery, and it seemed to help me regain function much quicker. As of now, I have full range of motion on all planes except ABduction (lifting arm out to side) Everything is going really well. any other questions let me know

I agree you need to have a great surgeon who specializes in shoulders. My son was in and out in about an hour. My understanding is that if you are active or want to be active, surgery is the way to go. Get as much info as you can, ask questions, and take charge of your recovery.
Best of luck and keep posting. Everyone is very helpful here and is great answering questions.

I dont know how you were injured, but it is possible to have other issues besides the slap tear. They may not become apparent until pt. is underway. A specialist is what you want for your surgery, but perhaps is not the best choice for a fully comprehensive assessment of the extent of your injury.
In my experience the WC. carrier wants to spend the least amount they possibly can. If you are faced with problems, that may require extensive pt. they will push for an impairment rating. (% of loss of use) This is cheaper than rehabilitating you in many cases.
WC. lawyers fees vary. Some charge a % of the settlement amount only. Some charge it on the weekly benefit in addition. Avoid this.
I dont know at what point you decide just how successful your surgery was. My goal was to be able to return to my same occupation. At 7 mos. post op, I am incapable of working above my head. Hopefully this will improve. I think you have to be realistic about rehab. times relative to the physical difficulty of your occupation, and with respect to the procedures they perform on you. Best of luck. sk.