Bochum's VfL: Ibrahima Sissoko expected to be sidelined for several weeks
Ibrahima Sissoko, a professional soccer player, underwent surgery on his shoulder following an injury sustained during a DFB Cup match against BFC Dynamo in Bochum on Saturday, 16th August. The incident occurred during the fourth minute of the game in the Berliners' penalty area when Sissoko was illegally tackled, resulting in a dislocation of the shoulder joint.
The specific player responsible for the foul remains unidentified, and the referee did not immediately address the incident. No penalty was issued for the violation of the rules.
Sissoko's recovery timeline is expected to be between 3 to 6 months, depending on the severity of the injury, the exact surgical procedure, and the player's rehabilitation progress. The initial immobilization with a sling lasts about 3-6 weeks, followed by gentle physical therapy to avoid stiffness. Active range-of-motion exercises typically begin between weeks 4-8, progressing to strength-building exercises by 2-3 months. Full strength and function restoration can take up to 6 months or longer, with improvements continuing for a year post-surgery.
Contact sports such as professional soccer are generally restricted until at least 4 months post-operation to minimize the risk of re-injury. The timeline can be influenced by the player's job, sport demands, and individual progress.
Examples from elite soccer demonstrate that return to play after surgery for anterior shoulder dislocation can take approximately 5 months, with nearly 20 games missed on average. Real-world examples such as Jude Bellingham, who had shoulder surgery from a dislocation sustained in a match, are estimated to have a rehabilitation period of 3-4 months before returning to training and competition.
Post-surgery risks include shoulder stiffness, weakness, pain, and potential re-dislocation if rehabilitation is incomplete or if the injury was severe. However, surgical repair often improves shoulder stability, and performance may initially decline during recovery but can rebound with dedicated rehab.
In conclusion, a professional soccer player who undergoes shoulder dislocation surgery is likely to be out of play for 3 to 6 months, requiring comprehensive physical therapy and gradual strengthening before safely returning to competitive matches. The injury and surgery can temporarily impact performance but do not necessarily end a player’s career if managed properly.
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[2] Paterno, M. V., & Dugas, J. P. (2017). Anterior shoulder instability in athletes. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine, 10(3), 229-235.
[3] Wirth, M., & Wirth, C. (2012). Rehabilitation of anterior shoulder instability. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy, 20(11), 2106-2113.
[4] Wong, A. W., & Burkhead, W. D. (2018). The treatment of anterior shoulder instability in professional soccer goalkeepers. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 46(12), 2746-2753.
- Despite the incident remaining unidentified, the referee's inaction and the lack of a penalty for Sissoko's illegal tackle in a European football league could have long-lasting implications for his performance in European-leagues.
- As he transitions through the stages of rehabilitation, Jude Bellingham, a fellow professional soccer player, serves as an example of a promising return to play in European-leagues following shoulder dislocation surgery, with an estimated rehabilitation period of 3-4 months.
