I had surgery to repair some torn cartilage in my shoulder. Now two months later I’m having pain and a catching sensation when I move my arm. What can cause this to happen?

Your surgeon will really have to examine your shoulder to know for sure what’s going on. There may be a problem if the torn soft tissue was reattached using tacks or suture anchors. Sometimes these devices push through the cartilage and rub against the bone.

Sometimes knots tied in the wire don’t slide or glide like they are supposed to. Anchors, tacks, screws, and other implants used to reattach soft tissue to bone can come loose or even break. A piece of the device (or even the whole device) can move or migrate inside the joint.

X-rays are often used as the first imaging study. If the device is radiolucent, it may not be seen. In these cases, MRIs are done. Don’t wait to call your surgeon or make a follow-up appointment. Early detection and treatment can save you from worse complications and problems later.