I am honored to have been recently quoted in The New York Times in an article discussing Shohei Ohtani’s partial shoulder dislocation (also known as a shoulder subluxation) and its impact on his performance in the 2023 World Series. Ohtani, one of the most dynamic athletes in professional sports, faced a potentially season-altering injury just before one of the most critical games of the year.
The injury Ohtani sustained, a shoulder subluxation, means that the shoulder partially dislocated but did not fully come out of the socket. This is crucial because a complete dislocation almost always leads to a labral tear, a significant injury that often requires surgery and extended time off. Based on what we know, the fact that Ohtani is still in the lineup strongly suggests that he avoided this type of structural damage.
In my statement to The New York Times, I highlighted the importance of the distinction between a subluxation and a full dislocation. When discussing his situation, I explained:
“Subluxation would mean a partial dislocation. … When it completely comes out of the socket, almost 100 percent of the time, or near that, you tear the labrum.”
This is a critical point because it can influence not only the management of the injury but also the timeline for returning to play. If Ohtani had suffered a full dislocation, it could have required surgery and a long rehabilitation process. The fact that he was immediately available for Game 3 indicates that no major structural damage was done to his shoulder, and I assume there was no labral tear based on the current information.
Despite the relatively positive news regarding the severity of the injury, I also addressed the challenge that Ohtani now faces with pain tolerance and performance:
“If he can’t go full speed on his swing, if he can’t swing without hesitation because of pain, then he’s not going to be nearly as effective… If they even lose a small portion of that, he’s going to be compromised and his ability to help is going to be minimized.”
As a surgeon who specializes in sports medicine, I often work with athletes managing injuries that allow them to continue playing but at a reduced capacity. Pain tolerance and range of motion are key factors in determining performance, particularly at the professional level where small deficits can make a significant difference. For Ohtani, his ability to continue to contribute will come down to whether he can manage the discomfort and perform without hesitation at the plate.
Being featured in The New York Times and contributing insights about a world-class athlete like Ohtani is not only a professional honor, but also a reminder of the importance of expert medical care in high-stakes sports settings. It’s a testament to how medical expertise can influence critical decisions that affect both an athlete’s short-term performance and long-term health.
Please click below the for the full article:
New York Times – Orthopedic experts weigh in on Shohei Ohtani’s shoulder subluxation
For more information on Shoulder Instability click here.