Your shoulder is a complex upper extremity joint. When it’s injured in an accident or sporting activity, or if you have degenerative arthritis, you may need orthopedic surgery.
Here’s what to expect from your shoulder surgery in Baltimore and how you can prepare for it.
Types of Shoulder Surgery
Today’s shoulder surgeries are more efficient and effective than ever before. Many are performed with thin, lighted instruments called arthroscopes; arthroscopic procedures are quicker, less disruptive of healthy tissue, require less suturing, and feature easier recovery.
Shoulder surgeries address issues, such as fractures, torn rotator cuffs, arthritis, shoulder instability (repeated dislocations), traumatic injury from sports, an MVA or fall, and more. Examples of shoulder surgeries are:
- Fracture reduction surgery to repair complex breaks
- Rotator cuff repair, typically a small incision, arthroscopic surgery for torn tendons and muscles which attach the upper arm bone, or humerus, into the shoulder socket
- Total shoulder replacement, an open surgery that addresses joint deterioration by removing damaged bone and cartilage and installing customized joint prosthetics composed of state-of-the-art plastics and metals
- Reverse shoulder replacement which remakes a severely damaged shoulder joint by placing an artificial humeral head on the shoulder blade and the new socket on the end of the upper arm bone
- Shoulder stabilization surgery, an arthroscopic procedure that repairs loose or frayed ligaments and cartilage in the shoulder
Getting Evaluated for Shoulder Surgery
During your appointment, you will receive a complete physical examination and a review of your medical history. Immediate injury needs will be stabilized and plans will be made for surgery as needed. These include digital imaging assessments, such as X-rays, MRIs, and others.
If surgery is indicated, your shoulder surgeon will discuss the risks and the benefits of the procedure. Ask about other treatment options, risk of infection, and other complications of surgery.
Also, your physician will explain your surgical procedure to you, outlining how it will be done and how long full recovery will take. You will receive specific instructions about fasting from food and drink and what medications you can take on the day of your surgery. You will be asked to refrain from cigarette smoking and alcohol for some days prior to your procedure as they both can impede wound healing.
Preparing Your Finances and Your Home
Arrange for time off from work; your doctor can help you estimate how much you will need to fully recover and to be able to perform your job tasks. Also, check with the office staff and your insurance carrier to see if your physician is in-network; ask about copays for hospitalization, imaging, follow-up clinic visits, and physical therapy/rehab visits.
Then, get your home ready for your recovery. You must enlist help with household chores, such as laundry, shopping, and cooking, for a few days to weeks depending on the extent of your surgery.
Plus, put important items, such as your phone, glasses, TV remote control, and laptop within easy reach. Food should be placed no higher than waist level in your refrigerator or pantry. You’ll want a well-supporting recliner in your living room, too, as many people find better comfort for sitting and even sleeping in this kind of chair.
Finally, wear loose-fitting comfortable clothes. Loose-fitting t-shirts and elastic waist pants are the best. Avoid anything with small buttons or hooks. Use slip-on shoes which fit well and provide stable support.
Preparing for Your Recovery from Shoulder Surgery
There are basically two phases to your recovery–immediate post-op and long-term. For the immediate post-operative period, arrange to have someone drive you home from the hospital or surgical center. Also, expect physical therapy to begin almost right away–either in recovery or the next day in your room if you have been hospitalized and/or will be going to a rehabilitation facility.
What to Expect After Your Shoulder Surgery
No matter the kind of shoulder surgery you have, you can expect some physical indications that an invasive procedure happened. These are common post-operative aspects of recovery and how to deal withthem.
Discomfort
There’s no way around it. You will have some pain after your shoulder surgery. Your doctor may elect to use a nerve block in addition to your local and/or general anesthesia during your procedure.
As the effects of these medications wear off, you likely will be given an oral opiate pain reliever. However, you shortly will be switched to prescription ibuprofen and/or acetaminophen for use in rehab and at home.
Additionally, ice to the operated area controls both pain and swelling. Your nurse or therapist will show you how and when to apply cool packs or ice to your shoulder.
A Bandage and a Sling
These are standard after shoulder surgery. Shoulder arthroscopy involves fewer sutures and a smaller bandage. Wounds are more extensive for shoulder replacement procedures.
Additionally, you will wear a sling for a prescribed amount of time post-operatively–usually four to six weeks. A sling will support the weight of your arm, restrict movement as needed and provide a level of comfort.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a very important component of recovery from any kind of orthopedic surgery. Highly individualized, PT improves and strengthens joint movement and range of motion. It also relieves pain, stiffness, and swelling. Patients typically work on specific movements both in the physical therapy clinic and at home.
Depending on your surgery, physical condition, and expected therapeutic outcomes, your PT regimen may last weeks to even months. Plans are carefully adjusted according to patient response. So, be sure to note how you are responding to your at-home therapies and exercises.
Return to Work, Driving, and Other Activities
In general, returning to work and driving is at the discretion of the operating physician. Other activities involving a lot of shoulder movement, like reaching overhead will be introduced gradually by your physical therapist.
In general, shoulder replacement surgery patients take weeks to sometimes months to fully recover and rehab. The less invasive surgeries take shorter amounts of time. Patience and adherence to your doctor’s and therapist’s recommendations hasten a more complete medical recovery and return to full use of the operated arm.
Shoulder Surgery in Baltimore
At Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder, our team of orthopedic experts delivers excellent outcomes for all their upper extremity surgeries. You can expect to be treated with kindness and respect and undergo an innovative surgical procedure accomplished with skill and precision.
To know more about our services or schedule a consultation, call us today at (410) 296-6232 or fill out our online appointment request form.
