Recovery Period Post Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery

(gilbertrobbins). Submitted on Wed, 4 Jan 2012

Total shoulder replacement surgery is an option given to patients who suffer from severe shoulder pain, which may be the result of degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Total shoulder joint replacement surgery alleviates pain by replacing the damaged bone and cartilage with a metal and/or plastic implant. 



After surgery, the patient is moved to the recovery room where he will stay for approximately two hours. During this period, the patient is monitored until they awaken from anesthesia, after which they are taken to a hospital room. The arm in which the surgery was performed on may be numb from the regional anesthesia, which will aide in pain relief for the next day.

Normally, the patient will stay in the hospital for three to four days, but this varies per patient. After surgery, the patient may feel some pain that may be managed with medication to make them feel as comfortable as possible. This may be given by either injection or pump and should be used as needed based on your doctor’s instructions.

If the patient has regional anesthesia, it will take 12 to 18 hours to wear off, during which time the hand and arm will be numb. A Cryo Cuff, an icing device that helps in controlling pain and swelling, may be placed on the patient’s shoulder in the recovery room. The patient may be allowed to bring this device home and should use it frequently to minimize any discomfort or pain.

Usually, the first day after surgery, the best orthopedic surgeons or physical therapist will begin to work with the patient and teach them some specific exercises to regain full arm and shoulder movement. Arm and shoulder movements are very important to reduce recovery time. The doctor or physical therapist will provide a list of exercises to be performed in order to keep the muscles strong without damaging the replaced shoulder. These exercises are very important to prevent the elbow and shoulder from getting stiff as normal movement of the shoulder is regained. An example exercise may be when the patient is able to move his hand, he is asked to make a fist and hold it for five seconds. This small exercise aids in proper blood circulation and has to be done frequently.

The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. It is not to be construed as medical care or medical advice and is not a replacement for medical care given by your physicians or trained medical personnel.

 

About the Author

Gilbert usually visits well-known orthopedic surgeons and write about their practices. People having severe shoulder pain undergo total shoulder replacement surgery, which helps them return to their normal life. For more information visit: www.zehrcenter.com

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