There are many advantages of shoulder surgery and the different types of surgery. While the procedure may not be appropriate for everyone, the results are generally similar. What’s important is the expertise of the surgeon, which may not be reflected in the type of surgery used. If the procedure causes nerve damage, it may require additional surgery, and prolonged antibiotic treatment may be necessary. In this article, we’ll look at the benefits and risks of shoulder surgery. But if you’re still wondering if shoulder surgery is for you, read on.
Although recovery after shoulder surgery is slow, it does produce many positive benefits, including less pain and improved shoulder strength. Patients should expect to recover from the surgery for about three to four months, so it’s important to make sure you’re ready for this time frame. The recovery period from shoulder surgery will vary based on the patient’s lifestyle, but most people return to their jobs after three to four months. You should plan ahead and discuss with your surgeon your expectations for returning to daily life.
During the surgery, the surgeon may use an arthroscope to inspect the joint. This technology allows the surgeon to see the bone and tissue in the shoulder joint without cutting or exposing it to too much pain. This type of surgery is often combined with smaller open procedures for optimum results. Although an MRI may be used to determine whether a shoulder surgery will work, an arthroscopy is still considered the “gold standard” for evaluating a joint and its various factors.
Once the procedure is complete, patients may return to light activity, including doing desk jobs. A sling will be placed over the surgical site, limiting overhead activities during the first three to four weeks. While this immobilization is uncomfortable, it is crucial to recovery. Wearing a sling while recovering from shoulder surgery will prevent future pain and stiffness. It also encourages the patient to focus on strengthening and flexibility, two key factors that will help prevent a failed shoulder surgery syndrome.
Surgery to the shoulder is a common treatment for certain types of conditions. This includes severe arthritis, rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder, and fractures of the shoulder joint’s bones. Shoulder replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces both sides of the ball-and-socket joint with artificial parts. This procedure can also repair tears and remove bone spurs. The recovery time from this procedure is shorter than with open surgery.
A successful shoulder surgery depends on a partnership between the patient and an experienced shoulder surgeon. Patients should prepare themselves for the procedure by quitting smoking at least a month before surgery and stopping it completely for at least three months afterward. Also, active infections may delay elective surgery. While these infections will delay surgery, they reduce the risk of shoulder joint infection. Before choosing a shoulder surgeon, make sure you tell your surgeon about any other health problems you have. Some medications will need to be stopped prior to surgery.