Postoperative Treatment for Shoulder Replacement

The shoulder is not an area of the body that most people think of when the term "joint replacement" comes to mind. Yet, as the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) explains, the procedure has been used in the United States since the 1950s. Injuries such as broken bones, severe rotator cuff tears and several forms of arthritis can all cause a patient to need a shoulder replacement. Prosthetic shoulders commonly consist of a metal ball that nestles into a plastic socket. Shoulder replacement surgery is a major operation that requires intensive rehabilitation and postoperative care.

Restricted Activities

• After a shoulder replacement, your physical activities will be restricted in a number of ways for an extended period of time. There are some activities, such as contact sports, that you will simply no longer be able to participate in. You will not be able to drive for at least six weeks post-surgery. Lifting heavy loads is also prohibited, though you can safely carry items that weigh 1 to 2 pounds. AAOS doctors suggest that you take special care not to hold your arm at any usual angles for the first month and a half following surgery, to allow for better healing. Wearing a sling will help remind you to keep your arm in a more appropriate position.

Protective Measures

• Protecting yourself from potential infection is essential during the postoperative period. Keeping your wound clean and dry is one way to prevent infection. This task can be accomplished through the use of a plastic covering during showers. Medical experts at Georgetown University Hospital explain that joint surgery of this kind makes it necessary for you to take extra safety measures when attending to your overall health. You will need to take antibiotics prior to future dental work and other procedures, including gastrointestinal testing, once you have had a shoulder replacement.

Pain Management

• Shoulder replacements are painful, and pain is to be expected during the first days and even weeks post-surgery. Your doctor will most likely prescribe potent pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications for you to take in the hospital and the first few days at home. As your discomfort lessens, you can step down to over-the-counter remedies such as ibuprofen or naproxen.

Rehabilitation

• Rehabilitation is an important part of the healing process. Physical therapy will help you restore the range of motion to your shoulder through a combination of gentle exercises and electric stimulation. The number of physical therapy sessions you must attend depends on your rate of recovery. The key to a healthy recovery from shoulder replacement surgery is a slow, steady progression. If you have been used to having shoulder pain, you may feel much better and be tempted to overdo it. Try to resist the temptation to avoid painful setbacks.

Considerations

• Sometimes you will experience a setback after surgery, at which point you may need further medical attention. If you continue to have intense pain, along with a fever, let your doctor know, as that could be a sign of infection at your site wound or the artificial joint. Excessive swelling in your shoulder and arm is also something to keep an eye on. If the swelling does not recede after elevating your arm above your heart, contact your surgeon.