Shoulder Arthroscopy Post-Operative Care

• After shoulder arthroscopy the wound is covered with gauze or ace wraps. 
• These should generally be left in place for 24 hours.
• Due to the large amount of fluid used during the arthroscopy, it is normal to see some bloody drainage on the dressings.
• If bright red blood persists despite elevation and application of ice, please call the doctor.
• The dressing should be removed and wounds covered with adhesive bandages on the first or second day after surgery.
• Do not remove the paper strips over the incision or cut any visible sutures.
• Wounds should be kept dry for 48 hours.
• Unless otherwise instructed, on the 5th day after the surgery, the wound may be exposed in the shower, taking care not to scrub the area.
• The wound should not be submerged in a bathtub or pool until three weeks after surgery.

• It is very important to apply ice for the first 5-7 days after surgery.
• While the post-op dressing is in place, apply ice continuously.
• Once the dressing is removed on the first or second day, ice is applied for 20-minute periods, 3-4 times per day.
• Care must be taken with ice to avoid frostbite.

On the first day after surgery, begin doing the physical therapy exercises that were given to you. 

• You may use your arm to assist with dressing, eating and personal hygiene unless specifically instructed not to by your physician.
• Be sure to use and move your hand, wrist and elbow in order to decrease swelling in your arm. While exercise is important, don't over-do it. Common sense is the rule.
• You will also be instructed on gentle range of motion exercises to be started the night of surgery.
• Passive range of motion (using the opposite hand to move the operated arm) is always encouraged and can speed up the recovery.

• The anesthetic drugs are used during your surgery and they may cause nausea for the first 24 hours. 
• If nausea occurs, drink only clear liquids (i.e., Sprite or 7-up).
• The only solid food that should be eaten is dry crackers or toast.
• If nausea and vomiting become severe or the patient shows sign of dehydration (lack of urination) please call the doctor or the surgery center.
• A low-grade fever (100.5) is not uncommon in the first 24 hours but is unusual beyond.
• Please call the doctor with any temperature over 101.0 degrees.
• You may take one baby aspirin (81 mg) a day until your sutures are removed in the office. This may lower the risk of a blood clot developing after surgery.
• Bruising down to the elbow and chest wall is not uncommon.
• Should severe calf pain occur or significant swelling of calf and ankle, please call the doctor.

• Local anesthetics (i.e., Novocaine) are put into the joint during surgery. 
• It is not uncommon for patients to encounter more pain on the first or second day after surgery. This is the time when swelling peaks.
• Using the pain medication as directed will help control pain with little risk of complication.
• Taking pain medication before bedtime will assist in sleeping.
• It is important not to drink alcoholic beverages or drive while taking narcotic medication.
• If you were prescribed narcotic medication (i.e. vicodin, hydrocodone, darvocet) you can supplement those medications with 200 mg or 400 mg of ibuprofen every 4-6 hours.
• You should resume your normal medications for other conditions the day after surgery.
• We have no specific diet restrictions after surgery but extensive use of narcotics can lead to constipation. High fiber diet, lots of fluids, and muscle activity can prevent this occurrence.

• Patients are generally more comfortable sleeping in a reclining chair or with pillows propped behind the shoulder which has had the surgery. Some difficulty with sleeping is common for 2-3 weeks after surgery. 
• Following shoulder surgery, it is common to use a sling for 3-5 days after surgery. In some cases the doctor is going to ask you to use the sling for a longer period of time.

• The doctor will need to reexamine you 7-10 days after routine shoulder arthroscopy. Please contact us to schedule a follow-up appointment.
• If unexpected problems, emergencies or other issues occur and you need to talk to the doctor, contact us. After hours our answering service will route your call to a physician who will be able to advise you concerning your problem.