What to expect from shoulder surgery

Millions of people throughout the United States experience shoulder pain and shoulder concerns every year. Many of these people seek the assistance of an orthopedic professional to get a proper diagnosis of their condition and find a treatment that offers relief. Whether patients have a minor issue or a serious problem, treatment is best received from an orthopedic surgeon. At Orthopedic Associates of Long Island, our providers offer a wide range of treatment for new and current patients. When patients are considering shoulder surgeries, such as shoulder arthroscopy or rotator cuff repair, they may have questions about the recovery process.

What should I expect as my surgery date approaches?

Before surgery, patients will want to work with their doctor to ensure they are properly prepared. Any type of surgery can be stressful, especially if patients are unaware of the process and what to expect. Below is a quick rundown of the steps before, during, and after surgery.

• Preoperative clearance – as with any surgical procedure, patients need to be evaluated beforehand to ensure they are proper candidates. A thorough examination may include testing or evaluation of medications patients are taking prior to their procedure. The doctor may also advise patients to cease certain medications before their surgery.
• Day of surgery – on the day of surgery, patients may need to avoid eating or drinking anything past midnight the night before. Patients should arrive on time to the surgical facility, change into a surgical gown, and be prepared with sedation and anesthetics prior to entering the operating room.
• Surgery – surgery is done under proper anesthetics from an anesthesiologist who also monitors the patient during the entire procedure. Nerve blocks may also be administered by our doctor to numb the shoulder and provide pain management even after the treatment.
• Postoperative recovery – after the surgery, patients are sent to a recovery room where they may feel groggy and tried. Patients are transported home as previously arranged, and are given aftercare instructions to follow to ensure proper healing and recovery. Oftentimes a follow-up appointment is made prior to leaving the practice.

Learn more about surgical procedures available at Orthopedic Associates of Long Island

Patients who have scheduled shoulder surgeries such as rotator cuff repair or shoulder arthroscopy are welcome to ask about the healing and recovery process with the team at Orthopedic Associates of Long Island. If you reside in the area, we have seven convenient office locations to choose from. Call our friendly, helpful front office team at (631) 689-6698 to request a consultation visit and learn more about shoulder surgery solutions available with our practice.