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Post-op Instructions
Shoulder Arthroscopy/ Rotator Cuff Repair
1. Activity: don’t plan any strenuous activities until you have been cleared to do so by your doctor.
2. Pain: You will be given a prescription for narcotic pain medicine before you leave the surgery center. Take this medication as directed for severe pain. You may also use Tylenol or Advil over the counter if you choose. Use caution when taking narcotic medication because they affect your ability to drive and concentrate.
3. Ice/elevation: is an excellent source of relief for pain, swelling, stiffness and inflammation. Use it as often as 20 minutes out of every hour. Ice can be used for several weeks as needed.
4. Wound Care: Arthroscopy portals are small and usually closed with a steri-strip or stitches. They usually continue to drain or leak after you have returned home. Don’t become alarmed unless you consider the volume or color of drainage to be excessive. May clean wounds with soap and water apply Band-Aids. If you have a larger incision you will need to keep it away from water until the stitches have been removed.
5. Splint/Immobilizer: If you leave the surgery center with one of these, continue use of it at home until your return visit or as otherwise directed by your physician. It can be removed for personal hygiene.
6. Observe the wounds for signs of infection (foul odor, redness, persistent, elevated temperature > 100). If present, call your doctor.
7. Call doctor for any signs of circulation and/or nervous system impairment: change n color, numbness, coldness, tingling, or increased pain in extremity.
8. You may shower the day following surgery after all of the bandages have been removed. Do not take a bath, swim, or use a hot tub until the wounds have completely sealed off.
9. Emergency: Call the doctors office of any questions or problems.
10. If you have not urinated within 8 hours of arrival at home, contact your doctor.
Post Operative telephone Call: A representative from the surgery Center may call you by telephone a few days after surgery. Do not be alarmed. This is a routine call to find out how you are progressing after your surgery.
If you should experience difficulty in breathing, bleeding that you feel is excessive, persistent nausea or vomiting, any pain that is unusual, swelling or fever, please call your physician. If you find that you cannot contact your warrant a physician’s attention, go to the nearest Emergency Room.
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