How long does slap tear surgery take

We use general anesthesia because we cannot do this type of surgery with local anesthesia. General anesthesia is currently the only reliable method that allows us to work deep inside your shoulder. In addition, you may receive a nerve block. The anesthesiologist will numb up the shoulder before surgery. This lasts hours, and helps decrease pain after surgery. Typically, the block wears after the night after the surgery.

Following surgery, you will awaken in the recovery room with your arm in a sling. Nothing can eliminate the pain completely. Medication, the sling and rest will control it so that you will be as comfortable as possible. Ice is recommended instead of heat.

An ice pack should be applied to the shoulder not directly on the skin for at least 20 minutes, three times a day. The use of a cold therapy device e.

PolarCare device helps decrease pain and swelling after surgery. The use of the device may or may not be covered by the particular health insurance plan you have selected. You should check with your insurance company. It is optional to use. A coldtherapy device can also be purchased for you to own. Please contact us if you have questions about this. Patients enter the hospital in the morning, have the surgery and go home the same day.

This is called Outpatient surgery. Will you need to wear a brace? A sling is all that you will use. Patients wear the sling for 4 to 6 weeks but remove it for bathing and dressing. Use of the sling is important to maximize labrum healing. The length of time to wear the sling largely depends on the size of the tear seen during surgery.

Shoulder surgery is a complex and delicate process designed to repair damaged structures deep within the human body. Complications can occur. Fortunately, these are rare. I use these small plastic implants to reattach the torn labrum. There is always a possibility that I would have to remove them surgically if they loosen or cause irritation. Infection can require oral antibiotics, antibiotics by injection and rarely surgery. Wound problems including swelling, bleeding, delayed healing, unsightly or painful scar.

Bone infection or fracture could very rarely occur. Joint problems including stiffness or arthritis could occur.

Failure to achieve the desired result is not strictly a complication but it can be a source of disappointment. This operation may result in incomplete motion, strength or function. My purpose in listing the types of complications that could possibly occur is to inform, not frighten you.

While it would be preferable if we could perform surgery without any risk, this is not the case. I feel it is your right to know. The operation is most successful at relieving pain, restoring stability and improving function. Whether you can return to your previous level is an individual matter and depends on the damage to your shoulder, how well it heals, how well you rehabilitate and how strenuous is your desired level of work or sports.

Because of the many variables involved, I can make no guarantees other than to assure you I will deliver the very best medical care possible.

You will be able to use your fingers, wrist and elbow immediately after surgery. You may walk with assistance as soon as you have recovered sufficiently from anesthesia. If you live alone it may be helpful to have someone stay with you for days. You may shower or bathe with regular soap and water 48 hours after surgery. Bend from the waist and let your operated arm move away from your side; then use your good arm to wash under your armpit.

Some patients find it helpful to put a plastic stool or chair in the shower for a day or two. Remember that you are doing everything with one hand. You may walk outdoors, write, cook, and drive a car automatic shift within a few days.

Connecting the seat belt is awkward. Take your time and move slowly. Do not lift more than pounds with your operated arm. For most office jobs, I recommend taking a week off work. This will allow you to devote time to your therapy exercises.

Some people are able to return to work sooner. When you return to work your arm will be in a sling for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery , but you should be able to manage as long as you do no lifting, pushing, pulling or carrying with the operated arm. Instructions in the proper use of your arm will be given to you before you leave the hospital.

You may begin light duty work involving no lifting, pushing, pulling or carrying, within ten days after surgery. Return to heavy lifting or overhead use may require 3 to 4 months.

There are no fixed rules for return to work. What I have described above are reasonable guidelines that I hope will help you and your employer ease your return to the workplace. Full recovery takes about 6 to 9 months. The recovery after rotator cuff surgery is complicated, and requires a delicate balance between allowing the shoulder to heal without letting it get too stiff.

I have designed recovery protocols based on the latest medical literature and adapted to your tear. This sling should be worn at all times including while you sleep unless otherwise directed by your doctor. The sling may be removed for bathing and to do prescribed exercises that your physical therapist will teach you.

You may also take your sling off for brief periods throughout the day to let your arm hang at your side and relax. This phase of rehab is passive range of motion PROM only.

This means you should not reach in any direction or use your arm to assist with lifting or daily activities. You will be allowed to actively move your elbow, wrist, and hand.

There will range of motion limitations in which your therapist will guide you. With labral repairs specific caution is taken with shoulder rotation away from your body, especially in combination with your arm out to your side. This is where your shoulder does some of the work to move with assistance from your other arm, either directly or utilizing some object like a cane or pole. Your physical therapist will teach you these exercises. You still should not lift your arm by itself or lift any object heavier than a coffee cup.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. You should always consult your doctor before making decisions about your health.

Posted by Revere Health. Day of Surgery Depending on the type of labral tear you experienced, surgery may be minimally invasive or more aggressive. Week of Surgery The week following surgery is likely to be the roughest for you.

Total Heal Time: What to Expect Once your labrum has had adequate time to heal, your doctor may recommend physical therapy. Larsen chose to become an orthopedic surgeon after growing up watching his father work in the same profession. He observed the love his father had for taking care of people and improving lives by fixing problems with their knees and shoulders.

Larsen enjoys communicating with his patients and working together to find a solution, either through surgery or lifestyle changes. Meaghan Dishman. Learn more about Telehealth. From the blog See more posts. October 27, Why your next clinical breast exam should include a 3D mammogram Cancer Center Imaging.