Post Operative Instructions for Arthroscopy: SHOULDER
Activities:
1. Once at home, you should utilize ice packs as much as desired, but at least 20
minutes every two hours for the first 24 hours. Fabric, such as a
shirt or a dressing should be worn between the ice pack and your skin.
2. Leave your sling on except when necessary to remove it for activities such as performing the Table Drag exercises
. Keep your hand in front of you, in a zone from your NOSE to you TOES. Don’t reach behind your back, or lift any thing.
3. The sling should be worn at night, and you should sleep with a pillow supporting
your elbow. Most patients find it most comfortable to sleep sitting up, as this reduces
shoulder pain.
4. You should perform Table Drag Exercises twice per day for 30 minutes each session.
Diet:
Begin with clear liquids and advance to jello or soups as tolerated. You will likely tolerate regular food on the day AFTER surgery.
Follow-up appointments:
Your appointment will be between 1-3 weeks after surgery. Check before leaving the hospital or call the office help line.
Post-Op dressing:
Leave the dressings alone until the post-operative office visit. If the dressings soak throgh with fluid/blood, you may add additional dressings on top of the current dressings. If they soak through again, please seek assitance though our help line or go to ER or Urgent treatment center or family care office
You may shower after 48 hours. Do not get the dressings wet. You may sponge bath or cover the dressing in a water proof covering.
Drainage from the wound is normal. Saline is used to inflate the joint during your operation, and
gradually leaks out during the first day, with some blood. If your dressing becomes soiled, you
may change it. If the rate of drainage increases, or if redness and increasing swelling develop,
please contact us.
Please do not soak any wound in hot tubs, swimming pools, lakes or streams until the whole
wound is completely healed over, no drainage is present, and the scab is gone.
Medication:
Use as prescribed for 1-4 days after surgery. When pain better controlled decrease useage to a ‘as needed’ basis.
Day 1-4: Tramadol 50mg every 6-8 hours, Percocet 5mg every 8 hours, Tylenol 500mg every 6-8 hours
Day 5- 30: Tramadol 50mg every 12 hours. Percocet 5mg before sleep. Tylenol 500mg every 8 hours
Excess use may cause liver problems. Do not drive or operate potentially dangerous machinery when taking pain medication.
(2) Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as Celebrex, Motrin, Advil, Naprosyn, Aleve,
Celebrex, Daypro, Relafen, or Feldene are helpful adjuncts to pain control. However, do not
take these if you have a history of stomach ulcers, or kidney problems. Otherwise you may take
these, as directed, in conjunction with your prescription narcotic.
Use them sparingly in cases of fracture repair or tendon repair. There is some evidence to suggest they may slow healing.
Allergies can develop after a period of exposure to a drug, even if the drug was taken before
without problems. The most common signs of an allergic reaction are rash, itching and welts.
Most of these are skin reactions and may be treated by using Benadryl 25mg every 6 hours. If
you have any breathing problems go to the Emergency Room.
Many pain medications, antibiotics and aspirin products can cause stomach upset. This is not a
true allergy and can often be overcome by taking the medicine with a light snack or liquids. If the discomfort is severe or if vomiting occurs, contact us and we will try to substitute a medication, which is better tolerated.
Reminder: If you have any nonurgent questions for the doctors or medical staff, please write them down so that you will be able to ask them at your next appointment or visit.