Total Shoulder Arthroplasty - Post-Op Instructions

Post Anesthesia Instructions

  • The medication which was used to put you to sleep will be acting in your body for the next 24 hours, so you might feel a little sleepy. This feeling will slowly wear off. For the first 24 hours, you should NOT:

    • Drive a car or operate machinery/power tools. 

    • Drink an alcoholic drinks (even beer)

    • Make any important decisions, sign any important or legal papers.

  • For your safety, we strongly suggest that a responsible adult stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.

  • If you have TED hose, we recommend wearing these until you resume your normal level of activity. 

    • These stockings help increase circulation and decrease risk of blood clot after surgery. 

Wound Care

  • You may remove your dressing in 24 hours. 

    • If you have small tape strips (SteriStrips) on your incision sites, please leave those alone.

    • Do NOT pull or clip any visible suture ends or stitches. 

    • Do NOT put any ointments, lotions, oils, or creams on the incision sites. 

  • Change the dressing daily. 

    • Tape some dry 4x4 gauze pads (can be purchased at any drug store) over the sites. 

  • You may shower in 24 hours. 

    • To shower, apply waterproof band-aids to the incision sites.

    •  Make sure the adhesive from the band-aids does not touch the incision sites. 

    • Do NOT soak the affected area in a hot tub, bathtub, or pool.

  • Ice should be used to help control swelling and keep pain to a minimum. 

    • Frozen peas, reusable gel packs, or crushed ice in a large freezer bag are ideal. 

    • If possible, use an ace wrap to hold the ice in place. 

    • Apply ice for approximately 20-30 minutes, remove for 45-60 minutes, and repeat. Ice should be used for 3-7 days or until swelling is gone. 

  • DO NOT APPLY HEAT PACKS. 

Activity and Weight Bearing

  • Your shoulder is in a sling or brace to protect your shoulder after surgery.

    •  KEEP SLING IN PLACE for 1 week only, except to shower and to do exercises. 

    • Do not drive while in a sling

  • No external rotation

  • Complete Exercises 

    • Pendulum exercises

    • Forearm and wrist exercises

    • Start physical therapy on Friday or Monday

Medication

  • Narcotic pain medication can cause constipation. 

    • You may take an over-the-counter stool softener or laxative, if needed. 

    • Increase fluid intake and eat fiber rich foods 

    • A bowel movement every other day is reasonable.

  • Do not drive while taking narcotic pain medication. 

  • It is very important to properly dispose of unused narcotic medications. Please contact your local pharmacy or visit https://takebackday.dea.gov website for further instructions. 

  • Please call your pharmacy as soon as possible to make sure your pain medication is filled. 

Call the Office

  • If you have drainage continuing past day 3.  

  • If you have a fever greater than 101F

  • If you have unmanageable pain, despite pain medication

  • If you have swelling that is unrelieved by ice and elevation.

  • If you have redness, swelling, or increased tenderness at the site.

  • If you need dental work or have a dental appointment 

    • No dental appointments for 3 months UNLESS it is a dental emergency 

    • Will need an antibiotic for all dental appointments for the first 2 years following surgery 

  • To schedule your 2 week follow up appointment if you do not have this scheduled already. 

  • If you have any questions or concerns

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