How to take care of yourself when undergoing shoulder replacement surgery

After shoulder replacement surgery, in addition to rehabilitation through physical therapy, the doctor will explain the risks of various complications from the surgery to the patient for awareness and caution. Patients should strictly follow the doctor’s instructions to improve shoulder function recovery according to the goals and to prevent subsequent complications.

Complications after Shoulder Replacement Surgery that May Occur

• Infection

Infection is a complication that can occur with any type of surgery. In shoulder replacement surgery, there may be superficial infections around the surgical wound, which can be treated with antibiotics, and deep infections around the prosthesis that require surgical cleaning and removal of the prosthesis, along with prolonged antibiotic treatment.

Infections may occur early after surgery or develop much later. Therefore, doctors will advise on preventive measures against infection for patients with prostheses or other medical materials in their bodies.

• Prosthesis Problems

Although prostheses have been developed in design and materials, and surgical techniques have improved, prostheses can still wear out, deteriorate, loosen, or dislocate. If such complications occur later, revision surgery is necessary.

• Nerve Injury

Nerves around the shoulder may be injured during surgery. Most injuries are nerve bruises or inflammation without complete severance, which usually recover on their own to normal function.

Preparing for Surgery

• Medical examinations for internal diseases such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, and hypertension. If abnormalities are found or conditions are not well controlled, the doctor will refer the patient to a specialist.
• Patients should bring all regular medications for the doctor to review, as some medications affect surgery, such as blood thinners and aspirin, which must be stopped at least one week before surgery. Steroids or any suspected steroid-containing medications should also be reported to the doctor.
• Prepare the home environment because after shoulder replacement surgery, patients will have difficulty lifting and reaching with the arm. Necessary items should be placed at a low level for easy access. During the first 1-2 weeks after surgery, patients will need assistance with dressing, bathing, cooking, and laundry, so caregivers should be arranged in advance.

Your Surgery

• Pain relief can be administered through general anesthesia, regional anesthesia, or a combination of both.
• The surgery typically takes about 2 hours. After surgery, patients will be monitored in a recovery room before being transferred to the ward. Most patients stay in the hospital for about 3 days.

Recovery

• Pain Management: Using painkillers and cold compresses helps reduce pain. As pain decreases, patients can perform physical therapy more effectively. Usually, patients experience some shoulder pain during movement or while sleeping for 2-3 weeks after surgery.
• Rehabilitation: Doctors and physical therapists will teach patients exercises to strengthen muscles and improve shoulder flexibility. The intensity of physical therapy varies for each patient, so patients must follow the doctor’s recommendations.
• Arm Sling: Wearing an arm sling is necessary for 2-4 weeks after surgery to support and protect the shoulder.
• Wound Care: The surgical wound should not get wet until it is fully closed and dry. Stitches are usually removed 2 weeks after surgery, but if dissolvable stitches are used, removal is not necessary.

Daily Activity

• Patients should perform shoulder exercises at home as prescribed by the doctor, with commitment to physical therapy, usually at least 2-3 times a day. However, exercises should not be excessive or beyond the doctor’s instructions to avoid injury to tendons and surrounding tissues.
• Avoid lifting objects heavier than half a kilogram during the first 2-4 weeks.
• Avoid fully extending or rotating the arm, such as reaching behind the back or outward rotation, especially during the first 6 weeks.
• Avoid using the arm to push up from a bed or chair during the first 6 weeks.
• Do not drive for the first 4 weeks.
• Avoid contact sports and regularly lifting heavy objects.

Proper care and physical therapy are essential for the success of shoulder replacement surgery. They help reduce pain and improve shoulder function, allowing patients to have a better quality of life and prolong the lifespan of the prosthesis.