Surgery For The Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

And Rotator Cuff Tears

 

FAQ- (Frequently Asked Questions) Rotator Cuff Repairs
 

Q. How long does the operation take ?

A. It depends on many factors, the main one being how bad the tear is. You will be in the operating theatre for, on average, two hours. You may be in the recovery ward for a further one hour before returning to the ward.

 

Q. How long will I be in hospital ?

A. Most times you will come into the hospital on the day of surgery. Most people are in hospital for one to two days, depending on how you feel after your anaesthetic, how well the pain control is, and whether there is someone at home to look after you.

 

Q. When do I start my Physiotherapy ?

A.  As stiffness is one of the biggest problems following rotator cuff repair surgery, we routinely start the physiotherapy the day after surgery. You should do your exercises, as described to you religiously, three times a day. Do not try and do too much. 

 

Q When can I drive ?

A. This depends on whether it is your left or right  shoulder, and whether it is a power steered or not, and whether it is automatic or manual. I cannot state whether you are safely covered with third party insurance if an accident should occur.

 

Q. When can I return to work ?

A. Again this is so dependent on the work you do. You may not be up to driving for six weeks. The operation is painful and while on pain killing medications you may not be fit to make important decisions at work. You can possible return to clerical duties at two weeks, and very light manual work at six weeks. You will not be able to perform heavy lifting above shoulder height before 12 weeks. It may be 6 months before you are able to return to most of your overhead activities, and 18 months before you have made a full recovery

 

Q) How long will I be in the hospital?

A) Two to three days (48 hours is average) in the hospital depending on the size and difficulty of the tendon repair, but can be longer if you live alone or experience any problems.

 

Q) When will I be able to move my shoulder?

A) You will be instructed in the active use of your arm for the gentle activities of daily living on the first post-operative day.

 

Q) How long do I wear the sling?

A) You will be instructed to wear your sling for 6 week or more after your surgery especially when you are out in public. It usually is not necessary to wear the sling when you are in your home after six weeks.

 

Q) Will I need to do anything special when I go home?

A) You will need to perform the special rehabilitation exercise program as directed. 

 

Q) When can I drive?

A) Driving is usually permitted after two to three weeks if the car has power steering, is automatic and the non dominant shoulder was operated on. If not, it will take approximately four to six weeks until you'll be ready to drive. Your surgeon will advise you in special situations.

 

Q) Will I have a scar?

A) Yes, there will be  scars. You will have an incision on the side of your shoulder approximately 3cm, and one  incision less than one centimeters behind your shoulder where the arthroscope went in. The formation of scars varies from patient to patient.

 

 

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