How Long Do I Have To Wear My Sling after Shoulder Surgery?

Shoulder, Shoulder Arthritis, Shoulder Pain, Shoulder Replacement, Shoulder Surgeon, Shoulder Surgery

How Long Do I Have To Wear My Sling after Shoulder Surgery?

If you are reading this, you have probably had shoulder pain for a long time. Perhaps you have tried many treatments to help this shoulder pain, including changing your activities, physical therapy, medicines and anti-inflammatories, or even injections. It is also possible that you had an MRI or ultrasound that showed a rotator cuff tear, and you may be considering surgery as an option to treat your shoulder pain for good.

A shoulder scope or “arthroscopy” procedure, like that performed by shoulder specialist Dr. Johnny T. Nelson, MD, is a time-tested procedure with excellent outcomes. After a period of healing, a very high percentage of patients are happy with their shoulder for the rest of their lives. However, there is a period of healing after the procedure where resting the arm and shoulder is very important.

And this is where a shoulder sling is very helpful.

Most patients who have shoulder surgery want to know how long they will have to wear their sling. This is an excellent question, since if you are wearing a sling, it isn’t easy to use the arm. If you are not able to use one arm, some activities such as dressing, going to the bathroom, driving a car, or working can be difficult.

In brief, the answer to this question depends on the type of surgery that is performed.

There are some shoulder scope procedures that are very simple. These can include “cleanout” procedures or procedures where the only problem is the biceps tendon or “labrum” around the socket. After these procedures, Dr. Johnny T. Nelson, MD, usually allows his patients to begin to use their operated arm for light activities like eating and drinking whenever they are comfortable doing so. This is because the things that were repaired or cleaned out in the shoulder do not need much protection.

Other shoulder procedures are more complex. Rotator cuff repair, for example, is much more complex and requires more healing time. If you have a small tear, Dr. Nelson may allow you to return to gentle activities with the operated arm 4 weeks after the procedure. For very large tears or “redo” operations, Dr. Nelson may request that you avoid using the arm for up to 6 weeks!

For this reason, it is important to discuss your shoulder procedure with your shoulder surgeon. Raleigh, North Carolina, shoulder specialist Johnny T. Nelson, MD, spends time discussing the healing process with every patient who decides to undergo a shoulder procedure. How long he would have to wear your sling after shoulder surgery depends on the problem that you have and what type of procedure needs to be performed.

Do you have shoulder pain? Are you worried that you have a rotator cuff tear? Call 919-872-5296 today to schedule a visit with Dr. Johnny T. Nelson, MD, at Raleigh, North Carolina Shoulder Specialist!

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What is the Difference Between Standard and Reverse Shoulder Replacement?

Shoulder Arthritis, Shoulder Replacement, Shoulder Surgery

I have heard of shoulder replacement, but what is the difference between reverse and standard shoulder replacement?

The easiest way to understand this is to look at the normal arrangement of the human shoulder. It is basically a ball and socket joint, with the upper part of the arm bone as the ball, and the shoulder blade as the socket.

A standard shoulder replacement, also known as an “anatomic” shoulder replacement, simply re-creates this normal arrangement of the human shoulder. The ball at the top of the arm bone is refinished or replaced with a shiny metallic surface, and the socket in the shoulder blade is replaced by a special type of advanced plastic.

A “reverse” replacement simply “reverses” this arrangement. At the top of the arm bone, a special type of advanced plastic cup is placed, usually at the top of a stem that sits inside the arm bone. On the shoulder blade side, a shiny metallic ball is implanted into the shoulder blade, usually held in place by screws.

But why do some patients get reverse replacements and other patients get standard replacements?

There are 2 main reasons to use a reverse replacement.

The first reason is due to rotator cuff problems. Some patients with bad arthritis also have very large and long-term rotator cuff tears, and some may have complete absence of the rotator cuff altogether. The reverse replacement changes the arrangement of the shoulder joint and allows the patient to overcome this lack of rotator cuff and use the “meaty” muscle on the outside of the shoulder to lift and move their arm.

The second reason is due to the severity of the arthritis. Very advanced and long-term arthritis can cause wear and tear of the socket part of the joint that is so bad that doing a standard replacement places the patient at risk of complications such as instability and implant loosening. If this is the case, a reverse replacement may be the best option to avoid the risks of these complications.

If you are struggling with shoulder arthritis pain or rotator cuff problems, a visit with Dr. Johnny T. Nelson will shed some light on your unique situation. Using a combination of your history, physical examination, and review of available imaging, a treatment plan will be created that is right for you.

Call 919-872-5296 today to make your appointment!

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“Aren’t I Too Old For Shoulder Replacement?”

Shoulder, Shoulder Arthritis, Shoulder Pain, Shoulder Replacement, Shoulder Surgery

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“Aren’t I too old for a shoulder replacement?”

This is a common way of thinking amongst older patients who struggle with chronic shoulder pain due to to things like arthritis and long-term rotator cuff tears.

But while it is very common, this way of thinking is actually based on several misconceptions about shoulder replacement surgery and the impact it can have on one’s quality of life.

In fact, shoulder replacement surgeons such as Dr. Johnny Nelson believe that the overall benefits of shoulder replacement surgery are higher in older patients compared to younger patients.

Some of this is because any joint replacement, including shoulder replacements, have a limited life span. Even if perfectly placed, shoulder replacement implants over time experience the same wearing tear that our normal joints experience over our life times. Because of this, shoulder surgeons are less likely to recommend shoulder replacement on very young patients, even if the arthritis and pain is very severe. Younger patients are more likely to wear out their shoulder replacements and require a second procedure.

Older patients are much less likely to have this problem. This is because the needs and activities of older patients are very different from those of younger patients. Older patients are much more likely to use their shoulders for simple, less strenuous activities: hygiene, dressing, cooking, etc. They are less likely to need their shoulders for heavy lifting, pushing, pulling and repetitive overhead motions. Therefore they are actually much better candidates for shoulder replacement surgery than younger patients because they are less likely to have complications with their implants.

Another reason why older patients are better candidates for shoulder replacement surgery is that the pain relieving benefits of shoulder replacement can be life-changing for them. While younger patients with chronic shoulder pain certainly could benefit from shoulder replacement, they are less likely to lose their independence and rely on friends, family, and other loved ones for help. Many older patients who struggle with chronic shoulder pain find it very difficult to stay independent, take care of themselves and maintain their living environments. Those who do not receive proper treatment for their shoulder pain may find themselves increasingly dependent on others, even having to sell their homes and move into assisted living facilities or in with family. Many older patients who undergo shoulder replacement surgery are able to maintain or even improve their level of independence and quality of life due to the improved ability to use their once painful arm.

Are you struggling with chronic shoulder pain that is interfering your independence and quality of life? Schedule a visit with Dr. Johnny Nelson to see if shoulder replacement surgery could be a life-changing option for you!

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