Shoulder and Elbow – Post-surgery information

This leaflet is for patients who have had shoulder or elbow surgery at Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust.

Surgery:…………………………………………………………………………………………..

Consultant:………………………………………………………………………………………

Date of Surgery:……………………………………………………………………………….

Your range of movement restrictions are:…………………………………………………

You must wear your sling for:…………………………………………………………………

Physiotherapist name: …………………………………………………………………………

Physiotherapist signature: …………………………………………………………………….

This leaflet contains information to help you recover from your surgery with advice and guidance as to what to expect after your operation. Your recovery may vary to others and you may need specific instruction, please be guided by your surgical team at all times.

Recovery after Surgery

Dependent upon the nature of your operation, you will have sutures or clips to close the wound and a dressing to cover this. Should you have elbow surgery and need to be in a cast, the orthopaedic team will give you instructions as to when this will be removed and an appointment will be made for you.

If necessary, you will see a physiotherapist either in the recovery room or on the ward. They will give you advice regarding your surgery, wearing a sling and any post-operative restrictions.

The physiotherapist will give you a post-surgical exercise leaflet and they will explain, demonstrate and carry out these exercises with you prior to discharge from hospital. Continuing these exercises at home, can help prevent joint stiffness and improve your range of movement.

Please be guided by your consultant and/or physiotherapist, as to when you are able to carry out certain tasks. It is very important that you follow this advice to maximise the outcome from your operation.

Wound

The nursing staff will advise you about the removal of sutures/clips and if this will be with the GP or in an orthopaedic clinic. Keep the wound dry until it has fully healed.

Pain and Discomfort

Significant pain and discomfort can be common after surgery, especially in the first 6 weeks. On discharge from hospital, you will be given appropriate pain relief to help manage these symptoms.

If you are unable to manage your pain, please discuss this with your GP, surgeon or physiotherapist.

Physiotherapy

If required, you will be referred to outpatient physiotherapy upon discharge from hospital and an appointment will be sent out within approximately two weeks of your operation. Your physiotherapy provider and location of appointments will depend upon the location of your GP (refer to physiotherapy appointments).

The aim of physiotherapy is to restore your movement and overall function with a progressive exercise and recovery programme. It is normal for you to feel discomfort, aching and stretching sensations when you start to use your arm, however intense and lasting pain (e.g. for 30 minutes) means that you should reduce that particular activity or exercise.

Wearing a Sling

After your operation, you will return to the recovery room in a sling. You will be advised on the timescales the sling needs to be worn.

You must not remove your sling except for washing, dressing and appropriate exercises. Ensure that your wrist and hand is positioned correctly in the sling.

Sleeping

If provided with a sling, this must be worn in bed, for the duration that you are advised to wear the sling.

You should not lie on your operated shoulder or elbow for the first six weeks after surgery.

We would recommend that you lie on your back or on the non-operated side:

• If you are lying on your back, place a pillow under your upper arm / elbow to make it more comfortable.

• If you are lying on your non-operated side, you can fold or hug a pillow in front of you to support the arm. You can also tuck a pillow along your back, to help prevent rolling onto the operated shoulder.

• Once the sling can be removed, you may still find it comfortable to continue sleeping in these positions.

Washing and Dressing

After surgery, you must be careful when washing and dressing, as you will need to remove the sling.

Sitting down is usually the best technique as you can support your operated arm with a pillow whilst you use your non-operated arm to wash yourself.

When dressing, wear loose fitting clothes that fasten at the front, as they may be easier to use. Always dress your operated arm first, when undressing take your operated arm out last.

When should I seek help?

You should contact your consultant urgently if you:

• Suspect a complication with your wound, including an infection
• Develop a temperature, notice discharge from the wound or if your wound becomes red or painful and you feel unwell
• Have a sudden increase in severe pain, swelling or tenderness which is getting worse and not just related to the pain while performing exercise

Physiotherapy appointments

Please note, depending on the location of your GP, the physiotherapy provider may be different:

• If you have a Gateshead / Newcastle GP, your physiotherapy provider will be Tyneside Integrated Musculoskeletal Service (TIMS). If you have a query about your first appointment with TIMS, please contact the booking team on 0191 445 2643
• If you have a Durham GP, your physiotherapy care will come under Durham. Please contact the Queen Elizabeth hospital, physiotherapy department should you not receive your first appointment on 0191 445 2320
• If you have a GP that is outside of the Gateshead / Newcastle or Durham area and you have had elective surgery, your physiotherapy will be at the Queen Elizabeth hospital. If your surgery is due to trauma, your physiotherapy provider will be with the hospital affiliated to your GP practice. Should you not receive your first appointment, please contact physiotherapy reception on 0191 445 2320

Telephone Numbers