What are the risks I should consider before the shoulder reconstruction procedure?

There are two surgical approaches employed to repair a rotator cuff tear. The first, open repair surgery, involves a large incision, while the second, arthroscopy, requires one or several small incision through which the arthroscope will be inserted. With the aid of this medical device, surgeons are able to repair or remove any damaged tissue or bone spurs.

After shoulder/elbow surgery, it’s necessary to have a follow-up appointment in order to understand how well you’re healing and what precautions you should still take. You will have your follow-up appointment several weeks after the surgery.

Each patient has a different recovery time. You will be able to return to work as soon as you have recovered sufficiently, and you are able to carry out your activity without putting yourself at risk.

You can shower right after the surgery if your dressings are waterproof and your incision site will not get wet. If your dressings are not waterproof, you should avoid soaking them in water.

For most patients, the recovery period is around 6 weeks.

For better comfort during sleeping, it is recommended to keep a pillow under the forearm.

Driving is not allowed nor advisable at least until a partial recovery is achieved.

Generally, any activity that involves a lot of movement should be avoided.

Elbow reconstruction surgery usually reduces pain and helps your elbow work better.

A shoulder reconstruction is a surgical procedure suitable for patients with various shoulder problems resulted from injury or illness.

While the complications are rare after shoulder reconstruction surgery, sometimes they do occur.

Most patients usually return to work within 6 weeks after this procedure.

Aside from risks associated with anesthesia and infection, there are some other potential complications.

The replacement usually lasts for 15 years on average.

There are several conditions that may drive patients to consider shoulder replacement surgery.