What to Expect After Surgery
Going Home After Surgery
Most patients stay overnight and are discharged from the hospital the following day after shoulder surgery. To ensure you can go home safely, we want to see that you are medically stable and your pain is controlled. Once you're home, be sure to follow your orthopaedic surgeon's instructions carefully, especially during the first few weeks.
Some younger, healthier patients may be candidates for same-day discharge. Please discuss this option with your surgeon.
How to Relieve Pain After Surgery
Some discomfort is expected after shoulder replacement surgery, especially with movement. Your care team will provide a combination of pain medications that work in different ways to improve relief while minimizing side effects. Medication timing and dosing will be reviewed with you before discharge.
Advanced pain management techniques—such as nerve blocks, regular icing, and alternating medications—are often used to enhance comfort. Nighttime pain can be challenging; many patients find sleeping in a recliner or with pillows helpful during the first few weeks.
Importance of Follow-Up Care
Shoulder surgeons are not surprised when someone comes into the office for a problem related to a shoulder replacement done many years ago without any further follow-up. Many people are unaware that they should follow up with their surgeon as part of the long-term care for joint replacements. Despite most shoulder replacements now lasting over 10 years, it is important to follow up and not take your new joint for granted.
Your surgeon may want to see you a few weeks after surgery to check your wound and help with the early postoperative recovery process, and then space visits out thereafter.
When Can I Drive After Surgery?
For the first six weeks, you'll be in a sling and unable to drive. You can get behind the wheel once you're out of the sling and have appropriate control for driving safely.
How Long Do Shoulder Replacements Last?
Shoulder replacement implants are made of metal and plastic components, and like all mechanical parts, they can wear down over time. Thanks to advancements in surgical techniques and more durable materials, most shoulder replacements are expected to last 10 to 15 years—and in many cases, even longer.
The longevity of your implant depends on several factors, including your age, activity level, body weight, bone quality, overall health, and the type of implant used. While modern technology has improved outcomes, maintaining joint health and avoiding falls or new injuries can also impact how long your replacement lasts.
Good Health = Good Recovery After Joint Surgery
Your overall health is important and can have a major impact on how well you do after shoulder replacement surgery. It is important to discuss your health with your physician so they can help you prepare in the time leading up to surgery. Your surgeon will want to know your health history, surgical history, medicines you are taking, allergies you may have, family history and social activities. You will also likely have a discussion about optimizing your health before surgery.
Decreasing Your Risk of Infection
Infection is a difficult problem that affects one out of 100 people after joint replacement surgery. If your joint becomes infected after surgery, it usually means additional surgery will be needed to treat the infection. It also means, your results will not be as good as they could be.
Infection
Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a serious complication that can occur after shoulder arthroplasty. Infection may occur in the wound or deep around the prosthesis. Any infection in your body can spread to your shoulder replacement. When an infection is suspected, early diagnosis and proper treatment is important. Contact your surgeon if you experience any symptoms of an infection, including increased pain or stiffness in a previously well-functioning joint, warmth and redness around the wound, or wound drainage.
Airport Security With an Implant
Many shoulder replacement implants include metal that will likely set off metal detectors. A card or note from your physician is not needed for identification of these type of implants. If you or a family member has a metal implant, simply inform the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer before screening begins now that you’ve had a shoulder replacement. Point to the location where you have the implant. Passengers can use the TSA’s Notification Card to communicate discreetly with security officers if they prefer. We recommend allowing additional time for airport screening when traveling with a joint replacement to help ensure a more pleasant travel experience.