Postoperative Instructions:
Shoulder Arthroscopy
Brent P. Hansen, DO (602-588-4040)
(SAD, DCR, LBR, and Debridement)
Send Instructions Home with Patient
DIET:
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Progress to your normal presurgical diet unless you are nauseated
If nauseated take liquids and light foods (jello, soups, etc.)
FOR 24 HOURS FOLLOWING SURGERY:
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Be in the care of a responsible adult. Do not drink alcoholic beverages. Do not drive.
Do not make important personal or business decisions or sign legal documents.
ACTIVITIES:
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Elevate the upper body on pillows when lying or sleeping for the first 48 hours.
Ice, in a waterproof bag, should be applied to the shoulder for 10 to 15 minutes each hour for 24 to 48 hours after surgery.
You may shower after 72 hours if dressing is kept dry. Tape a water-tight bag over incisions before shower and avoid soaking.
Do not drive until approved by your physician.
“Return to work” depends on your type of employment.
EXERCISE:
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Begin range of motion exercises of the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand immediately, as comfort permits.
Tighten all muscles (isometric) around the shoulder 10-15 times each hour.
Other exercises will be outlined for you by the therapist or physician and can be started within 2-4 days as comfort permits.
WOUND CARE:
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Your dressings may become soaked in the first few hours after surgery. If needed replace the bandages with gauze and pads
provided by the hospital nurse on the first evening after surgery, and again day following surgery.
The sling may be removed as-needed, and discarded as comfort permits, usually by 2 to 3 days after surgery.
Maintain your arm in the sling until you see the physician .
The dressings may be removed (except tape strips)
48
72 hours after surgery.
Keep the incisions dry for one week. Use a plastic bag taped on the shoulder for showering after 72 hours. Avoid
immersing the incisions in water.
MEDICATIONS:
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Strong oral pain medications have been prescribed. Use as directed and avoid alcoholic beverages.
When taking pain medications, be careful as you walk, drive or climb stairs. Mild dizziness is not unusual.
Do not take medications that have not been prescribed by your physicians.
Resume your home medications
Enteric Coated Aspirin 325mg
once
twice daily for three weeks.
PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE (602-588-4040) IF:
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Increasing Redness, or swelling, around the incision.
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Draining anything but clear yellow or pink (blood tinged) fluid.
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Continuous drainage or bleeding from incisions. A moderate amount or drainage is expected.
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Recurrent temperature elevations higher than 101.5º F without explanation 3 – 5 days after surgery.
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Swelling fails to resolve after several hours of elevation of the extremity on 1-2 pillows or after a nights sleep.
If short of breath, chest pressures, and or pain, GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM for further evaluation.
FOLLOW-UP CARE:
 Please schedule an appointment for:
5-7 days
10-14 days
_____ days by calling 602-588-4040
Other Instructions:
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
These discharge instructions have been explained to the patient/significant other. I acknowledge that I understand these instructions and that I have no
further questions. A copy has been given to the patient / significant other .
Signed: __________________________ Date: ________
Patient / Significant Other
Signed: __________________________ Date: __________
Physician / Nurse