Testing (Imaging)

Before any discussion of surgery, your doctor will get your medical history and the history of your problem. This combined with the examination will help the doctor decide what tests to order. Some of the tests are as follows:

• X-rays that show bony structures and will reveal any abnormalities
  
• An arthrogram is a special x-ray that uses dye that is injected into your shoulder and helps determine if the rotator cuff is torn.
  
• An MRI, (magnetic resonance imaging) which is a more sophisticated test that reveals all the structures in your shoulder. Your doctor may feel that you would benefit from anti –inflammatory medication, and/or physical therapy. In therapy your rehab specialist will work on pain control,range of motion and strength. You can use ice to help with the pain that you have when you are at home. You can use a cold pack, ice bag, or a bag of frozen peas for 15-20 minutes at a time.  To learn more about MRI's click Here
  

 Surgery

If surgery is required, you will meet with the surgery scheduler to set up a surgery date and a therapy appointment.
You will be seen in therapy one to four days after your surgery depending on the particular surgery that you
will have. Your doctor will determine the appointment date.

You will need to provide us a phone number to reach you both the night before and morning of surgery in case of any last minute changes.

Night before surgery

• You can not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery.  This includes candy and chewing gum.  Failure to follow this rule could cause your surgery to be postponed.  The evening before your surgery, eat a light meal.  No greasy or spicy foods, and no alcoholic beverages.

Day of Surgery

• On the day of surgery, please arrive early as indicated on your Surgery Instructions Sheet.  This allows us time for all the necessary preoperative work needed to  deliver you the best quality care.  At this time you will meet the nursing staff and anesthesia team. Click the following links to learn more about general anesthesia and epidural anesthesia

• Take your usual medications with water on the morning of your surgery.  Please avoid aspirin or any blood thinners (Coumadin, etc) 24 hours before surgery.  Your doctor may have additional instructions about these medications.  If you are taking medication or diabetes, please contact the surgery scheduler for more information if you don't receive prior instructions.

• Do not wear any make-up (including lipstick, nail polish and eye shadow).  Do not wear jewelry (including earrings and studs).  Please notify your nurse of any permanent piercing's.  Wear lose clothing.  If you wear cotton socks, underwear and shorts, you can wear them during surgery.  If possible please wear eyeglasses instead of contact lenses.  If you wear contacts, please bring a container.  Please do not bring money or valuables.  VOS will not be responsible for any missing items.

• Please bring 2 pillows to elevate your leg or arm during your ride home.

• You will need to have someone accompany you the day of surgery.  Following surgery, you will not be permitted to drive, take a taxi or bus home.  A responsible adult must escort you to VOS.  This person will be required to remain at the center during the entire surgery and recovery.

• Anticipate a 1-2 hour stay after surgery.  You will be discharged after the anesthesiologist and your surgeon feel your recovery is satisfactory.  You will be given instructions about how to care for yourself at the time of your discharge.

• The night of surgery, your should have a responsible adult stay overnight with you.

• If you develop any symptoms of a fever, cold, sore throat or any signs of illness before your surgery,call 615-343-9864

To learn more about preparing for surgery click Here

After Surgery

After your surgery you will be given a written instruction sheet, pictures of your surgery, and a prescription for therapy. These will all be in your Vanderbilt Sports Medicine folder. This information will answer most of the questions you may have during your recovery. During your first therapy session, you be evaluated by the therapist, instructed in wound care and aided in
developing your goals. Your therapist will also devise your rehab plan. The length of time you will wear your sling is dependant on the exact surgery your doctor performed. Your therapist will inform you when you will be able to remove it.

The entire rehabilitation process will take 4-7 months. During the early phase of your rehabilitation you will be closely monitored and limited in the use of your shoulder. As you progress, you will be able to do more of your exercises on your own. If you
have any questions concerning your rehabilitation process, they should be directed to your physician, and your therapist and/or athletic trainer.

Medication:

• You will be given 2 prescriptions:
  1. One for pain, which is a codeine derivative and should be taken if necessary.
  2. One to control inflammation, which should be taken as directed.

Dressing:

• Leave your dressing on unless your first post op doctor or therapy visit is more than 48 hours after your surgery.
• After 48 hours you may remove your dressing.
• LEAVE THE TAPE STRIPS OVER YOUR INCISIONS. These will stay on for 11/2 to 2 weeks and will slowly peel off.

To learn more about  incision and wound care click Here

Showering:

• You may shower 48 hours after your surgery and get your incisions wet.
• DO NOT soak in a tub or pool for 7-10 days to avoid excessive scarring & infection. Wash underarm area by leaning forward and letting arm dangle in front of you.

Activity:

• Take it easy
• Wear sling at all times
• Avoid using muscles on operative shoulder for 6 weeks
• Move wrist and elbow several times a day to avoid stiffness
  

Complications- Notice:
Call us at (615)-322-7878 weekends, day or night if:

• You experience severe pain that is not relieved by your medicine
• You experience a temperature over 101.5°, redness or swelling in your thigh or calf