When you’re facing a big repair surgery, it’s natural to feel a mix of emotions, from apprehension to hopeful anticipation for a more pain-free, healthier future. At the office of Dr. Steven S. Goldberg, a board-certified Orthopedic Surgeon in Naples, Florida, we’re committed to guiding you through this journey. This includes preparing you for surgery, explaining the clear benefits, detailing the recovery process, and tailoring your physical therapy regimen to optimize your personal recovery in lovely Naples, Florida.
It’s natural to feel a mix of emotions, from apprehension to anticipation when you’re facing a big repair surgery. At the office of Dr. Steven S. Goldberg, a board-certified Orthopedic Surgeon in Naples, Florida, we’re committed to guiding you through this journey. This includes preparing you for surgery, explaining the clear benefits, detailing the recovery process, and tailoring your physical therapy regimen to optimize your personal recovery.
There are many steps involved in preparing for surgery that may help make the process smoother and less stressful. Part of the process is understanding what is going on during your surgery and what to expect before and after.
What Is Labrum Repair?
Labrum repair is a surgical technique that repairs the torn tissues of the labrum. The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the socket of a ball-and-socket joint, making the joint more stable. Both the shoulder and hip joints have a labrum and it can be compromised due to injury, overuse, or age-related wear and tear. In some cases, a non-surgical approach is enough to decrease the pain of a labrum tear, but sometimes, surgical intervention may be recommended.
What Is Rotator Cuff Repair?
Rotator cuff repair is aimed at fixing a torn tendon in the shoulder. The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that stabilize the shoulder and enable its wide range of motion. When one or more of these tendons are torn, due to injury or wear and tear, surgery may become necessary to reattach the tendon to the bone. This procedure can be performed using a variety of different surgical techniques, but Dr. Goldberg performs the arthroscopic technique. This method involves less cutting, quicker recovery, and less pain for patients after surgery. Rotator cuff repair aims to restore shoulder function and relieve pain.
The Process of Labrum Repair and Rotator Cuff Repair
Both of these procedures are typically performed arthroscopically, where a small camera and specialized instruments are inserted through tiny incisions. They are intricate procedures aimed at restoring shoulder function and relieving pain. Labrum repair surgery involves reattaching the torn labrum to the bone using sutures and anchors. Rotator cuff repair surgery, on the other hand, involves reattaching tendons to the bone using a slightly different type of anchors and sutures. Each patient’s tears are slightly different and the number of sutures and anchors and the method to repair each tear is optimized for each tear. In both procedures, Dr. Goldberg will clean out any other damaged tissue and address other issues found incidentally.
Preparing for Your Surgery
Preparation for shoulder surgery begins with a preoperative evaluation by one of our providers, who will make the recommendation if you need surgery. In most cases, within 30 days prior to the surgery date, you will also be evaluated by your primary care physician, who will review your medical history, current condition, and any medications you are taking to ensure you’re in the best health for this procedure. Sometimes, additional medical evaluation, such as with a cardiologist or pulmonary specialist, will also need to be done beforehand. This is done to ensure that your time under anesthesia goes safely and smoothly. All these providers need to agree that you are safe to have surgery.
To properly prepare for your shoulder surgery, you will be provided with a list of pre-op instructions that must be followed. These instructions include scheduling your follow-up appointments and physical therapy appointments, filling your pain prescription, arranging for a ride to and from surgery, and avoiding certain medications the day of surgery. In most cases, we will advise using a pre-surgical wash to reduce the chance of infection. You can buy this at any pharmacy or grocery store.
You will be advised not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery. In the morning, you can take your normal medications with a sip of water, unless specifically told not to. Wear comfortable clothing when you come to the hospital.
After Surgery
Most patients go home with their arm still numb from the anesthesia and do not experience much pain on the first day. This will wear off that night or the next day and patients will typically need to take pain medications for comfort. This medicine will have been prescribed ahead of time and the timing and dosing will be discussed with you during your pre-surgical visit. We can use a variety of medications depending on what suits you best or have had before.
We will give you gentle exercises to perform, starting the day after surgery, which will be included in your instructions packet. These are the only exercises you need to do daily until you start physical therapy in approximately 1 to 4 weeks, depending on Dr. Goldberg’s instructions. We will give you a prescription for physical therapy during your pre-surgical visit.
In most cases, you will need to wear a sling after the surgery. Likely, we will let you remove or loosen the sling and keep your hand in your lap if you are seated for a period of time, such as during meals or watching TV. Most patients are using a sling for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. Usually, patients can start doing simple movements, such as texting, typing, or eating with the affected hand 1 to 3 days after surgery. Most patients can shower starting the day after surgery.
A personalized physical therapy plan is an essential part of the recovery process, focusing on restoring strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the joint. It usually takes several months to fully recover from labrum and rotator cuff repair surgery, with most patients able to return to normal activities within 3 to 6 months, although the specific timeline may vary depending on the individual and the extent of the injury.
Schedule a Consultation
Labrum repair or rotator cuff repair surgery with Dr. Steven Goldberg can significantly improve your quality of life by allowing you to return to your activities and relieving your pain and discomfort. With preparation and understanding of the process, your recovery can be a pleasant and beneficial journey. Fill out an online contact form today to request an appointment. Let’s get you back to feeling and performing your best!
