10 frequently asked questions before a procedure ...and our answers

Before shoulder surgery, it is normal to have many questions and concerns.

In fact, patients often have the same questions and similar concerns.

Here are the 10 most common questions patients ask before shoulder surgery and our answers.

Why is surgery necessary?
Shoulder surgery may be necessary to relieve pain, reduce movement restrictions, repair injuries, or correct structural problems in the shoulder caused by injury, osteoarthritis, or other conditions that cannot heal adequately on their own.
What type of surgery will I have?
The type of surgery will depend on your specific diagnosis, including the nature of your injuries, osteoarthritis, or other conditions.
Today, the vast majority of shoulder surgeries are performed using keyhole surgery, which is minimally invasive. The procedure is performed with the help of a small camera and instruments through small incisions in the shoulder. This technique is called arthroscopic surgery. In contrast, open surgery involves procedures with somewhat larger incisions and is now reserved almost exclusively for the treatment of bone fractures and the insertion of artificial shoulder joints.
How does the procedure work?
The procedure is comparable to a flight. Depending on the length of the flight and the destination, the surgical procedure can take different amounts of time depending on the severity of the injury.

Most keyhole shoulder surgeries take approximately 30 minutes. A combination of twilight sleep and local arm anesthesia has proven effective. Just like with an airplane, you have to be able to trust the staff.

All physicians, operating room staff, and anesthesiologists involved have undergone specialized training to perform this type of surgical procedure and are highly experienced in their daily work. Regular training ensures that even in challenging situations, they respond precisely and appropriately, similar to that of flight crew.

After the procedure, you wake up and quickly regain consciousness thanks to the light anesthesia. It's strange that your arm is often numb at first and may feel like a foreign body. This is normal and intended, as it means fewer anesthetics and painkillers are needed in the first few hours after the procedure. Everyone involved wants only the best for you and specializes in making the procedure as comfortable as possible for you.
What are the risks and complications of a shoulder operation?
Possible risks and complications of shoulder surgery include infection, bruising, nerve damage, bleeding, and prolonged recovery times. Many risks can be reduced through careful surgical preparation and an experienced and well-coordinated team. Based on many years of experience in shoulder surgery and a high level of routine shoulder procedures, the risk of experiencing complications with a specialist is very low. Your surgeon will explain these risks to you and discuss possible risk minimization measures with you.
How long does recovery take?
The recovery time depends on the type of procedure, your health, and other individual factors. Recovery for most shoulder surgeries takes approximately 3-6 months. After rotator cuff surgery or a joint fracture, it can take up to 12 months to restore shoulder function and full range of motion.
What restrictions or adjustments will I need after the procedure?
Depending on the diagnosis and surgical procedure, you will receive instructions on how to rest your shoulder after surgery and which activities you should temporarily avoid.
This could include wearing a sling or shoulder pillow, avoiding certain movements, or adjusting your work and leisure activities.
How should I prepare for the procedure?
You will receive specific instructions on how to prepare for the surgical procedure, including optimal nutrition, medications, and possibly certain tests.
It is advisable to refrain from smoking around the time of surgery, or at least to reduce smoking to a minimum in order to ensure optimal healing results.
How long will I stay in the hospital?
The length of your hospital stay depends on the type of procedure and your postoperative condition.
Many keyhole surgical procedures are now performed on an outpatient basis. This means that you arrive for the procedure on an empty stomach in the morning and leave the surgery center in the afternoon to spend the night at home in your familiar surroundings. With good perioperative pain management, this is easily possible in most cases. Some shoulder surgeries require a short inpatient stay.
What pain medications are used?
In addition to the local anesthetic in your arm, you will receive pain medication during the procedure, which will allow you to wake up from the procedure with minimal pain.

You will also be prescribed pain medications to relieve postoperative pain. These can be prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers.

In shoulder surgery, it has proven useful to have a combination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, e.g. ibuprofen, metamizole, and a reserve medication, e.g. tilidine, in addition to the anesthetic medication.

In most cases, patients get through the first night very well with 1-2 tablets of ibuprofen or metamizole and one tablet of tilidine.
How will my life change after shoulder surgery?
It helps to set realistic expectations about your recovery and your ability to resume certain activities. You should expect that your life will change temporarily while you recover.

The decision to undergo surgery is usually made when the patient's suffering is high and quality of life is low. After a precisely performed procedure and regular rehabilitation, many patients can lead an active and pain-free life after recovery.

Conclusion:

Shoulder surgery may be necessary to relieve pain and repair damage to the shoulder.
Nowadays, the vast majority of shoulder surgeries are performed using keyhole surgery, which means minimally invasive.
All doctors, operating room staff, and anesthesiologists involved have undergone special training to perform this type of surgical procedure and are highly experienced in what they do every day. Everyone wants only the best for you.
The recovery time depends on the type of procedure, your health condition and other individual factors.
Before shoulder surgery, it is normal to have many questions and concerns.
Our answers to the most frequently asked questions before a shoulder operation are intended to help you prepare optimally and clarify any potential concerns in advance.
It's important to raise any questions or concerns to ensure you're well-informed and prepared for your shoulder surgery. Every patient is unique and has unique questions; it's best to address these during your pre-operative consultation.

Do you have questions about an upcoming shoulder surgery?

Then make an appointment with our specialist :

Prof. Dr. med. Ben Ockert

Specialist in orthopedics

and trauma surgery,

Sports medicine

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT NOW!