Posterior glenoid osteoplasty for unstable dislocating shoulders. Surgery to build up the back of the glenoid socket using an osteotomy and graft can restore shoulder anatomy and lessen pain and improve function.
Edited By: Frederick A. Matsen III, M.D., Winston J. Warme, MD
Last updated Monday, October 09, 2006
Recovering from surgeryHow much pain do patients usually have after posterior glenoid osteoplasty for posterior shoulder instability and what medications are used to manage it? Recovery of comfort and function after posterior glenoid osteoplasty continues for many months.
Shoulder instability surgery is a major surgical procedure that
involves cutting of skin and removal of scar tissue, as well as
suturing of tendons and bone. The pain from this surgery is managed by
the anesthetic and by pain medications. Immediately after surgery,
strong medications (such as morphine or Demerol) are often given by
injection. Within a day or so, oral pain medications (such as
hydrocodone or Tylenol with codeine) are usually sufficient.How are medications after posterior glenoid osteoplasty for posterior shoulder instability administered? How long will they be needed? Initially pain medication is administered usually intravenously or
intramuscularly. Sometimes patient controlled analgesia (PCA) is used
to allow the patient to administer the medication as it is needed.
Hydrocodone or Tylenol with codeine are taken by mouth. Intravenous
pain medications are needed usually for only the first day or two after
the procedure. Oral pain medications are needed usually for only the
first two weeks after the procedure.How does pain medication usually affect pain and comfort following posterior glenoid osteoplasty for posterior shoulder instability? Pain medications can be very powerful and effective. Their proper use
lies in the balancing of their pain relieving effect and their other,
less desirable effects. Good pain control is an important part of the
postoperative management.What are the most frequent and most serious side effects of taking pain medication after posterior glenoid osteoplasty for posterior shoulder instability? Pain medications can cause drowsiness, slowness of breathing,
difficulties in emptying the bladder and bowel, nausea, vomiting, and
allergic reactions. Patients who have taken substantial narcotic
medications in the recent past may find that usual doses of pain
medication are less effective. For some patients, balancing the
benefits and side effects of pain medication is challenging. Patients
should notify their surgeon if they have had previous difficulties with
pain medication or pain control.After posterior glenoid osteoplasty for posterior shoulder instability, what happens in the hospital and when is the patient usually discharged? After surgery the patient spends about an hour in the recovery room. A
drainage tube is sometimes used to remove excess fluid from the
surgical area. The drain is usually removed on the second day after
surgery. Bandages cover the incision. They are usually changed the
second day after surgery.After posterior glenoid osteoplasty for posterior shoulder instability, what happens at hospital discharge and what are the patient's limitations at that time? Patients are discharged as soon as the incision is dry, the shoulder
is comfortable with oral pain medications, the patient can perform the
range of motion exercises, the patient feels comfortable with the plans
for managing the shoulder, and the home support systems for the patient
are in place. Discharge is usually on the second day after surgery.
Walking and use of the arm for gentle activities (with the elbow at
the side) are often encouraged soon after surgery, but the surgeon
should be consulted for the specifics of each individual case.
Gentle activities of daily living are often permitted with the
operated arm; however, lifting anything heavier than a cup of coffee or
using the arm for forceful activities must avoided for six to twelve
weeks, depending on the procedure. What type of help do patients need after posterior glenoid osteoplasty for posterior shoulder instability and for how long? Can they go home or do they require a convalescent facility? Management of the patient's limitations requires advance planning to
accomplish the activities of daily living during the recovery period.
Patients may require some assistance with self-care, activities of
daily living, shopping, and driving for about one month after surgery.
Recovery of comfort and function after shoulder instability surgery
continues for many months after the surgery. Improvement in some
activities may be evident as early as three months. With persistent
effort, patients make progress for as long as a year after surgery. Surgery for posterior shoulder instability at the University of Washington If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-7416 to make an appointment.
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