Shoulder Surgery
Shoulder replacement (arthroplasty) or reverse shoulder replacement.
Rotator cuff repair: arthroscopic (keyhole), open, or a mix.
What to expect
Your Journey
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Before surgery
Before your operation, arrange for someone to help you at home for the first 2–4 weeks. You will not be able to use your operated arm freely, so preparing your home and stocking the fridge in advance makes a real difference. Loose, easy-on clothing (button-up shirts rather than pullovers) is helpful for the first few weeks. -
The day of surgery
Shoulder surgery is performed under general anaesthesia, usually combined with a nerve block that numbs your arm and provides excellent pain control for 12–24 hours after surgery. Often a nerve catheter is placed by the anaesthetist which can provide pain relief for 3–5 days after surgery.
The operation takes 1.5–3 hours; you may go home the same day or stay one night for rotator cuff repair.
A shoulder replacement you may stay 1–2 nights.
For either operation, your arm will be placed in a sling before you wake up. -
In hospital
If you stay overnight, a physiotherapist will show you the gentle early exercises to do within your sling and teach you how to manage daily tasks one-handed.
Pain is usually well-controlled with a nerve catheter and you will be shown how to use the pump by the nursing staff.
If you only receive a single injection, no catheter inserted, the numbness will wear off after 12–24 hours (typically overnight). As it wears off, you should take pain relief medication regularly as prescribed so that you stay comfortable.
Ice packs wrapped in a cloth can help with soreness around the shoulder. -
Going home
Your arm will be in a sling for 4–6 weeks. Do not remove it without your surgeon's advice, as early movement can damage the repair. You cannot drive until your surgeon says so, usually at least six weeks after surgery. A physiotherapy programme is essential for a good outcome; full recovery to your best possible function takes 3–6 months, but most people notice significant improvement much sooner.
Nerve catheter removal
You will be instructed how and when to remove the nerve catheter.
Generally it all comes out when you or someone else removes the dressings.
You should contact your anaesthetist if there is:- Pain, redness, swelling in your neck at any point
- Abnormal swallowing, face or tongue numbness or hearing change
- Numbness in your arm or hand that persists 24 hours after nerve catheter removal
* If you have breathing difficulty that you are concerned about, you should phone an ambulance then inform your anaesthetist.
The people around you
Who looks after you
A lot of people are involved in getting you safely through an operation. Knowing who does what can make the whole experience feel less unfamiliar.
Your anaesthetist
Anaesthetists are specialist doctors who are trained in anaesthesia, pain management, and the care of seriously unwell patients. You will meet yours before the operation: they will go through your health, explain the plan, and answer any questions.
During surgery, your anaesthetist stays with you the whole time. They give the medications that keep you under anaesthesia and free of pain, and continuously monitor your breathing, heart, blood pressure, and fluids as the operation is happening. Afterwards they plan your pain relief, so you can breathe deeply, move, and recover. If you are worried about anything at all, tell them. Helping you through this safely and comfortably is their entire job.
Your surgeon
Surgeons are specialist doctors. You will usually meet yours first in clinic, to talk through whether surgery might be a helpful treatment option, what the risks are, and what happens if you choose not to have an operation. Sometimes an anaesthetist and other specialists are involved in these decisions too. Your surgeon performs your operation, and after surgery their team looks after you on the ward and plans your follow-up.
Pre-assessment nurse
Sees you in the weeks before surgery to review your health, medications, and test results, and to make sure everything is ready for the day. A good person to ask early questions.
Anaesthetic technician
A specially trained member of the theatre team who works alongside your anaesthetist, preparing and checking equipment and helping care for you throughout the operation.
Theatre and PACU nurses
Theatre nurses help to look after you, assist the surgeons, manage surgical equipment, and ensure everything runs smoothly. In the Post Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU), specialised nurses monitor you closely as you wake and treat pain or nausea straight away.
Ward nurses
Your day-to-day carers in hospital: medications, wound care, and keeping an eye on your progress. They are your first port of call whenever something doesn't feel right.
Physiotherapist
Helps you recover movement and function after surgery. What this looks like depends on your operation: it might be breathing exercises to protect your lungs, joint exercises after a replacement, or simply helping you walk safely again. Getting moving is one of the most important parts of recovery, and they will guide you from your first steps out of bed.
Hospital pharmacist
Checks your medicines when you arrive and when you leave, making sure nothing is missed and your discharge medications are right.
Cultural and pastoral support
Most hospitals offer support for you and your whānau throughout your stay, including Māori and Pacific health services and chaplaincy for all faiths and none. Ask any staff member for a referral.
Build your prep plan
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