Same Day Shoulder Surgery

What is Same-Day Shoulder Surgery?

Same-day shoulder surgery is a procedure that does not require an overnight stay in the hospital. This is made possible with recent advances in technology that has allowed this procedure to be performed in a minimally invasive manner on an outpatient basis allowing patients to go home the same day of the surgery. The procedure involves repairing a diseased, damaged, or degenerated shoulder joint arthroscopically. Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which an arthroscope, a small flexible tube with a light and video camera at the end, is inserted into the shoulder joint to evaluate and treat a variety of shoulder conditions affecting the shoulder joint.

Traditionally, shoulder surgery has been an inpatient surgical procedure. With the introduction of improved anesthetic techniques, modern pain protocols, minimally invasive methods, and rapid rehabilitation protocols surgeons have been able to perform shoulder surgeries on an outpatient basis.

Benefits of Same-Day Shoulder Surgery

Some of the benefits of same-day shoulder surgery include:

• Minimal surgical dissection
• Shorter recovery period
• Shorter hospital stay
• Reduced postoperative pain
• Minimal blood loss
• Minimal muscle trauma
• Improved pain management protocols
• Early mobilization
• Fewer complications
• Improved patient satisfaction

Anatomy of the Shoulder Joint

The shoulder joint (glenohumeral joint) is a ball and socket joint where the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) articulates with the socket of the scapula (shoulder blade), which is called the glenoid. The two articulating surfaces of the bones are covered by a smooth tissue called articular cartilage, which allows the bones to slide over each other without friction, enabling smooth movement. The cartilage is lubricated by synovial fluid. Tendons and ligaments around the shoulder joint provide strength and stability to the joint.

Indications for Same Day Shoulder Surgery

This type of shoulder surgery is indicated when non-surgical treatment such as medications, injections, physical therapy, closed reduction and manipulation has failed to provide desired results in treating shoulder conditions such as:

• Arthritis
• Fracture/trauma
• Bursitis/tendinitis
• Rotator cuff tears
• Shoulder dislocation/instability
• Shoulder impingement
• Frozen shoulder

Preparation for this Shoulder Surgery

Preoperative preparation for same-day shoulder surgery may involve the following steps:

• A thorough examination is performed by your doctor to check for any medical issues that need to be addressed prior to surgery.
• Depending on your medical history, social history, and age, you may need to undergo tests such as bloodwork and imaging to screen for any abnormalities that could threaten the safety of the procedure.
• You will be asked if you have allergies to medications, anesthesia, or latex.
• You should inform your doctor of any medications, vitamins, or supplements that you are taking.
• You may need to refrain from supplements or medications such as blood thinners or anti-inflammatories for a week or two prior to surgery.
• You should refrain from alcohol or tobacco at least a few days prior to surgery.
• You should not consume solids or liquids at least 8 hours prior to surgery.
• Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery.
• A written consent will be obtained from you after the surgical procedure has been explained in detail.

Procedure for Same Day Shoulder Surgery

Based on the shoulder condition affecting the patient, several types of shoulder surgeries can be performed as same-day shoulder surgery. The surgeries are performed under general or local anesthesia arthroscopically in which tiny incisions (portals), about a half-inch in length, are made around the joint area. Through one of the incisions, an arthroscope is passed. A camera attached to the arthroscope displays the images of the inside of the joint on a monitor, which allows your surgeon to view the damage and carry out the required repair.

Some of the common shoulder surgeries include:

• Total shoulder replacement: This is a surgery commonly employed for the treatment of shoulder joint arthritis or damage to the shoulder joint as a result of severe trauma or fracture. In this surgery, the damaged articulating parts of the shoulder joint are removed and replaced with artificial prostheses. Replacement of both the humeral head and the socket is called a total shoulder replacement.
• SLAP Repair: A SLAP (superior labrum anterior and posterior tear) repair is indicated to treat the torn labrum of the shoulder socket. The tear or injury may occur from repeated use of the shoulder while throwing or a fall onto the shoulder. During a SLAP repair surgery, the damaged tissue of the labrum is removed, and the torn labrum is secured to the bone of the shoulder socket with sutures.
• Rotator cuff repair: A rotator cuff is a group of tendons in the shoulder joint that provide support and enable a wide range of motion. Major injury to these tendons may result in rotator cuff tears. During rotator cuff repair surgery, the space for rotator cuff tendons will be increased and the cuff tear is repaired using suture anchors. These anchor sutures help in attaching the tendons to the shoulder bone.
• Shoulder dislocation/instability surgery: A shoulder dislocation occurs when the ball of the shoulder joint slides out of the glenoid socket. The labrum, a cuff of cartilage that encircles the shoulder socket, helps to keep the shoulder bones from dislocating. Any damage to this labrum can result in dislocation. To stabilize the shoulder after dislocation, a type of surgery known as Bankart repair is employed in which the edge of the glenoid cavity is trimmed and suture anchors are then inserted to reattach the detached labrum to the glenoid joint capsule to hold the ball in place.
• Frozen shoulder surgery: Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, is the second-most common cause of shoulder injury after rotator cuff tear. It is caused when the capsule encircling the shoulder joint becomes contracted and tight resulting in the formation of stiff bands of tissue called adhesions or scar tissue. During surgery, the scar tissue will be removed and tight ligaments, if any, will be dissected to loosen the contracted tissue to enable free shoulder movement.

Postoperative Care and Instructions

In general, postoperative care instructions and recovery after shoulder surgery may involve the following steps:

• You will be transferred to the recovery area where your nurse will closely observe you for any allergic/anesthetic reactions and monitor your vital signs as you recover.
• Once you are deemed to be stable, you will be discharged home on the same day of the surgery with instructions on home care and rehabilitation protocols.
• You may notice some pain, swelling, and discomfort in the shoulder area. Pain and anti-inflammatory medications, as well as application of ice packs, are recommended as needed.
• Your arm may be secured with assistive devices such as a sling or a cast for the first few weeks to facilitate healing with instructions on restricted weight-bearing.
• Keep the surgical site clean and dry. Instructions on surgical site care and bathing will be provided.
• Refrain from smoking as it can negatively affect the healing process.
• Refrain from strenuous activities and lifting heavy weights for the first few months. Gradual increase in activities over a period of time is recommended.
• An individualized physical therapy protocol will be designed to help strengthen shoulder muscles and optimize shoulder function.
• You will be able to resume your normal activities in a month or two after surgery; however, return to sports may take at least 6 months or longer.
• Refrain from driving until you are fully fit and receive your doctor’s consent.
• A periodic follow-up appointment will be scheduled to monitor your progress.

Risks and Complications

Shoulder surgery is a relatively safe procedure; however, as with any surgery, some risks and complications may occur, such as the following:  

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Postoperative pain
• Damage to nerves and vessels
• Stiffness or restricted motion
• Thromboembolism or blood clots
• Anesthetic/allergic reactions