Shoulder surgery is a common orthopedic procedure performed to restore function and alleviate chronic pain. The duration of the operation varies significantly based on the specific type of repair and the overall complexity of the patient’s condition. Less-invasive procedures may take just over an hour, while more involved reconstruction can require several hours in the operating room.
Understanding Operating Room Time Versus Total Facility Time
When discussing surgical duration, it is important to distinguish between operating room (OR) time and total facility time. OR time refers specifically to the period when the surgical team is actively performing the procedure. It begins with the initial incision and ends with the final closure of the wound. This represents the actual minutes the patient is under anesthesia.
Total facility time encompasses the entire duration the patient spends at the hospital or surgical center on the day of the procedure. This timeline begins at check-in and ends when the patient is medically cleared and discharged to go home. The actual OR time is only one component of this comprehensive timeline, often being significantly shorter than the total time spent at the facility.
Typical Duration of Common Shoulder Procedures
The length of time a patient spends in the operating room relates directly to the complexity and technique required for the surgical repair. Procedures using an arthroscope, which involves small incisions and specialized instruments, are generally the shortest. Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair typically requires between 60 and 120 minutes of OR time. Similarly, arthroscopic labral repairs, such as for a Bankart or SLAP lesion, often fall within this 60 to 120-minute window, depending on the extent of the damage.
More complex surgical reconstructions require a longer duration in the operating room. Open procedures, necessary for severe fractures or complex revisions, involve a wider incision and direct manipulation of the bone and soft tissues. These procedures, including complex fracture fixation, may take 90 to 150 minutes of OR time. The additional time is necessary for achieving proper alignment and secure fixation of hardware like plates and screws.
Joint replacement surgeries represent the longest duration due to the precision required for removing damaged bone and implanting prosthetic components. A total shoulder replacement or a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty typically requires 120 to 180 minutes, or two to three hours, of dedicated operating time. This duration includes careful measurement and fitting of the implants to ensure optimal joint mechanics and stability.
The Patient’s Full Timeline on Surgery Day
The patient’s timeline begins with the pre-operative preparation phase. Patients are usually instructed to arrive at the facility approximately 60 to 90 minutes before the scheduled procedure start. This time is used for essential administrative tasks, confirmation of medical history, and preparation by the nursing team. An intravenous line is placed, and the patient meets with the anesthesiologist to discuss the anesthesia plan, which often includes a regional nerve block.
Once the patient is wheeled into the operating suite, anesthesia induction begins, followed by careful positioning on the operating table. This positioning must be precise for the surgeon to access the shoulder joint.
Following the surgical repair, the patient is moved directly to the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) for immediate post-operative monitoring. Patients typically spend one to three hours in the PACU while anesthesia wears off and vital signs stabilize. The recovery team manages pain and nausea, ensuring the patient is awake before transitioning to discharge. The final discharge process, including reviewing post-operative instructions and paperwork, takes an additional 30 to 60 minutes.