Preparing for shoulder surgery significantly influences the success of the procedure and the speed of recovery. The weeks leading up to the operation are an active phase requiring careful coordination between the patient, their medical team, and their home environment. This comprehensive approach, which addresses both clinical compliance and practical daily life adjustments, creates a solid foundation for a smoother surgical experience and rehabilitation.
Clinical Preparation and Pre-Operative Testing
The medical preparation phase begins weeks before the scheduled surgery date with a pre-operative physical examination and assessment. This consultation ensures the patient is healthy enough to undergo anesthesia and the procedure itself, and often includes a detailed review of medical history and current medications. Necessary laboratory tests, such as a complete blood count and coagulation studies, are ordered to assess overall health and blood-clotting ability. Imaging studies, which may include X-rays and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, provide the surgical team with a detailed look at the shoulder’s soft tissue structures and bone integrity for planning the operation.
A medication review with the surgeon focuses particularly on anti-inflammatory drugs and blood thinners. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, and many herbal supplements (like fish oil, ginger, and garlic) increase bleeding risk and must typically be stopped about seven days before surgery. Blood thinners like warfarin or clopidogrel require specific instructions from the prescribing physician and surgeon to manage the risk of bleeding versus clotting. Addressing dental health is important, as an active infection can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream that could potentially travel to the surgical site; therefore, a dental clearance may be requested to mitigate infection risk.
Stopping nicotine use is another step, as smoking negatively affects the body’s ability to heal and increases the risk of complications like wound infections. Toxins in cigarette smoke impair blood flow and the inflammatory response, which directly impacts bone and soft tissue healing. While quitting even a day before surgery offers some benefit, patients who quit at least one month before a shoulder replacement have shown improved outcomes compared to current smokers.
Essential Home and Daily Life Logistics
Since the operated arm will be immobilized in a sling, requiring one-handed function, modifications to the home environment are important for safety and independence. Removing throw rugs and securing loose electrical cords eliminates trip hazards, especially when mobility is restricted. Creating clear pathways throughout the home prevents accidental bumps that could injure the healing shoulder.
Setting up a dedicated “recovery station” in the main living area can reduce the need to reach or strain. This station should have everything needed within easy, one-handed reach, including remote controls, charging cables, water, snacks, and prescribed pain medication. Patients should prepare loose-fitting shirts that button or zip completely down the front, as pulling clothing over the head will be impossible. This preparation avoids unnecessary pain and protects the surgical site during dressing.
Patients should address meal preparation well in advance of the surgery. Preparing and freezing several weeks’ worth of single-serving meals that require minimal effort to reheat simplifies the recovery process and ensures adequate nutrition for healing. Securing a caregiver or support person is necessary, particularly for the first 24 to 48 hours following the procedure. This person is needed for transportation to and from the hospital and for assistance with basic tasks like getting dressed and managing pain medication schedules.
The Final 24 Hours: Immediate Surgical Day Instructions
The day before surgery involves time-sensitive instructions that must be followed precisely to ensure patient safety under anesthesia. The most important instruction is strict adherence to fasting protocols, which typically means no food or drink after midnight the night before the operation. This includes avoiding gum, candy, and water, as a full stomach can lead to aspiration complications during anesthesia.
The surgeon may instruct the patient to use a special antiseptic wash, often containing chlorhexidine, to shower the night before and the morning of the surgery. This hygiene protocol reduces the bacterial count on the skin, lowering the risk of a surgical site infection. When dressing for the hospital, comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that are easy to put on and take off—like a button-up shirt and sweatpants—are the best choice.
Patients should bring only necessary items to the hospital, such as a photo ID, insurance card, required paperwork, and a current list of all medications. Confirmation of transportation arrangements is necessary, as the patient will not be permitted to drive themselves home after receiving anesthesia. Following these immediate pre-operative steps ensures a safe and efficient transition into the operating room.