Preparing for rotator cuff surgery requires practical planning, especially regarding clothing. The right garments simplify the patient experience and accommodate the limited mobility that follows the procedure. Choosing clothing designed for easy wear minimizes discomfort and strain on the operated shoulder. This preparation ensures maximum comfort and safety immediately after the procedure.
Essential Upper Body Garments
The upper body requires the most consideration, as the operated arm will be immobilized in a sling, severely restricting movement. Loose-fitting clothing is necessary to reduce pressure on the surgical site and accommodate post-operative swelling or bandaging. Garments should be sized generously, perhaps a size larger than usual, allowing the fabric to slide easily over the non-operative arm and the surgical dressing.
The most helpful feature is a full front-opening closure, which eliminates the need to lift the arm or pull fabric over the head. Button-down shirts, zip-up hoodies, or jackets are recommended because they can be put on while sitting or standing with minimal shoulder movement. For the immediate post-operative period, adaptive clothing featuring snap closures, magnetic fasteners, or tear-away seams can be helpful for dressing with only one functional hand.
Pullover shirts, including t-shirts and sweaters, should be avoided because they force the patient to raise both arms overhead, a movement prohibited after rotator cuff repair. The front-opening design also makes it simpler for medical staff to apply the post-operative sling and check the surgical site. Soft, breathable materials like cotton or bamboo viscose are preferable, as they are gentle on the skin and help manage temperature for overall comfort.
Choosing Lower Body Clothing and Footwear
While the surgery focuses on the shoulder, limitations in upper body movement significantly impact dressing below the waist. The goal for lower body wear is to select items that require minimal manipulation and no fine motor skills. Pants with elastic waistbands or simple drawstrings are the best options because they can be pulled up with one hand or with the assistance of a dressing aid.
Clothing requiring two hands to manage, such as pants with traditional zippers, buttons, or belts, should be avoided, as these fasteners are difficult to secure independently. Wide-leg or loose-fitting shorts and trousers are easier to maneuver around the legs and hips, reducing the need to bend. Minimizing effort prevents accidental strain on the shoulder or a loss of balance and subsequent fall, especially when the patient is recovering from anesthesia.
Footwear is a safety consideration, making stability and ease of wear paramount. Simple slip-on shoes, such as loafers, clogs, or sneakers with Velcro closures, are the ideal choice. Tying shoelaces is difficult with one arm, and bending over to put on complicated shoes introduces a fall risk while the patient is unsteady post-procedure. Selected shoes must have good traction to ensure a stable gait, preventing slips or trips that could compromise the shoulder repair.
Items to Leave at Home
Several items must be left at home for safety reasons related to the surgical environment and patient monitoring. All jewelry and body piercings, including rings, watches, necklaces, and earrings, must be removed before surgery. Metal jewelry poses a burn risk if it comes into contact with the electrical current used by the surgical team for cauterization.
Nail polish, including gel and acrylic nails, must be removed from at least one finger on each hand. The pulse oximeter, a device that clips onto the fingertip to measure oxygen saturation, relies on reading the color of the underlying nail bed. Polish can interfere with the device’s accuracy and hide changes in circulation, which signal the patient’s condition under anesthesia.
Makeup and restrictive undergarments, particularly bras with complicated back clasps, should also be avoided. Facial makeup can obscure the natural skin tone, which is a visual indicator of circulation status during the procedure. Front-closure or adaptive bras are a practical choice for the return trip home, but the patient will wear a hospital gown for the procedure itself.