Orthopedic Surgeon Seattle | Sara Jurek, MD

Factors such as age and physical health prior to surgery play a determining factor in how long it takes you to recover. For shoulder replacement surgery, Dr. Jurek typically advises that full recovery can take up to a whole year, although the pain usually subsides within the first few weeks after surgery and your ability to do most activities returns within six months. Most shoulder surgeries require dedicated physical therapy to maximize your full recovery. If you are in the Seattle area and considering shoulder surgery, please call us today.

You can expect anywhere from minimal to no pain to moderate or even severe discomfort while recuperating for the first couple of days after undergoing orthopedic shoulder surgery, depending on which surgery you had. Total shoulder arthroplasty surgery, which is the replacement of the entire shoulder joint, typically requires at least a few weeks of protection with a shoulder sling. This complex and invasive procedure will eventually allow full use of your shoulder but with gradual return to activity. You will likely stay overnight in the hospital, with nurses monitoring and helping you manage the pain. Rotator cuff repair surgery, usually a less invasive procedure with very small incisions, is usually performed on an outpatient basis where you can go home the same day. If you’d like to schedule a consultation with an orthopedic surgeon in Seattle, please don’t hesitate to call Dr. Sara Jurek’s office today. You deserve the best!

The right time to have shoulder surgery is different for every patient. Your Seattle orthopedic surgeon will assist you in making this personal decision, but ultimately, it’s your choice. In most cases, the amount of pain the patient is experiencing plays a deciding role in the decision-making process. As an example, if your arthritis pain is excruciating and nonoperative treatment has not given you significant relief, it may be prudent to have shoulder replacement surgery to relieve your pain. Typically, the pain relief that patients experience after shoulder replacement surgery significantly improves their quality of life and allows them to resume daily activities that they previously avoided due to pain. Schedule your appointment today with a top orthopedic surgeon in Seattle!

That depends on many factors and a full physical examination and consultation with your orthopedic surgeon is the best way to answer this question and any others you might have about shoulder surgery. If you are experiencing shoulder pain or discomfort, it may be quite helpful to see an orthopedist sooner rather than later, to determine if you would benefit from shoulder surgery. The sooner you get started, the sooner you will feel better.

Shoulder replacement surgery has a few specific risks associated with the procedure, as well as general risks inherent in any surgical procedure. These include: Infection Nerve or blood vessel injury Persistent shoulder pain Implant dislocation Loosening of the implant(s) from bone over time Tearing of the rotator cuff with resultant poor function of the shoulder replacement The need for additional shoulder surgery

You may shower once you feel comfortable enough to do so. If you have a nerve catheter in place, you will need to wait until you remove this to shower. You should not soak in a tub, hot tub, or pool after surgery until after your first postoperative visit with your Seattle Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Jurek and until your surgical incision is completely healed.

Overall, the success rate for pain relief for shoulder replacement surgery is very good, depending on the skill and experience of your orthopedic surgeon. Most patients report they are very satisfied with the results of their surgery. Dr. Jurek will talk with you during your clinic visit about your personal goals for returning to sports and activities after shoulder replacement surgery. Many patients are able to return to high-level activities after a shoulder replacement surgery and she will answer any questions or specific concerns you may have regarding the activities and sports you wish to resume postoperatively.

Sleep after shoulder surgery, particularly shoulder replacement surgery can be quite challenging. Many patients find sleeping more upright, propped up on pillows or a wedge pillow, or sleeping in a recliner to be very helpful. See Things to Do Before Surgery on our website for a list of helpful suggestions.

After surgery, larger, loose-fitting shirts, especially shirts with a large neck opening and button-down shirts are helpful. See Things to Do Before Surgery on our website for a list of helpful suggestions.

Regularly scheduled physical therapy visits once or twice a week after a shoulder replacement are typically initiated 6 weeks post-op after anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty. Many patients benefit from a visit or two after their first postoperative visit with their Seattle Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Jurek (usually 7-10 days after surgery) and before the 6-week pos-top mark to go over a few gentle exercises that are safe to perform during that time period. Many Seattle physical therapists have full calendars and it is often beneficial to schedule your PT appointments well ahead of time (you can do this before your surgery to ensure your therapist’s availability after surgery).

After shoulder replacement surgery, your orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Sara Jurek, will have you protect your shoulder in a sling for approximately 6 weeks. This time period allows the subscapularis tendon to heal which is very important in achieving a successful outcome.

Shoulder replacement surgery is performed in a hospital or at a surgery center, depending upon your medical history, health status, and insurance coverage (some insurances require shoulder replacement surgery to be performed in a hospital setting only, but this is changing). You can expect to stay overnight in the hospital and to be discharged the morning following your surgery. If you have your shoulder replacement performed at a surgery center, you will go home the same day.

Shoulder pain is different for each person who has a shoulder replacement but in general, you can expect to have pain for which you will take pain medication for 2 to 5 days after surgery. The purpose of the interscalene block is to minimize the amount of pain you feel after surgery and to therefore minimize the amount of narcotic pain medication you take in the first few days postoperatively. Your Orthopedic Suregeon in Seattle will answer all your questions prior to surgery.

Generally, shoulder replacement surgery takes about 2.5 hours. This includes anesthesia time. If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery or rotator cuff repair surgery, consider a consultation with an Orthopedic Surgeon In Seattle, Dr. Sara Jurek.

A combination of general anesthesia and regional anesthesia is used for shoulder replacement surgery. The regional anesthesia is called an “interscalene block” and it provides extended pain relief to help with the immediate postoperative pain after a shoulder replacement. The anesthesiologist may use a catheter (a small, flexible tube) connected to a pump to deliver numbing medication slowly over a couple of days as part of the block; you and your anesthesiologist will discuss the option of having a nerve catheter placed before you go to the operating room on the day of surgery.

Shoulder replacement surgery is major surgery requiring general anesthesia, so you can expect to need to take it very easy for the first couple of days after surgery. You will feel groggy and tired and this is normal as you recover from your shoulder replacement surgery. Depending on what type of work you do, you may be able to return to one-handed work or desk work within a week or two after surgery. If you do work that requires the use of your operative extremity and if that work is rigorous and physically demanding, you may need to be off of work or do modified light-duty work for 3 to 4 months following surgery. Dr. Jurek will work with you to determine an individualized plan that is safe and optimal for you to return to your desired work and recreational activities.

Yes, I am currently seeing patients from Bellevue, Washington. Patients experiencing shoulder pain from; arthritis, rotator cuff tears, sports injuires, shoulder trauma, tendonitis, bursitis, and labral tears are encouraged to come in for a one on one consultation with Bellevue Shoulder Specialist Dr. Sara Jurek. If you have already had shoulder surgery, including total shoulder replacement, and are experiencing pain or discomfort, you are welcome to make an appointment at our conveniently located Seattle Office. Thank you and I look forward to meeting you.