Ready for Surgery?

Surgery Schedule:

Most Wednesdays and Fridays (at Westfall,  Brighton and Lattimore Surgery Centers)

Whether or not you need surgery depends on you and your symptoms. Although surgery can “fix” a painful joint, the right procedure depends on your problem (pain, instability, limited movement, limping); the joint(s) involved; and your needs.

You don’t need surgery if:

  • Medicine, and an injection once in a while, controls your pain and doesn’t cause side effects
  • A brace or exercises control the problem
  • You have several, equally painful areas and don’t know which to “fix” first
  • You have important commitments and can’t take time off.

It might be time for surgery if:

  • Pain interferes with important activities (working, walking, stairs, hobbies, sleeping) despite everything you’ve tried
  • You have to stop taking your pain medication because of side effects
  • A cortisone shot(s) helped at first but wore off
  • You are able to take time off from work or other responsibilities. Talk to your employer and family members about the help you will need
  • Your other health issues are stable and won’t interfere with safe surgery or recovery.

Time Out of Work (or other responsibilities)

You may ask, “How Long Will I Be Out of Work?” Details about Time Off/Disability here.

General Guidelines:

  • Every patient is different; healing takes time. Gradually increase activity as you heal; use your symptoms as a guide.
  • Talk with your employer. Can you return to light duty or reduced hours? If no light duty is available, you will stay out of work/play until ready to return safely
  • Drive when you are confident about controlling your car. DON’T drive if you can’t safely manage the wheel and pedals.
  • Be ready to tell us what you need. (Details about Time Off/Disability.)

Light Duty Examples:

  • Seated work with limited use of injured part
  • No repetitive use or No overhead work
  • Limited lifting/carrying_______pounds
  • Limited standing/walking, No climbing/squatting
  • Allow preferred parking
  • Limit hours: ____________ or No overtime
  • Allow use of elevator
  • No contact sports
  • Gym membership on hold

Typical Postop Healing Time: To help you plan

Shoulder:

Rotator Cuff Repair/Open Acromioplasty:

  • 2 weeks: office job with minimal use of your arm/hand; take breaks. Lift 1 pound near the body.
  • 6 weeks: gradually increase, up to 5-10 pounds near the body; no overhead work, tabletop OK. Limit repetitive work.
  • 3 months: lift up to 20 pounds, and perform some overhead or repetitive work.
  • 6 months: no particular restrictions; use common sense.

Shoulder Arthroscopy:

  • 1-2 weeks: office job with minimal use of your arm/hand; take breaks. Lift 1 pound near the body.
  • 4-6 weeks: gradually increase, up to 5-10 pounds near the body; no overhead work, tabletop OK. Limit repetitive work.
  • 6-12 weeks: lift up to 20 pounds, and perform some overhead or repetitive work.
  • 3 months: no particular restrictions; use common sense.

Distal Clavicle Excision (Collarbone):

  • 3-5 days: office job with minimal use of your arm/hand; take breaks. Lift 1 pound near the body.
  • 1-2 weeks: gradually increase, up to 5-10 pounds near the body; no overhead work, tabletop OK. Limit repetitive work.
  • 4-6 weeks: lift up to 20 pounds, and perform some overhead or repetitive work.
  • 2 months: no particular restrictions; use common sense.

Elbow Surgery:

  • 1-2 weeks: office job with minimal use of your arm/hand; take breaks. Lift 1 pound near the body.
  • 4-6 weeks: gradually increase, up to 5-10 pounds near the body; no overhead work, tabletop OK. Limit repetitive work.
  • 6-12 weeks: lift up to 20 pounds, and perform some overhead or repetitive work.
  • 3 months: no particular restrictions; use common sense.

Hand: Carpal Tunnel, Trigger Finger, etc…:

  • 3-5 days: return to an office job with minimal use of your arm/hand; take breaks. Lift up to 1 pound.
  • 2-4 weeks: gradually increase, light typing, lift up to 5 pounds, no strong grip, limit repetitive work
  • 6-12 weeks: activity as tolerated, lift up to 20 pounds, do repetitive work.

Knee, Ankle or Foot Surgery:

  • Some cases: 6 weeks on crutches/no weight-bearing. Seated work only, elevate leg as needed.
  • 3-5 days: return to an office job, keep your leg elevated, take breaks, use crutches/cane
  • 2-4 weeks: seated work with minimal walking and stairs. No climbing, squatting or carrying >10 pounds
  • 6-12 weeks: if walking without a cane or limp, spend up to a few hours on your feet; start climbing, squatting or carrying.
  • 3 months: no particular restrictions; use common sense.