Outpatient Shoulder Replacement Surgery: A Convenient Approach to Restoring Shoulder Function

Outpatient shoulder replacement surgery, also known as same-day or ambulatory shoulder replacement surgery, is shoulder surgery that repairs the shoulder injury within one business day. This allows patients to fully recover from the comforts of their own home, unlike traditional inpatient shoulder replacement surgeries in which patients had to stay overnight at a hospital. Outpatient shoulder replacement surgery has a number of other benefits and has become a preferred method for restoring mobility and alleviating pain for many patients experiencing arthritis in their shoulder. Keep reading to learn why more and more patients are choosing outpatient shoulder replacement to relieve their shoulder pain.

At Home Recovery

Patients often sleep better in their own bed and do not have to worry about unexpected interruptions from hospital staff when recovering at home. Additionally, at-home recovery also means less exposure to germs at the hospital, which can lead to illness and slow down recovery further.

Accelerated Recovery

In addition to getting better sleep to aid recovery, individuals who receive outpatient treatments can generally initiate rehabilitation and physical therapy sooner. Physical therapy is vital to regaining range of motion, strength, and function to the shoulder joint. Dr. Goradia at G2 Orthopedics works closely with his patients’ physical therapists to ensure the most efficient and effective recovery periods.

Convenience 

Recovering at home means that patients can experience the freedoms and independence they are accustomed to at home, making recovery more convenient. While patients will need to rely on a little help from family and friends during the first week or two post-surgery, most patients find that they prefer the convenience of having all of their belongings, food, etc. with them at home while they recover. Patients are also usually able to return to work faster after outpatient surgery, which allows them to use less PTO.

Cost Effectiveness

Avoiding an extended hospital stay has financial benefits for most patients. Extra medical bills associated with overnighting at the hospital can be avoided, along with incidental expenses like paying for snacks or drinks at the hospital that are not included.

How to Know if You’re Eligible for Outpatient Shoulder Surgery

Each patient is evaluated prior to surgery to determine if they are a candidate for outpatient shoulder replacement surgery. Factors such as overall health, medical history, and lifestyle are taken into account when making this decision. Most patients can have outpatient surgery if they do not have major medical problems like severe heart disease.

Types of Outpatient Shoulder Surgery

Outpatient shoulder surgery can cover several procedures that heal injured shoulders. Dr. Goradia of G2 Orthopedics regularly performs the following shoulder surgeries on an outpatient basis:

Partial Shoulder Replacement

During this surgery, only the “ball,” or humeral head is replaced. Your orthopedic surgeon will replace this damaged piece with a prosthetic while leaving the rest of the shoulder intact. This type of surgery is common among individuals with osteoarthritis.

Shoulder Resurfacing

Like partial shoulder replacement, this procedure allows more of the shoulder anatomy to be left intact. Instead of replacing the humeral head, as in partial shoulder replacement, this procedure involves capping the humeral head when the cartilage has been worn down to the bone. This procedure is most common among active and young individuals.

Total Shoulder Replacement

Total shoulder replacement is needed in cases of severe osteoarthritis when the cartilage is worn down on both the humeral head and the socket. In these cases, both the humeral head and the socket are replaced with artificial parts. 

Reverse Shoulder Replacement

This shoulder surgery is reserved for patients with rotator cuff issues. In this procedure the placement of the ball and socket is reversed, which gives the patient increased mobility and relieves pain. 

What to Expect from Outpatient Shoulder Surgery

On the day of your surgery, you will receive a nerve block prior to your operation to numb your shoulder. Patients will be sedated during the procedure and given Tylenol or acetaminophen after they come to continue managing their pain. During the post-op period while you are still at the hospital, the medical staff will provide instructions for how to continue managing your pain at home as well as how to dress your wound, what activities and movements are allowed, and overall tips for recovery.

Dr. Goradia of G2 Orthopedics develops individualized treatment plans for all of his patients. This includes providing them with detailed instructions for scheduling follow up visits and physical therapy requirements for the most efficient and effective recovery.

Experience Quick, Efficient, and Individualized Care For Your Shoulder with G2 Orthopedics

Outpatient shoulder surgery is life-changing for many individuals experiencing shoulder pain. And with Dr. Goradia’s commitment to providing individualized care that enables you to recover better than following a one-size-fits all approach, there’s no reason to hesitate. Call (804) 678-9000 or complete the form today to request your appointment and get the relief you need to get back in motion.

Outpatient shoulder replacement surgery, also known as same-day or ambulatory shoulder replacement surgery, is shoulder surgery that repairs the shoulder injury within one business day. This allows patients to fully recover from the comforts of their own home, unlike traditional inpatient shoulder replacement surgeries in which patients had to stay overnight at a hospital. Outpatient shoulder replacement surgery has a number of other benefits and has become a preferred method for restoring mobility and alleviating pain for many patients experiencing arthritis in their shoulder. Keep reading to learn why more and more patients are choosing outpatient shoulder replacement to relieve their shoulder pain.