If you’re contemplating getting shoulder surgery, it’s natural to want to learn more about it, such as whether it’s right for you, the approach your doctor will use, what the procedure involves, among other things. After all, it’s a major decision, which you never want to rush into.
Here are some questions worth asking your shoulder doctor about surgery during your appointment.
Am I a Candidate for Shoulder Surgery?
Your shoulder doctor will first consider whether all conservative interventions have already been explored and then carry out a comprehensive evaluation to determine your eligibility for shoulder surgery.
Your shoulder doctor will likely assess your symptoms and how much they have affected your day-to-day activities; your current health status to ascertain that you have no existing health conditions that can interfere with the outcome of the surgery; and your lifestyle. They will then likely order imaging tests (X-rays, MRI, and/or CT scan) to determine the specific type of injury or condition you have and examine the extent of damage to your shoulder.
Once your doctor ascertains that you’re a candidate for shoulder surgery, they may discuss the approach they will use and provide you with details as to how to prepare for your procedure.
What Are the Possible Risks of Shoulder Surgery?
Shoulder surgery is often recommended as a last-resort option, as it has risks inherent in any type of invasive procedure. The risks involved will depend on the specific procedure you’re having, but generally, shoulder surgeries are associated with the following complications:
- Nerve injury
- Infection
- Reaction to anesthesia
- Cartilage damage
- Blood clot
Your care team will take all necessary measures to lower your risk for complications, and provide you with preoperative instructions, which you need to adhere to, to help ensure your safety.
What Happens If I Postpone My Shoulder Surgery?
Postponing surgery can have detrimental effects on the function of your shoulder as well as the outcome of your treatment. The lack of shoulder use due to ongoing pain can lead to muscle atrophy and make postoperative rehabilitation especially challenging.
Additionally, studies show that delaying surgery for more than a year for certain shoulder conditions or injuries is associated with roughly twice the odds of needing a subsequent revision procedure compared to getting the surgery done within a year after your diagnosis.
Other Important Questions to Ask Your Shoulder Doctor
Knowing the answers to the following questions also helps you make a well-informed decision, so don’t hesitate to include them in your list:
- How long will the procedure take?
- What measures do you employ to ensure my safety and comfort during my surgery and recovery?
- What are the success and complication rates for this particular procedure?
- When does physical therapy start?
- What is the estimated recovery time for this procedure?
- Will the benefits be permanent?
- What type of anesthesia will you administer?
Shoulder Doctor Near Me in Plantation, Florida
If are in search of a board-certified shoulder doctor in the Plantation area in Florida, visit us here at Baylis & Brown Orthopedics.
Dr. Robery Baylis, our board-certified orthopedic surgeon, has made a name for himself for the unparalleled quality of care and treatment outcomes he provides for the entire range of musculoskeletal problems—including those that cause shoulder pain. You can count on him to get you back to feeling great and moving freely again.
If you would like to set up a consultation with Dr. Baylis, call us at (954) 476-8800. You can fill out our appointment request form as well.
