At Mattalino Orthopaedic in Scottsdale, AZ, Dr. Angelo Mattalino understands how frustrating it is when your shoulder refuses to stay in its socket. That’s why he is proud to offer arthroscopic bankart repair, a revolutionary, minimally-invasive procedure that quickly improves anterior shoulder strength. Today, we’re looking at everything you need to know about recovery from this procedure to help you determine if it is right for you.
Do You Have To Wear a Sling After Arthroscopic Bankart Repair?
Wearing a sling after arthroscopic bankart repair is required. In fact, it is so important to wear a sling that there are only two circumstances under which you should remove it during the first two weeks post-op. Specifically, you should only remove your sling if you are bathing or performing physical therapy exercises.
Furthermore, it is advisable to continue wearing your sling for another two weeks. During this time, you can take it off if you will be sitting at home or going for a stroll around your neighborhood. If you will be in a crowded area where your shoulder could be bumped into, you must wear a sling.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From Surgery?
You can generally expect to recover from surgery after three months to a year. This may sound like a long time, but recovery from arthroscopic bankart repair is a lot shorter and smoother than recovery from open surgery. You should keep in mind that many factors affect how long your recovery will take. Among these factors are your post-op diet, how much time you dedicate to rest, and how well you follow your physical therapy plan.
What Can I Do To Heal From Surgery Faster?
One of the most important steps to take to heal from surgery as soon as possible is to dedicate plenty of time to rest. It is generally advisable to sleep for nine hours nightly during the first several weeks following surgery. Additionally, it is essential that you do not sleep on the operated shoulder for at least six weeks following surgery.
Besides getting ample rest, another effective thing you can do to recover from surgery faster is to maintain a nutritious diet. It is essential that you consume plenty of protein, zinc, and vitamin C during the early stages of your recovery. These nutrients are necessary for collagen production, and collagen is a key factor in your skin healing itself. You also must stick to your physical therapy plan diligently.
What Should I Avoid After Surgery?
After arthroscopic bankart repair, you must avoid putting the repair under too much stress. You should not lift heavy weights or do any manual labor for five to eight weeks post-op. You also must not allow your arm to be pulled behind you forcefully. There are also several exercises you need to avoid after your bankart repair, including overhead triceps presses, standing lateral deltoid raises, and wide-grip bench presses.
What Do I Need To Do To Prepare for Surgery?
To prepare for your arthroscopic bankart repair, you need to stop ingesting anything at midnight. If your procedure is scheduled for the afternoon, you can drink water and clear broth until six hours before surgery. However, you won’t be able to drink milk or fruit juice with pulp. You also need to do what you can to prevent skin irritation due to unprotected sun exposure, poison ivy, or other sources.
What Should I Expect During the First Couple of Weeks Post-Op?
To reiterate, it is necessary to wear a sling throughout the majority of the first two weeks post-op. Additionally, it is essential that you ice your shoulder frequently and move your fingers, hand, and elbow multiple times daily starting the first day after your procedure. Additionally, you should do the pendulum exercise multiple times daily.
To perform the pendulum exercise, allow your operated arm to hang down while bending over at the waist. Gently swing your arm in a circular motion and back and forth. You should use your body to get the movement started. It is advisable to do the pendulum exercise in two- to three-minute-long sessions.
What Should I Expect During the First Month Post-Op?
Two to five weeks after your procedure, you must continue protecting your repaired shoulder, preventing your repaired shoulder from becoming stiff, and taking steps to ensure your incisions heal appropriately. During this phase of the recovery, you should do pendulum exercises, supine forward arm elevation, and supine external rotation up to 30 degrees. Additionally, you should do behind-the-back internal rotations.
You also need to do such isometric exercises as prone rows, prone extensions that do not extend beyond your hip, and ball squeeze exercises. It will also be extremely beneficial if you do side-lying external rotations, neutral external and internal rotations, and rhythmic stabilization.
What Should I Expect During the Second Month After Surgery?
Five to eight weeks after surgery, you need to work on improving your shoulder’s range of motion, strengthening exercises, and keeping your repaired shoulder protected. You will no longer need to wear a sling at this point, but you still can’t lift things overhead if the weight ends behind your head.
What Should I Expect During the Third Month After Surgery?
Eight to 12 weeks after surgery, you should continue your strength exercises. Once 12 weeks have passed, you can have full range of motion back in your shoulder if you are consistent with your physical therapy. However, you should not lift objects behind your head. Exercises you should perform include:
- Shoulder shrugs
- Seated rows
- Biceps curls
Learn More About Arthroscopic Shoulder Repair Today
You must wear a sling for two weeks after arthroscopic bankart repair unless you are bathing or doing physical therapy. You also must avoid driving for six weeks after surgery. However, recovery is a lot easier than it is after open shoulder surgery. To find out if this procedure is a good fit for you, contact us today at Mattalino Orthopaedic in Scottsdale, AZ to schedule an initial consultation.