POST OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

OPEN SHOULDER SURGERY

Rotator Cuff Repair, Instability Procedure, etc.

  • Keep bandage and wounds clean and dry. You may bathe in a shower but keep water off of the shoulder and the bandage for the first 3 days.

  • The bandage may be removed 3 days after surgery. You may bathe in a shower and use soap + water on the wounds. Remove dressings, allow water to shower wounds and blot dry. DO NOT submerge wounds in bathtub, hot tub or swimming pool for 4 weeks. Do not submerse underwater.

  • Wear sling at all times including while sleeping. You may remove the sling only for bathing. Keep the affected arm at your side and use the opposite arm for bathing.

  • Apply ice bags as needed for pain.

  • Physical therapy may be required following surgery. If so, Dr. McAllister will provide a prescription. Please contact one of the following to schedule an appointment:

    • Your own Physical Therapy

    • UCLA Physical Therapy (310) 794-1323

    • UCLA Student Health Physical Therapy (310) 794-4923

  • Take prescribed pain medicine as needed for pain. You may switch to Tylenol a few days after surgery. Do not take more than 3,000 mg of Tylenol per day. DO NOT TAKE ANTI-INFLAMMORY MEDICATION (Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen, etc.) for 1 month post-operatively.

  • Your follow-up appointment will be in approximately 1 week. PLEASE CALL TO SCHEDULE THIS APPOINTMENT.

    • UCLA 100 Medical Plaza, Suite 755, Westwood (310) 206-5250

    • UCLA Student Health (310) 825-4073

    • UCLA Athletic Training Room. Contact your athletic trainer to schedule

If you develop severe pain, temperature greater than 101.5°, inability to move extremity, severe bleeding, numbness, wound drainage or redness, call your doctor’s office immediately. After hours or on weekends, call the UCLA Page Operator at (310) 825-6301 and ask for the Orthopedic Resident on call or come to the Emergency Room.

Dr. McAllister's Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Areas of Speciality