Shoulder, Arm, and Wrist
Overview
Shoulder
The shoulder is one of the most complex joints of the body with a wide range of motion. Injuries to this joint are common and surgery may be required to repair the damaged or diseased shoulder joint. The most common types of shoulder surgery are total shoulder arthroplasty/replacement, rotator cuff repair, and shoulder arthroscopy.
Arm and Hand
Surgery may be required to treat injuries and pain to the elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand. While non-surgical treatment methods are initially prescribed, arm and hand surgery often become the necessary treatment when other methods do not provide pain relief. The most common types of arm and hand surgery are carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, upper arm, forearm, or wrist fracture.
Shoulder, arm, and hand surgery are common surgeries and pain is expected during recovery. It is important to talk to your doctor about what to expect before, during, and after the procedure to optimize your recovery and pain relief.
Before the Procedure
Once you arrive at the hospital or surgery center, an anesthesia provider will determine which type of anesthesia is best for you and your surgery. Based on their assessment, your anesthesia provider may place a continuous nerve block catheter connected to a pain pump to extend your pain relief at your surgical site. The pump will allow a local anesthetic to be delivered to relieve pain near the surgical area.
Your surgeon also has the option to place the pain pump if that is their preference. With the surgeon’s placement, the catheter is inserted near the joint or surgical site during the procedure.
During the Procedure
After the Procedure
Your First Day at Home
If you have questions or need more information on your pain pump, please check out our FAQ page and Resources page or call our 24/7 nurse hotline at 1-800-444-2728.