Outpatient Surgery

Outpatient surgery centers, also known as ambulatory surgery centers or ASCs, have been increasingly used for total shoulder replacement surgeries due to better outcomes and decreased complications for patients.¹

Inpatient Surgery

Inpatient surgery is done in a typical hospital setting and requires you to stay at least one night starting the day of your procedure. This allows you time to rest while your treatment team monitors your health and recovery immediately following surgery.

Is Outpatient Surgery Right for You?

Many shoulder replacement procedures, previously performed on an inpatient basis and requiring a 1- to 3-day hospital stay, can now be performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to go home on the day of surgery. This shift, which is largely due to improvements in surgical techniques and technology, reduces costs and increases efficiency.

Shoulder replacement is 40% less expensive when performed in an outpatient setting.²

Patients who had surgery in an outpatient setting reported higher levels of satisfaction.^3,4

Your surgeon will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if outpatient surgery is right for you.

Postoperative Care and Recovery

To ensure a smooth recovery and protect your shoulder implant, it is important that you follow the postoperative regimen prescribed by your surgeon. Your surgeon should share the plan before you go to the hospital for surgery. Some patients may go home the same day, while others may stay overnight.

Weeks 1–2

‍Pain and Swelling: Begin to decrease

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‍Care Tips:
- ‍Ice the surgical area frequently
- Keep incision covered while showering
- Wear sling during sleep and light activities
- Avoid pulling/pushing with the arm
- Watch for signs of infection (redness, swelling, fever >100.4° F)

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Medications: Take prescribed pain meds; contact surgeon if issues arise

Weeks 2–4

‍Milestones:
- Stitches/staples removed
- Begin gentle physical therapy (hand/elbow movement)
- Return to nonmanual work (eg, computer use)

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‍Care Tips:
- ‍Clean incision with soap and water
- Continue sling use unless instructed otherwise
- Avoid forcing arm into uncomfortable positions

Weeks 6–12

‍Milestones:
- Focus on regaining motion
- Resume normal everyday activities

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‍Care Tips:
- ‍Continue physical therapy as directed
- Monitor incision healing

Months 2–3

‍Milestones:
- Begin strengthening exercises

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‍Care Tips:
- ‍Discuss activity level and therapy progression with your physician

Month 6

‍Milestones:
- Return to most recreational activities

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‍Care Tips:
- ‍Final evaluation of shoulder function
- Confirm readiness for full activity with surgeon

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