Shoulder surgery and recovery is hard enough without having to deal with the unexpected fallout of a surgery-related complication. We do everything in our power to reduce the risk of a surgery-related complication for all our patients, and we want to spotlight some of those procedures so that you can have full faith in Dr. Holloway and his team if you need a shoulder operation. Below, we take a closer look at some of the common complications that can develop as a result of shoulder surgery and we explain how Dr. Holloway and his team work tirelessly to prevent these issues.
Reducing Your Risk Of Shoulder Surgery Complications
Shoulder surgery is considered successful the vast majority of the time, so know that when we’re talking about “common” complications, the issues we’re referencing are still very rare. That said, the provider and patient should still take additional steps to further mitigate their onset. Here are some of the most common shoulder surgery-related complications, and how we go above and beyond to reduce their likelihood.
- Infection – The development of an infection can impact the integrity of your surgical procedure and can cause other issues for your health. Any time an incision is made on the body, it creates an opening for bacteria to potentially enter and cause problems. Aside from following all medical guidelines in terms of room and equipment sterilization, we also recommend minimally invasive techniques when appropriate. Not only will this involve less physical trauma on the patient, but smaller incisions (and faster closing wounds) limit the likelihood that bacteria can enter the area and cause problems. We also ensure every patient understands the best way to care for their incision site at home while the wound works to close.
- Bleeding – Your doctor will work hard to minimize blood loss during the procedure, as excessive bleeding can lead to related health issues. Pursuing minimally invasive procedures can again help to minimize the risk of blood loss, as can moving forward with a surgeon who has an extensive understanding of how to perform the operation correctly. This reduces the likelihood that key blood vessels will be damaged during the procedure, and it also cuts down on the total time you’re in surgery.
- Nerve Damage – Similarly, nerve damage is another issue that will need to be carefully controlled. A number of key nerves branch down your arms in close proximity to the shoulder area, and damage to any of them can lead to issues in your shoulders, arms or hand. Again, you’ll want to move forward with a provider with extensive experience performing your type of operation who has a track record of success. Dr. Holloway has that record and is always working to further his understanding of the best ways to address different shoulder issues.
- Misaligned/Loosening Hardware – Problems with artificial components can develop in patients who are undergoing total shoulder replacement or a similar procedure. We have a number of assistive technologies that can ensure the precise placement of hardware so that component failure or loosening related to the procedure itself is near zero. Medical technology has helped eliminate some of the human error from hardware installation, and Dr. Holloway embraces the way that technology can improve surgical outcomes.
- Pain – While a shoulder procedure may be painless as a result of anesthesia, your recovery and rehabilitation will not be painless. Pain should be expected, but significant pain that compromises your ability to pursue effective rehabilitation techniques like physical therapy is a problem. We take the time with each patient to help them understand what to expect when it comes to post-op pain and how to effectively manage this discomfort with medication and active interventions. When you know what to expect and how to manage pain, it becomes less of a post-op burden.
Don’t let these complications cause problems for your surgery and recovery. Trust your care to a surgical team that works to reduce the risk of complications so that you can achieve your desired outcome. For more information, or for help with a different shoulder issue, reach out to Dr. Holloway and his team today at (865) 410-7887.
