Proximal humerus operative fixation

1. DIET

  • Begin with clear liquids and light foods (jellos, soups, etc.)

  • Progress to your normal diet if you are not nauseated

2. WOUND CARE

  • Maintain your operative dressing, reinforce if it becomes bloody, if it gets wet please come to clinic

  • It is normal for the shoulder to bleed and swell following surgery – if blood soaks onto the bandage, do not become alarmed – reinforce with additional dressing.

  • Leave surgical dressing in place until follow up in 10-14 days

  • To avoid infection, keep surgical incisions clean and dry – you may bathe with wet towel or in bath tub if you can keep it dry

3. MEDICATIONS

Do not drive a car or operate machinery while taking the narcotic medication*, and increase the time intervals between narcotic pain medication usage

  • Your block will make the arm numb – this will wear off within 8-12 hours.

  • Most patients will require some narcotic pain medication for a short period of time.

  • Primary Medication Tramadol

    • Take 1 tablet every 4 – 6 hours as needed

    • Max of 6 pills per day

    • Plan on using it for 2 to 5 days, depending on level of pain

    • Take additional Tylenol (Acetaminophen) or Naproxen (Aleve) as needed.

  • Common side effects of the pain medication are nausea, drowsiness, and constipation – to decrease the side effects, take medication with food.

  • If constipation occurs, consider taking an over-the-counter laxative such as prune juice, Senekot, Colace (or Periocolase), or Miralax.

  • If you are having problems with nausea and vomiting, contact the office to possibly have your medication changed

  • For nausea, take prescribed Zofran / Phenergan

 

4. ACTIVITY

  • Begin exercises 24 hours after surgery (open and close hand, may come out of sling for elbow range of motion twice a day)

  • Formal physical therapy (PT) will begin after your first postoperative visit. You will be given a script for this at that time.

5. ICE THERAPY

  • Begin immediately after surgery.

  • Use ice packs every 2 hours for 20 minutes daily until your first post-operative visit

6. EXERCISE

  • Begin exercises 24 hours after surgery (open and close hand)

  • Formal physical therapy (PT) will begin after your first postoperative visit. You will be given a script for this at that time.

7. EMERGENCIES**

Contact Dr. Aran or the office at 305 667 8686 if any of the following are present:

  • Painful swelling or numbness

  • Unrelenting pain

  • Fever (over 101° - it is normal to have a low grade fever for the first day or two following surgery) or chills

  • Redness around incisions

  • Color change in wrist or hand

  • Continuous drainage or bleeding from incision (a small amount of drainage is expected)

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Excessive nausea/vomiting

8. FOLLOW UP CARE/QUESTIONS

A member of Dr. Aran’s team will call you on your first day after surgery to address any questions or concerns. If you have not been contacted within 48 hours of surgery, please call the office at 305-667-8686. • If you do not already have a postoperative appointment scheduled, please contact the office during normal office hours and ask for appointment scheduling.