POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
Clavicular Lengthening Osteotomies
(Shoulder Masculinization Surgery)
- Most patients will need some narcotic pain medication after surgery. You will be given a pain prescription prior to surgery with instructions for its use. Take as needed and a 2nd prescription can be provided if needed.
- The application of ice over the taped inner shoulder incisions is helpful for swelling and pain control after surgery and is of most benefit for the first two days after surgery. The best way to do so is to use a large ice pack (like a ziplock bag of ice or a bag of frozen peas/corn) Apply it for 15 minutes every hour when awake if tolerated.
- Your inner shoulder incisions will be covered with tapes that are glued on. That is your only wound dressing. All sutures are under the skin and will not need to be removed. The tapes will stay on for at least 2 to 3 week after the surgery. They can be removed when their edges start to get loose and curl up. It is OK to get the tapes wet when showering as that is one of the reasons they are there.
- While there may be some arm supports in place after you wake up from surgery, and these may be worn through the night, there are no required arm supports slings thereafter. It is only important to be aware of the self-imposed arm range of motion restriction.
- You can shower 48 hours after the surgery. As mentioned do not worry about the tapes over the incisions getting wet.
- Once discharged from the surgery center, self-imposed arm motion restrictions are followed. (read the After Surgery Shoulder Rehabilitation instructions) What matters in the first few weeks after surgery is to keep the elbows close to one’s side as much as possible. Forearm, wrist and hand motions are unrestricted.
- Many patients have difficulty with sleeping after collarbone surgery. Sleeping in a more upright position is what most patients say is most comfortable. Flat or upright does not matter, whatever supine position that allows one to rest/sleep is. Do NOT for 6 to 8 weeks after surgery attempt to sleep on your side. That places considerable stress on the osteotomy/plate fixation site and can result in plate or bone fracture.
- In the first two weeks after surgery do not take raise your arms above 45 degrees in any direction or attempt to lift more than 5 lbs.
- If you have uncontrollable pain, notice incision redness or have fevers greater than 101 degree F, please contact they office at 317.706.444 during regular business hours or text 317.418.8438 after hours.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana