Recovering From Your
AC Joint Reconstruction
This guide explains what to expect as you recover from your AC joint reconstruction.
Please read it completely, and ask your nurse or Dr. Jazayeri to clarify anything before
you leave the hospital.
Everyone heals at their own pace. Use this as a general roadmap and follow any specific instructions your care team gives you.
Before you come in: have your pain prescriptions filled well in advance. Do not eat
or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery. Arrange for a responsible adult
to drive you home, since you will not be able to drive yourself.
Questions & Care
Call, Monday to Friday, 8 to 5
Text the office
After hours & emergencies
For a medical emergency, call 911. For an urgent concern after
office hours, go to the nearest emergency room.
Office
DOCS Health, 8436 W 3rd St #800, Los Angeles, CA 90048
!
Call the office if you notice
- A fever over 101.5 F
- Increasing redness around the incision
- Drainage from the incision site
Call us to arrange an evaluation.
Recovery at a Glance
Day 3
First shower
10 to 14 days
Suture removal visit
~2 weeks
Dressing removed
2 to 3 weeks
Physical therapy begins
6 weeks
Sling and no weight bearing
4 to 6 weeks
Driving usually safe
1
Right After Surgery
In the recovery room and heading home
- You will go home the same day. After surgery you will spend time in the recovery room and be discharged about 1 to 2 hours after you are comfortable.
- You cannot drive yourself. Have someone available to drive you home.
2
Managing Pain
Staying ahead of discomfort
- You may receive a nerve block along with general anesthesia. It helps control pain, and your shoulder may stay numb for 10 to 12 hours.
- Take your first oral pain medication when you get home, before the nerve block wears off. Starting early keeps you more comfortable and makes pain easier to manage.
- Always take your medications as directed.
3
Swelling and Icing
What is normal, and how to ease it
- Swelling and discomfort are normal in the shoulder for 5 to 6 weeks after surgery.
- Some skin discoloration is normal around the incision. You may also notice swelling in the chest, arm, and hand for 3 to 4 weeks. Doing your exercises helps this swelling go down.
- Ice to control swelling, every 1 to 2 hours for 20 to 30 minutes at a time.
Put a thin towel or t-shirt against your skin if you use ice in a plastic bag.
Icing matters most in the first 48 to 72 hours, though many people find it keeps easing pain after that. - Sleep propped up. Lying flat can increase discomfort. Many patients rest more comfortably in a recliner, or propped up in bed, for the first 6 weeks. A pillow behind your elbow can help.
4
Wound Care and Showering
Keeping the incision clean and dry
- Your dressing is waterproof and will be removed at your two week follow up visit.
- You may shower on day 3. Keep direct water pressure off the dressing. You
may take the sling off to shower, but keep a water resistant pillow under your arm to
hold the elbow and shoulder away from your body, the way the sling does. Gently pat
the area dry.
Do not soak the shoulder in water. - No swimming in a pool, jacuzzi, sauna, or ocean until your sutures are removed.
5
Your Medications
You may be prescribed the following after surgery. Always take as directed.
-
Percocet 10/325 mg Breakthrough pain
Take 1 to 2 pills as needed if you still have pain after your primary pain medication. -
Mobic 15 mg or Celebrex 200 mg Anti-inflammatory
Take for the first 10 days to help with pain and inflammation. -
Colace 100 mg Stool softener
Take 1 tablet 2 to 3 times a day while taking pain medication, which often causes constipation. -
Zofran 4 mg Anti-nausea
Take 1 tablet every 6 hours as needed for nausea, which can follow anesthesia.
If you have any adverse effects from your medications, call the office during clinic hours. For a medical emergency, call 911.
6
Activity and Rehab
Protecting the repair while you heal
- Wear your sling for a total of six weeks, at all times including sleep, except when doing your exercises.
- No lifting and no weight bearing for a minimum of six weeks.
- Move your fingers, hand, wrist, and elbow. Remove the sling 3 to 4 times a day to move them. This helps reduce swelling.
- Do no other shoulder exercises for the first 2 weeks.
- Physical therapy usually starts about 2 to 3 weeks after surgery, and will be confirmed at your first follow up visit.
- Plan a few days off work. Driving is usually safe 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.
7
Follow Up
Your next visit
- Schedule your suture removal for 10 to 14 days after surgery.
- Call the office if you develop a fever over 101.5, redness, or drainage from the incision, so we can arrange an evaluation.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Reza Jazayeri, MD and Staff
Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine
Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine
Medically reviewed by Reza Jazayeri, M.D. on
