| Now it's time to talk about the actual procedure your doctor has recommended for you.
|
|  | |
|
|
|
On the day of your operation, |
| |
|
... you will be asked to put on a surgical gown. |
| |
|
You may receive a sedative by mouth ... |
| |
|
... and an intravenous line may be put in. |
| |
|
You will then be transferred to the operating table. |
| |
|
In the operating room, a nurse will begin preparation by clipping or shaving your shoulder. |
| |
|
If you are receiving general anesthesia, the anesthesiologist will administer it by injection and using an inhalation mask. |
| |
|
The surgeon will then apply an antiseptic solution to the skin... |
| |
|
... and place a sterile drape around the operative site. |
|
|
|
After you are unconscious, |
| |
|
your doctor will make a vertical incision on your shoulder. |
| |
|
Skin and other tissue will be pulled back in order to expose the shoulder's muscles. |
| |
|
These will also be pulled aside to expose the shoulder joint and tendons. |
| |
|
Under the deltoid muscle lies the bursa, a protective sac that prevents the rotator cuff tendons and the shoulder muscles from rubbing against each other. |
| |
|
Your doctor will remove the bursa ... |
| |
|
... to gain access to the damaged tendons. |
| |
|
Next, the surgeon will cut away any scar tissue or unhealthy tissue around the torn area. |
| |
|
Using sutures, the tear can now be repaired. |
| |
|
Before closing, the deltoid muscle is returned to its proper position ... |
| |
|
... and the skin is rejoined and sutured. |
| |
|
Finally, a sterile bandage is applied. In order to keep the shoulder muscle immobile while it heals, you will be given a sling to wear. |
