Challenges with sling use following shoulder surgery: the patients' perspective

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Patient Outcomes

Background:

• Shoulder surgery often necessitates immobilization in a sling.
• Post-operative challenges impact patient quality of life and recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey patients after shoulder surgery about challenges faced during sling immobilization.
• To identify coping mechanisms and improve future patient care and satisfaction.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective survey administered 3 months post-surgery.
• Patients detailed difficulties with activities of daily living (ADLs) and assistance needs.
• Quantitative and qualitative data analyzed with unpaired, two-tailed T-test.

Main Results:

• Sleeping, bathing, and dressing were the most challenging ADLs.
• 84.5% experienced sleep difficulties for an average of 6.5 weeks.
• Significant assistance was required for bathing (51.8%), drying (47.5%), and dressing (71.1%), with recovery taking 10.5-14.8 days.

Conclusions:

• Immobilization significantly impacts ADLs, particularly sleep and personal hygiene.
• An adaptation period of approximately 2 weeks is needed for patients to regain independence in bathing, drying, and dressing.
• Informing patients about post-operative challenges can manage expectations and potentially improve outcomes.