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Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
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Removing the sling reduces pain immediately after shoulder surgery
Frances Whiting1, Richard Dallalana1, Dean McKenzie1
1Orthopaedics Department, Epworth HealthCare, Richmond, Victoria, Australia.
Shoulder & Elbow
|March 19, 2026
Summary
Wearing a sling after shoulder surgery does not reduce pain. Removing the sling immediately after surgery significantly decreased patient pain scores, indicating a more comfortable recovery.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Pain Management
- Postoperative Care
Background:
- Broad arm slings are standard after shoulder surgery for protection and comfort.
- Evidence supporting reduced pain with sling use is lacking.
- The study investigated the actual impact of slings on immediate postoperative pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify immediate postsurgical pain with and without an arm sling.
- To test the hypothesis that not using a sling is more comfortable.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study design.
- Pain scores recorded within 4 hours post-surgery with sling on.
- Pain scores repeated immediately after sling removal.
Main Results:
- Mean pain score decreased from 4.59 to 3.24 after sling removal (p < 0.001).
- 1.35-point reduction on the 10-point Numerical Pain Scale.
- 62 of 85 patients reported reduced pain; none reported increased pain.
Conclusions:
- Allowing the operated arm to rest without a sling reduces immediate postsurgical pain.
- Sling use may not be necessary for pain reduction in the early postoperative period.
