1. Shoulder Arthroscopy Kevin P. Murphy, M.D.
Rotator Cuff Repair
Labral / SLAP Repair
Subacromial Decompression
Distal Clavicle Excision
Partial Synovectomy

2. General Information
I am honored that you have selected me as your surgeon, and I consider it a privilege to provide you with the highest level of surgical care.
Please read through this disc as it will explain the process you will go through before and after surgery.
Please contact me if you have any problems or questions.

3. Pre-operative Evaluation
You will be seen by my Physician Assistant pre- operatively
Your consent form will include rotator cuff repair, labral repair, decompression, and distal clavicle excision. This gives me your permission to fix any problem that I may find
The potential complications from surgery include, but are not limited to: infection, nerve injury, loss of motion, and possible failure of repair

4. Pre-operative Evaluation
You will receive prescriptions for post-op pain medication
Physical Therapy may be done at Center One or Riverside. If these locations are not convenient, you may obtain a prescription to take elsewhere
If you were given a form for medical clearance, this must be accomplished prior to surgery
You will be fit for your immobilizer that you will receive after your surgery
You will be notified by the surgery center for your time of arrival the day before your surgery

5. Surgery Day Arrive at the surgery center at your scheduled time
You will speak with a representative of Pain Reduction Concepts Inc., and be given a TENS unit to help with post-op pain and swelling.
You will be seen by an anesthesiologist who will administer a nerve block, numbing your shoulder
You will be taken back to the OR and put to sleep
The procedure will generally take about an hour to an hour and a half
Upon completion of the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery room where you will remain for approximately 45min or until it is deemed safe for you to go home.
The TENS unit will be placed on and any further assistance or instruction regarding the device will be given at this time.
Dr.Murphy and/or his physician assistant will talk to your family members immediately following the procedure to explain what was done and answer any questions.

6. Post-Operative Your arm will be numb and painless for 12-24 hours
If you have had no pain by bedtime-take a pain pill anyway to avoid pain in the middle of the night
Start taking your anti-inflammatory medication right away-ensure you eat something prior to taking the medication; for pain that is not controlled by that medication, take the other pain medication you were prescribed.
In addition to medication, use the prescribed TENS unit as directed. This is not a substitute for the pain medication, but will help to further reduce post-op pain and swelling.
Apply Ice to the shoulder 20 min on / 20 min off during the day for 3 days.
This can be done while using the TENS unit.
Sleep with immobilizer on for 3 days

7. Post-Operative Keep bandage dry for 2 days
You may shower, but keep bandage out of the direct flow of water for 2 days; you may find it helpful to wrap your shoulder with saran wrap to help keep it dry
Remove bandage on day 3, shower, place Band-Aids on incisions
No soaking shoulder in water for 3 weeks
Remove the immobilizer daily as your arm wakes up, and do small circles with the arm hanging
While sitting in a chair, you may remove your immobilizer

8. Post-Operative You may type, write, work below waist level
Do not lift, carry, or power arm away from body
Start Physical Therapy within one week
Bring the TENS unit to your first Physical Therapy appointment so the Therapist can make any necessary changes.

9. 2 week Follow-up
You will be seen about 2 weeks from surgery by my Physician Assistant for suture removal
Please bring your pictures/disc for review if you would like an explanation of the procedure
Therapy should be ongoing
Continue to use the TENS unit as needed for pain, swelling, and/or muscle spasms.
You will be out of the immobilizer as of today if you are not already out of it
You will be returned to light duty at work
Please ask for Dr Murphy if you are having problems

10. 6 week Follow-up
You will be seen at 6 weeks by my Physician Assistant for re-check
If you are having pain that restricts motion, a cortisone injection will be offered
Therapy will continue with emphasis on strengthening and gaining full motion
You will be returned to limited duty at work
Please ask for Dr Murphy if you are having any problems

11. 12 week Follow-up
You will see Dr Murphy and/or his physician assistant at this visit
You should have near full motion and strength
Pain should be minimal
You will typically be directed to home exercises and will gain normal strength and function over the next 4-8 weeks
You should be at unrestricted work

12. Contact Numbers Office – 904-634-0640
Dr Murphy’s Medical Assistant- ext 1062
Call for any problems during business hours
After hours / weekends- call office number – recording will give you pager for on call team
Pain Reduction Concepts Inc.
Adam Frisbie –
Steve Ross –
Roger Bowers –
If you have an emergency situation, call 911
For more information, please visit: