Prior consultation(s) before surgery
During an (initial) consultation, the doctor will discuss with you why you are or may not be a candidate for a shoulder prosthesis. Of course, you will be given time to think about this. Once an operation date has been set, the doctor will (normally) see you again at a consultation to check that everything is clear and that you have no additional questions. Often a final clinical examination will be performed to determine the status of your shoulder
CT scan/ MRI scan
Prior to the surgery, the doctor will request a CT scan of the shoulder. This examination is used to make the decision whether or not you can be helped with a shoulder prosthesis. With this examination, the bones as well as the muscles and tendons can be studied. The surgeon will prepare the operation based on this examination (e.g. size of prosthetic parts, placement of prosthetic parts,…) .
Intake planning
After you have been able to ask all your questions to the surgeon and you are convinced that a shoulder replacement is the best option for you, a date for the surgery will be scheduled. The admission planners will plan the admission and go through the admission folder with you. You will find more info in sheet OO1: admission and discharge.
Anesthesia appointment
Prior to surgery, a consultation with the anesthesia service is scheduled. If requested by your hospital, you can hand in the reoperative questionnaires you have received from your surgeon.. During this consultation, your physical condition will be checked, explanation (especially on anesthesia)will be given, and you can ask further questions yourself.
Medication
You will often need to reduce certain medication prior to the operation. You can get advice on this at the anesthesia appointment or from your GP. Whenever you are allowed to restart medication after the operation, will be told by your GP or at the anesthesia appointment.