How long is recovery from distal clavical resection?

Answer 1

I had an AC decompression (distal clavicle resection) on 12/12/08. It is now 3/3/09 and I am about 80% better.

My pain before the surgery was quite bad and I had been favoring the arm for a long time so my recovery may be longer than some people. Also, I am 47 years old, so younger people might recover better.

I have been doing physical therapy twice a week since the surgery. I now have full range of motion and feel fine most of the time. I still have some minor pain when trying to use my arm over my head.

Answer 2

1. Recovery from a rotator cuff injury happens in phases. The first phase would be to immobilize the tendon to allow it to start healing on its own. The patient will be in an arm sling for approximately 3 to 4 weeks. A physical therapist is required to assist the patient in moving the arm and restore range of motion. Patients are not allowed to move the arm on their own for the first 4 to 6 weeks, so they will not endanger the repair.
2. After 3 months following rotator cuff surgery, most patients will be able to lift 5 to 10 lbs. over their head and can initiate strengthening exercises on their own. It is imperative to continue moving the arm so that the shoulder does not get stiff. By 6 months after surgery, most patients regain approximately 75 to 80 percent of their strength back. Full recovery from rotator cuff surgery can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months, depending on the patient. A study of rotator cuff surgery recovery published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, issue 1, in 2008 showed continued strength gains 2 years after rotator cuff surgery.