Patient resources

Everything you need to know before surgery

Straightforward answers to the questions patients ask most, from the day
of surgery through your full recovery.

Yes! You will be fully asleep during the surgery.
Most surgeries are outpatient, meaning you'll go home the same day. Complex cases or older patients with multiple medical issues might stay 1-2 nights in the hospital.
Dr. Cohn recommends having someone for support for at least 24-48 hours, especially while on pain meds. This will make everything easier and safer.
Patients may drive once they are off strong pain meds, out of their sling/splint, and feel comfortable and safe driving with two hands on the steering wheel. This is typically 4-6 weeks for shoulder repairs or replacements, or 2-4 weeks for elbow surgeries.
This will depend on the nature of the injury and surgery. For most surgeries, patients may return to deskwork (in their sling or splint if necessary) as soon as they're comfortable. This varies from a few days to up to 4 weeks. Typically patients can return to light labor jobs around 1.5-3 months and heavy labor jobs around 5-6 months. Please feel free to discuss this with Dr. Cohn directly.
You can shower as soon as you're comfortable (dressings are waterproof). If you have an elbow splint on, please cover it with an airtight cast cover or wrap your splint in a towel and cover it with a garbage bag and tape.
After the incision is fully healed (no rawness, scabs, or open areas). This is typically 3-4 weeks postop.
Wearing your sling to bed is not required. You can remove it to sleep if that is more comfortable for you!

This depends on the type of injury and surgery. Light activities (walking, writing, typing, phone use) can typically resume as soon as you're comfortable. If you are in a sling or splint, avoid lifting more than the weight of a coffee cup until you're free of the sling/splint. At that point you can start light activities (ie lifting 5 pounds) and Dr. Cohn and your PT will progress you from there. Many surgeries require 6-12 months for maximal improvement.
Short trips are fine after 2 weeks if pain is under control. Long trips (ie international) need Dr. Cohn's clearance, usually around 4-6 weeks.
Exceedingly rare, the amount of metal in the implants aren't typically detectable by metal detectors. Dr. Cohn can provide an implant card for peace of mind with travel if you'd like.
Most patients will start PT 2-3 weeks after surgery. Dr. Cohn will provide a PT prescription at your first postoperative visit. For patients undergoing surgery for a stiff shoulder or elbow, you will start PT 3-5 days after surgery. Your PT prescription will be provided when you sign up for surgery.
Dr. Cohn can provide you with a home exercise program.
Typically patients are only responsible for their deductible. Check with your insurer for details on deductibles or coverage.
Only for shoulder replacements (not for tendon repairs, fracture repairs, etc). Reach out to the office ahead of your procedure, if you have a replacement we will prescribe you antibiotics to take 1 hour before any dental procedure (extractions, root canals, etc), forever. Antibiotics are not necessary for routine cleanings. Dental cleanings and procedures are not permitted for 3 months after a shoulder replacement.
No, call Dr. Cohn's team and they will help you pick the best thing to do. If you need to be seen during the day you will come into Dr. Cohn's office to be seen in person. If you need to be seen in the evening we will direct you to our urgent care clinic so one of Dr. Cohn's colleagues can see you who is familiar with his protocols.