From the Guidelines
Patients should wear a sling for 1-2 weeks following subacromial decompression surgery, as this duration provides optimal comfort and protection during the acute healing phase without increasing the risk of adhesive capsulitis. The exact duration depends on the surgeon's protocol and individual recovery progress 1. Initially, the sling provides comfort and protection during the acute healing phase when pain and inflammation are highest. Most surgeons recommend wearing the sling continuously for the first few days, then gradually decreasing use as comfort allows. Patients can usually remove the sling for gentle pendulum exercises and personal hygiene within the first week. Complete sling discontinuation generally occurs when the patient can comfortably move the arm without significant pain. Early controlled movement is actually beneficial for recovery, as it prevents shoulder stiffness and promotes healing 1. Prolonged immobilization can lead to adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), which is why most surgeons encourage progressive movement as tolerated. However, patients should follow their surgeon's specific instructions, as recommendations may vary based on surgical technique, tissue quality, and individual healing factors. Some studies have reported conflicting results regarding the optimal duration of sling wear, but the majority of evidence suggests that 1-2 weeks is a safe and effective duration for most patients 1. It is essential to note that the quality of evidence is generally weak, and more research is needed to determine the optimal duration of sling wear after subacromial decompression surgery. Key factors to consider when determining the duration of sling wear include:
- Patient comfort and pain levels
- Surgeon's protocol and individual recovery progress
- Risk of adhesive capsulitis and shoulder stiffness
- Need for early controlled movement to promote healing and prevent complications. Overall, the recommended duration of sling wear after subacromial decompression surgery is 1-2 weeks, with gradual progression to full mobility as tolerated by the patient.
From the Research
Postoperative Sling Use After Subacromial Decompression Surgery
- The recommended duration for a patient to wear a sling after subacromial decompression (SAD) surgery is not explicitly stated in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, a study on shoulder surgery postoperative immobilization found that US surgeons reported longer post-operative sling durations for various surgical procedures, including arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, compared to European respondents 3.
- The same study found that increasing years of experience demonstrated a negative correlation with the duration of sling use after certain surgical procedures, suggesting that more experienced surgeons tend to recommend shorter durations of post-operative sling use 3.
- Another study compared clinical and radiographic outcomes after rotator cuff repair with and without postoperative sling immobilization, and found that no immobilization was associated with better early mobility and functional scores 6.
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to support a specific recommended duration for sling use after SAD surgery, and the decision may depend on various factors, including the surgeon's preference and the individual patient's needs 3, 6.