Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 1/10/2010

Question
Doctor,
My husband had shoulder surgery three weeks ago during which about 7 cc of bone (We were told.) was removed from the head of his right humerus.  Since then he has had difficulty getting warm, his pain runs down his right arm and his range of motion is extremely limited.  During the follow-up exam, he was told to go home and work on his range of motion. Question 1: Can the warming issues and pain in the right arm be related to surgery or anesthesia? Finally, should he have physical therapy or just work on range of motion on his own?
Thank you very much for your time. Ginny

Answer
Hi Ginny
There is no causal relationship to anaesthesia here. His symptoms fit with the type of surgery he has experienced. Physiotherapy may help if it is available, otherwise take the advice you were given and work on the range of movement using simple exercises. It all depends on the amount of movement he has now but he does need to get the shoulder moving or it can develop adhesions which limit it longterm.
Swimming if possible would be a good mobiliser.
Sorry but this is really outside my sphere.
Kind regards
DR Ian Jackson