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Although not absolutely necessary it is always advised to have a referral from either you GP or another specialist. In some cases your medical aid will also require a referral from your GP to a specialist.

Thorough examination of the shoulder demands the shoulder to be fully exposed and free to move. It is therefore advisable to wear either a sleeveless shirt or a singlet under your shirt for easy access to the shoulder.

Every patient presenting with shoulder pathology will at least in most circumstances need an x-ray and ultrasound (sonar examination). It is often the case that the referring doctor already did these investigations before referring the patient. Should it be the case that not one or both of these investigations was not done, it is very important to mention that to the administrating staff when making the appointment and order for these investigations to be booked in advance. This is especially important if you are referred from outside the Stellenbosch area as it is often very difficult to get the investigations done on the same day as the consultation if not booked in advance.

MRI however, will only be decided on after your clinical examination and evaluation of your other special investigations. As MRI is a very expensive investigation it will only be done with a specific diagnosis in mind.

The decision regarding the need for surgery is only made after a thorough clinical examination and evaluation of the special investigations. The different treatment options will be discussed and explained by Dr Prinsloo and if surgery is the treatment of choice, the procedure would be explained as best as possible.

Dr Prinsloo only operates at WINELANDS MEDICLINIC ORTHOPAEDIC HOSPITAL.

Surgeries are performed on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Consultation days are on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please also be aware that Dr Prinsloo might be unavailable on occasion.

The exact time of arrival will be discussed by die administration staff upon scheduling of your surgery. Please do no be late.

It is also very important to remember that you are not allowed to eat or drink anything six hours prior to your surgery. In the event that you eat or drink less than 6 hours prior to your surgery, your surgery will have to be cancelled and rescheduled. This is very important for a safe and uneventful anaesthetic.

Q: Do I have to wear a sling?
A: To wear a sling is, unfortunately, an essential part of the treatment after any injury or surgery involving the shoulder region. The duration of sling immobilization will vary depending on the condition being treated, and can last from anywhere from one to six weeks.

Q: What can I expect when wearing a sling?
A: Unfortunately, wearing a sling is uncomfortable and takes time to get used to. A sling is worn with a painful shoulder, which enhances discomfort.
Restricted movement, the hanging of the arm, and traction on the shoulder can lead to discomfort or pain in the elbow, hand, or neck area.
Physiotherapy and early stretching exercises are important for preventing and alleviating these symptoms. (A physiotherapist should be consulted with regards to treatment and exercises.)
It is important, however, to remember that excessive pain should always be mentioned to and evaluated by your treating physician. The physiotherapist can also give guidance.

Q: How long do I have to wear my sling?
A: This is discussed based on each individual condition, treatment, or surgery. The duration of sling immobilization can last from anywhere from one to six weeks.

Q: How do I fit my sling?
A: A so-called “collar and cuff” sling, which a very simple sling, will be fitted in theatre as temporary immobilization after your surgical procedure.
The proper sling will be fitted by the physiotherapist in the ward after surgery, or can be done by appointment in the case of day surgeries.
It is very important that, once your sling is sized and adjusted, you not to try and adjust your sling by yourself as this will lead to the sling not fitting properly and being more uncomfortable. When you feel your sling needs adjustment, please contact the physiotherapist for assistance.

Q: Do I have to sleep with my sling?
A: Unfortunately, yes. Wearing the sling while sleeping is absolutely essential for protecting the shoulder during the post-surgery or -injury healing process.

Q: What can I expect when sleeping in my sling?
A: Although every case is different, sleeping with a sling is generally a challenge.
When lying down, the hanging of the arm is neutralized, preventing any further stress on the shoulder. The result is an upward positioning of the humeral head (the top part of the upper arm bone) that leads to compression under the acromion (a bony section on the scapula) which results in increased pain. This means that lying down is often much more painful and uncomfortable than being upright.

Q: How do I sleep with my sling?
A: Sleeping with your sling means that you can mostly only sleep on your back. For some individuals this can be very challenging and it can take a long time to get used to. A few sleepless nights can be expected during the initial part of your treatment.

Q: What can you do to relieve the discomfort?
A: There are several ways to alleviate the discomfort associated with sleeping with a sling:

• Sleeping in a more upright position, like sleeping in a recliner chair or packing pillows to allow for an upright position in bed.
• Resting the injured arm on a pillow to get it in a more comfortable position.
• If possible, lying on the non-injured side with the injured arm on a pillow.
• Taking sleeping tablets are also an option. (However, it is important to remember that there can be interaction between the sleeping tablet and strong analgesic medication given in the immediate post-surgery period. Please consult with the anesthetist before combining medication.)
  The most important thing is to be patient. You are likely going to have a few sleepless nights, but that will pass, and as the pain subsides you will get more comfortable.

Q: Can I drive with my sling?
A: Under ideal circumstances it is advised that you do not drive with a sling. Unfortunately, this is not always possible or practical. You are not allowed to drive for the first 10 to 14 days after initiation of treatment, after which you can drive short distances, preferably in an automatic car.

Q: Can I work or do exercise in my sling?
A: You can do anything as long as your sling is effectively fitted and the shoulder is sufficiently immobilized. As long as this is the case you can do work and exercise with common sense applied.
It is advised, however, to rest for 7 to 14 days after surgery to enhance recovery.

Q: How much stress can I put on my affected shoulder? (For example, can I put weight on the affected shoulder? Or can I pull or push myself up when getting out of a bed or chair?)
A: No force may be applied to the affected shoulder as long as you wear the sling, and specific care must be taken to avoid excessive force in the first two to four weeks after the sling has been removed.
For the first five to seven days, applying any force to your shoulder will be very painful. After that the pain will decrease progressively over time.