Participants review videotapes demonstrating surgical techniques and then observe Dr. Rockwood perform shoulder replacement surgery via closed- circuit television. Michael A. Wirth, MD, associate professor of orthopaedics and shoulder surgeon, moderates the closed-circuit surgical procedure. The class also includes a skills lab during which doctors implant the shoulder replacement system in synthetic plastic shoulder bones. At the end of the course participants leave with teaching manuals, videotapes and plastic models of the prosthesis and bones. The models help patients understand what the surgeon will be doing at the time of the procedure.
Most patients require a three-day hospital stay for a total shoulder replacement.
They also start an exercise program the same day as the surgery. There's yet another part of Dr. Rockwood's shoulder system a rehabilitation kit that includes all of the necessary materials for rehabilitation of their shoulders. Patients take the kit home following surgery. I have found it more convenient for the patients to be able to do their rehabilitation at home. The kit includes a fully illustrated booklet of all the exercises to be performed and a videotape demonstrating how to do them.