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What Do Swollen Lumps In The Armpit After Shoulder Surgery Indicate?

Posted on Tue, 9 Jun 2015

Question: I have had slap repair surgery of left shoulder 3 weeks ago. I have been in a immobilizer/sling day and night since. After 12 days I had grown lumps in my left armpit. They were very painful and have increased in number with time. The new lumps are tender and very painful to touch. But they get less painful after a day or three and remain there painless. Slowly some are getting smaller. The pain has just reduced otherwise I had been taking painkillers to control it and antibiotics along with a powder(antifungal antiviral).
Google search suggested it might be swollen lymph nodes. Also I can't see the lumps from outside clearly and they are around 10 in number-old and new.

Please help.

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (48 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It might be swollen lymph nodes.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your query.

You are correct, it might be swollen lymph nodes.These are getting smaller and painless due to control of infection and inflammation after taking antibiotics and anti inflammatory drugs.

I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query.

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Saurabh Gupta (3 hours later)

Sir i am 22 and had the surgery. I am attaching some reports also. How long do you think will it take for me to recover completely. I mean i used to lift weights at the gym. How long before that. What other suggestions you have.

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
3-4 months to return to sports activity.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

I have gone through the report attached. It will take 3-4 months to return to sports activity. Physiotherapy is very important for early recovery. Do regular exercises as advised under guidance of your doctor or physiotherapist.

Wishing you speedy recovery...

Warm regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Saurabh Gupta (5 minutes later)

When and how can i be sure that the recovery is complete. Also are the sutures and anchors inside going to dissolve or stay in there. Is that going to limit ROM or any problem .

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
These are not going to limit ROM .

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

On recovery there is full range of motion , no pain and full strength .It usually takes 3-4 months.
The time it takes for the anchors to degrade depend on the material used, majority that are used these days are not fully absorbed for 1-2 years. These are not going to limit ROM or any problem .

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Saurabh Gupta (32 hours later)

It has been around 25 days since the surgery. I have been to the Physiotherapy only 3 times. He did some passive exercises with me lying down. Only elbow and ver little shoulder. Little external rotation upto a limit. It hurts only when my armis rotating outwards afteer around 40deg.
Shat exercises do you suggest now and how often. Would you suggest to follow any chart. Could you send me any.
Any other suggestions would be really appreciated
.

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (21 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Initiate active assisted range of motion (AAROM) flexion in supine position

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

Now after four weeks I suggest you to initiate active assisted range of motion (AAROM) flexion in supine position.
Progressive passive ROM until approximately Full ROM at Week 4-6.
Do these exercises daily.
Do these exercises under guidance of your physiotherapist.

Warm regards.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D