MUMFORD PROCEDURE - Distal Clavicle Resection

[ItalianRN]

I got hurt on the job a few months ago. I did PT & Cortisone injections in my shoulder, but I'm still in pain.

On Friday, I'm having a Mumford procedure performed. The entire surgery will consist of an Arthroscopic Subacromial decompression, distal clavicle resection (they will be taking out a small piece of my clavicle), & a possible repair of a labral tear.

I read about direct & indirect procedures. It seems that the direct approach has the best outcome. Is that true?

I'm not an Ortho nurse. Has anyone had this surgery or had patients that had it? How was the outcome? The success rate? ROM post-op?

Any info will be VERY appreciated. I'm really nervous about getting the surgery, but I'm unable to perform my job now so I don't have a choice. I've been on light duty. I really need to get back on the floor.

Please respond. Thank you.

[Weight Lifter CT]

I had this procedure done 4 months ago on Monday. I came out of surgery feeling less "pain" then before I went in! If you've found a good doctor, then I wouldn't hessitate if I were you. You will feel tender, but less so with evey passing week. Make sure you do your rehab. I found it very helpful to do my stretching while in a warm/hot shower. Let the water run over your shoulder as you do, this will help to relax the muscle and you will get a much better range of motion. My doctor told me that I am 4 to 6 weeks AHEAD of a normal recovery, we both believe it is because of my "shower work". Good luck!!

[CatmooreRN]

Had a rotator cuff repair 5 years ago. Not sure if a Mumford was done or not. Kept in the hospital 2 days. Had a block and also a PCA machine which I didn't need due to the effectiveness of the block (lasted 24 hours) Since I work in a surgery center and we send rotator cuff patients home there might have been a bit more to my surgery than I am aware of. I am currently being scheduled for a Mumford, decompression and roator cuff procedure. The first time I avoided this procedure for as long as possible with PT and everything else I could think of. As an RN I had heard that it was as painful as natural child birth, not something to eagerly sign up for. I was sent home with Percocet which I took that night and the next day. After that I did not need it. I had an ice machine and it was my best friend and I used it constantly for days. I have complete mobility and strength in the arm that was operated on. I was contacted today to schedule my right arm this time as the recent MRI states I have another rotator cuff tear. As a nurse in a recovery room that handles these patients I highly recommend the block it makes a big difference in pain control. They say the first 24 hours is the worse so it should get you over the hump. The ice machine is a God send. I later used it on my father's broken arm which was not set in a timely manner and resulted in massive swelling. It shrank to normal in 2 days. I have no fear of my impending surgery and caution you not to listen to the horror stories of others. I returned to work in the ICU with no problems after the first surgery and vision myself back in the Surgery Center in no time as well. Follow the advice of your knowledgeable physician regarding my recomendations to see if appropriate for you. Good luck. As I tell my patients on the day of surgery, "You will be glad you did this but probably not today"