Patient and Family Education

Shoulder Immobilization Using the UltraSling

What is shoulder immobilization? Steps for how to put on and care for the The UltraSling helps to keep your shoulder in a neutral position as it heals shoulder after your surgery. immobilization sling. When should I wear the UltraSling? You should wear the sling for ______hours per day for ______days Then wear the sling for______hours for ______days

How do I put the UltraSling on? 1. Detach the shoulder and open the front panel. Put your elbow in the sling as far back as you can (figure 1).

2. Put the over your opposite shoulder. Connect the shoulder strap to the sling using the quick release buckles (figure 2).

3. When you are doing your exercises detach the outside quick release to increase your range of motion. 4. Secure the strap at the of the sling (figure 3). If the thumb strap is needed, attach the strap at the front of the sling.

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Shoulder Immobilization

5. Put the pillow along your waist on your affected side. Attach the sling to To Learn More the outside of the pillow along the hook and loop strips. Buckle the waist • Orthopedics and strap to the pillow (figure 4). Sports Medicine 206-987-2109 • Ask your child’s healthcare provider • www.seattlechildrens.org

6. You can adjust the strap to fit your arm for internal or external rotation by sliding the pillow forward or back along your waistline.

Free Interpreter How do I care for and clean the sling? Services 1. Wash the sling by hand in cold water with mild soap. • In the hospital, ask 2. Rinse it thoroughly. your child’s nurse. 3. Let it air dry. • From outside the hospital, call the 4. If the sling is not rinsed completely, leftover soap may cause skin toll-free Family irritation and it may break down the fabric. Interpreting Line 5. You can trim the waist and shoulder strap by removing the Y-tab. 1-866-583-1527. Tell the interpreter the If your child is having any problems call the General Surgery clinic at Seattle name or extension you Children’s at 206-987-2794 or Bellevue General Surgery at 206-987-2109 need. during the day. After hours or on the weekends, call 206-987-2000 and ask the operator for the general surgeon on call.

Seattle Children’s offers interpreter services for Deaf, hard of hearing or non-English speaking patients, family members and legal representatives free of charge. Seattle Children’s will make this information available in alternate formats upon request. Call the Family Resource Center at 206-987-2201. 9/18 This handout has been reviewed by clinical staff at Seattle Children’s. However, your child’s needs are unique. Before you act PE2924 or rely upon this information, please talk with your child’s healthcare provider. © 2018 Seattle Children’s, Seattle, Washington. All rights reserved. Surgery Center 2 of 2