Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery
Arthroscopic surgery is a type of surgery orthopedic surgeons use to inspect, diagnose, and repair shoulder problems inside the shoulder joint. In an Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery, the shoulder joint(s) is examined through an arthroscope (camera) for diagnosis and surgical treatment.
The shoulder joint is made up of three bones: the Humerus or upper bone, the Scapula or shoulder blade, and the Clavicle or collarbone. It is capable of a range of motion greater than any other joint in the body. It also has an array of areas vulnerable to injury, including the ball and socket joint in the Shoulder Socket, Rotator Cuff, Bursa, and the Labrum, among others.
Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures in orthopedic care. Its safety is well established; some minor complications may arise post-surgery, which are easily treatable.
Who Needs the Surgery?
Arthroscopic procedures are recommended if conservative treatments fail to provide pain relief from shoulder pain and other symptoms.
Conservative treatment options include pain medication, medication to reduce inflammation, steroid injections, physical therapy, and medical assistive devices.
People suffering from the following are considered for the procedure.
- Frozen Shoulder.
- Rotator Cuff tears.
- Rotator Cuff injuries.
- Joint Replacement.
- Bone Spur removal.
- Repair or removal of the Labrum.
- Repairing ligaments.
- Removal of inflamed tissue.
- Removal of loose cartilage.
- Repair for recurrent shoulder dislocation.
How is it Performed?
Surgeons recommend Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery after a complete evaluation of the patient’s medical history. Commonly, it includes the following:
- Local anesthesia is administered to numb the shoulder and arm.
- Depending on the preference of the surgeon, the patient is positioned in the Beach chair or lateral decubitus position.
- If required, surgical staff will remove hair from the skin of the shoulder and then apply an antiseptic on the part of the shoulder.
- The surgeon will inject a fluid to inflate the joint for greater visibility of the shoulder structure.
- The surgeon punctures a small hole in the shoulder for the arthroscope.
- The arthroscope shows images from inside the joint, which helps the surgeon identify the problem.
- Once the problem is identified, the surgeon will perform the required repair.
- Instruments are inserted into the shoulder through separate, small incisions. The repair can include shaving, cutting, stitching, and knot tying.
- The instruments are retracted, and the incision is closed with stitches or Steri-strips.
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FAQ’S
Is Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery Painful?
- Arthroscopic Shoulder surgery is widely reputed to be painful.
- You cannot feel anything during the surgery due to local or general anesthesia.
- After the surgery, some pain and discomfort is expected for several weeks and can be easily managed by applying ice.
How Long Will I Be off Work After Shoulder Arthroscopy?
- After the surgery, you can expect to stay off work for up to four to six months; this depends on your recovery rate and your job type.
- People who have desk jobs can usually resume office three weeks after the surgery.
- If you have a job that requires lifting, pushing or pulling, you will need to take three to four weeks off.
How Long Do You Wear a Sling After Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery?
- After your arthroscopic shoulder surgery, your arm will be placed in a sling that will immobilize your shoulder.
- You will have to use a sling for up to four weeks.
- It is recommended to use the sling during sleep for six weeks.
What Is the Success Rate of Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery?
- The success rate of Arthroscopic Shoulder surgery is 95%.
- By using the latest techniques and instruments, arthroscopic shoulder surgery can demonstrate 93% to 95% excellent results.
- Re-injury rate is high after shoulder surgery, so you should take extra care not to do any exerting work until your doctor gives you a green signal.
