Table of contents:
Definition
What is shoulder arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy (microsurgery) involves examining the inside of your shoulder using a telescope which is inserted through the small incisions made in your skin. Your surgeon will be able to treat any problems detected during the examination using special surgical instruments.
What are the benefits of arthroscopy?
The purpose of the procedure is to ascertain what is the problem that is being complained of, and for some people, the problem can be handled immediately during the procedure.
When should I do shoulder arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is recommended for shoulder problems, such as:
- tear or damage to the cartilage belt (labrum) or muscle ligaments
- shoulder instability, in which the joints in the shoulder appear loose, slipped frequently, or dislocated (the joints are separated from the joint cavity)
- tearing or damage to the bicep tendon
- tear in the rotator cuff
- extra bone growth (bone spur) or inflammation of the rotator cuff
- inflammation or damage to the lining of the joints, commonly caused by diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis
- arthritis of the collarbone
- loose tissue and needs to be removed
- shoulder impingement syndrome (shoulder pain that results from constant pressing or pinching the rotator cuff)
Precautions & warnings
What should I know before undergoing shoulder arthroscopy?
Surgical procedures to repair torn cartilage are commonly performed to restore stability to the shoulder. Most people who undergo this procedure recover completely and return to steady shoulder movement. However, some people may still have instability problems after undergoing arthroscopy.
Arthroscopic procedures to treat rotator cuff disorders or tendinitis will generally provide relief. However, you may not fully recover.
Are there any alternatives to shoulder arthroscopy?
Joint problems can be diagnosed using other medical tests, such as CT and CT scans. However, you may need arthroscopy to treat the problem.
Process
What should I do before shoulder arthroscopy?
This procedure is done after you have been under general anesthesia. You will be given complete instructions on what to do ahead of the procedure, including whether you can eat certain foods a few hours before the surgery. Generally, you will be asked to fast to eat 6 hours before the arthroscopy. You will be allowed to drink liquids, such as coffee, up to several hours before the procedure.
How does the shoulder arthroscopy process?
The surgical procedure takes about 40 minutes.
The surgeon will make 2 - 4 small incisions along your joint. Then, your doctor inserts a small telescope through one of the incisions so he can examine the joint. The surgeon will also insert surgical instruments through another incision if he feels that any problems in your joint need to be treated immediately.
What should I do after shoulder arthroscopy?
You can return home immediately after surgery.
Your physiotherapist may recommend moderate exercise and some follow-up instructions to help speed up the recovery process. The recovery process can take up to 3 months until you can return to your normal activities.
Regular exercise will help you regain your strength to carry out your daily activities. Before starting, ask your team of doctors for advice on a sport that is right for you.
Most people will generally experience significant improvement, but it will take time for the pain to subside and the movement of the joints to return to normal. Signs of the disorder often return over time.
Complications
What complications might I have?
General Complications
- pain
- bleeding
- infection in the surgical area (wound)
- mild scarring
Specific Complications
- bleeding leaks into the joints
- infection of the shoulder joint
- extreme pain, stiff arms, and loss of control over the arms and hands (complex regional pain syndrome)
- nerve damage
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
