Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic and surgical procedure performed for joint problems. Shoulder arthroscopy is performed using a pencil-sized instrument called an arthroscope. The arthroscope consists of a light system and camera that projects images of the surgical site onto a computer screen for your surgeon to clearly view. Arthroscopy is used to treat disease conditions and injuries involving the bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and muscles of the shoulder joint.
Indications of Shoulder Arthroscopy
Shoulder arthroscopy is indicated to treat the following shoulder conditions when conservative treatment such as medication and physical therapy fails to relieve pain and disability:
- Shoulder impingement syndrome
- Rotator cuff tear
- Frozen shoulder or stiffness of the shoulder joint
- Shoulder instability
- Biceps rupture
- Damaged to the shoulder cartilage
- Arthritis of the shoulder or AC joint
Shoulder Arthroscopy Procedure
Your surgeon performs shoulder arthroscopy under general or regional anaesthesia. You may be positioned lying down on your side with your arm propped up or sitting in a semi-seated position. Sterile fluid is injected into the shoulder joint to expand the surgical area, so your surgeon has a clear view of the damage and room to work. A button-sized hole is made in the shoulder and the arthroscope is inserted. Your surgeon can view images captured by the camera in the arthroscope on a large monitor. Surgical instruments are introduced into the joint through separate small holes to remove and repair the damage to the joint. After surgery, the instruments are removed, and the incisions are closed with stitches or small sterile bandage strips.
Postoperative Care for Shoulder Arthroscopy
After the surgery, the small surgical wounds take a few days to heal and the surgical dressing is replaced by simple Band-Aids. The recovery time depends on the type and extent of the problem for which the procedure was performed. Pain medications are prescribed to keep you comfortable. The arm of the affected shoulder is placed in a sling. How long it is in the sling for will be determined by what procedure has been performed. . Physical therapy may be advised to improve shoulder mobility and strength after the surgery.
Advantages of Shoulder Arthroscopy
The main advantages of arthroscopy compared to open surgery with a large incision include:
- Less pain
- Fewer complications
- Shorter hospital stays
- Easier but not necessarily faster recovery
Risks and complications of Shoulder Arthroscopy
Complications of shoulder arthroscopy include infection, bleeding, damage to nearby nerves or blood vessels, or delayed healing after the surgery. In certain cases, stiffness of the shoulder joint may occur after the surgery. It is important to participate actively in your physical therapy to prevent this from occurring.
If you would like to have additional information on shoulder treatments or would like to learn more about shoulder arthroscopy, please contact Mr. Craig Ball, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Shoulder & Elbow Specialist.