Shoulder Arthroscopy

Shoulder Arthroscopy

Shoulder arthroscopy provides a minimally invasive solution for diagnosing and treating a range of shoulder conditions. Being a minimally invasive procedure, shoulder arthroscopy comes with several advantages, such as less pain and stiffness after the procedure, having lower risk of complications, and a generally faster recovery.

What Can Shoulder Arthroscopy Treat?

Shoulder arthroscopy can treat various shoulder conditions and injuries, including:

• Biceps Tendon Injuries – Shoulder arthroscopy can treat various biceps tendon injuries, such as tears or inflammation. The orthopaedic surgeon can repair the torn tendon and release it from its attachment to reduce tension and reattach it in a more optimal location.
• Bone Spurs – Bone spurs in the shoulder can cause pain and limit movement. During arthroscopy, the surgeon can remove these bone spurs, relieving discomfort and improving range of motion.
• Frozen Shoulder – Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is characterised by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. Shoulder arthroscopy can help to release the stiff joint capsule to relieve symptoms.
• Labrum Tears – The labrum is a tissue ring surrounding the shoulder socket. When the labrum is torn, it can cause pain and instability in the shoulder. During arthroscopy, the surgeon can repair it, restoring stability to the shoulder.
• Rotator Cuff Tears – Rotator cuff tears are often treated with shoulder arthroscopy. The surgeon can sew the torn tendon and reattach it to the top of the upper arm bone.
• Rotator Cuff Tendinitis – Rotator cuff tendinitis is an inflammation of the shoulder's tendons. Arthroscopy can remove inflamed tissue and bone spurs that are causing impingement.
• Shoulder Impingement Syndrome – This is caused by compressed tendons in the shoulder. Arthroscopy can remove bone spurs or tissue to relieve pressure and improve movement.
• Dislocated Shoulder – In cases of recurrent shoulder dislocation, arthroscopy can repair the ligaments that hold the shoulder in place, preventing future dislocations.

How to Prepare for a Shoulder Arthroscopy

Here is how you can prepare for the procedure:

• Medical Evaluations and Tests – Your doctor will perform several evaluations and imaging tests to assess your overall health and suitability for the procedure.
• Pre-operative Instructions – These instructions may include fasting or stopping certain medications like blood thinners prior to the surgery.
• Post-Surgery Planning – Plan for your recovery in advance. This could involve making work arrangements or help around the house beforehand.

How Is Shoulder Arthroscopy Performed?

Shoulder arthroscopy involves the insertion of a small camera, known as an arthroscope, into the shoulder joint. The images from the arthroscope are displayed on a video monitor, which allows the surgeon to view the internal structures of the shoulder in real-time.

You will be given anaesthesia so you do not feel any discomfort during the procedure. The specific treatment performed during the surgery will depend on the condition and might involve repairing torn tissues or removing bone spurs.

What Happens After Shoulder Arthroscopy?

After shoulder surgery, it is common to experience some temporary pain and discomfort. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication to ease these symptoms. Ice packs may also be applied to the shoulder to reduce the swelling and relieve pain.

Physiotherapy is another key component in recovery. This involves exercises designed to restore mobility and strength in the shoulder.

It is also important to follow all post-operative care instructions, including proper wound care, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments. Remember to rest and allow your body time to heal or it may delay your recovery.

When Should I Seek Medical Attention?

Shoulder arthroscopy is generally safe and the risk of complications is low. Nonetheless, contact your doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Excessive pain or swelling that does not improve with medication and rest
• Redness, warmth, or draining from the incision site
• Fever or chills
• Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand

FAQs on Shoulder Arthroscopy

• How painful is shoulder arthroscopy?

  Shoulder arthroscopy, as a minimally invasive surgery, results in less discomfort than traditional open surgery. However, the level of pain can vary from person to person depending on the exact treatment performed and individual pain tolerance levels.

• What is the recovery time after shoulder arthroscopy?

  Many patients begin to see improvement within a few weeks, but a full recovery typically takes four to six months.

• When can I go back to work or school?

  Most people can return to desk work or school within a week or so. However, if your job involves physical labour, it may take several weeks to months before you are cleared to safely return to work.