Shoulder Arthroscopy - Surgery Procedure & Benefits at Curific Health Care
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What is shoulder arthroscopy?
Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a small camera, called an arthroscope, to view and treat problems inside the shoulder joint. Through tiny incisions, the surgeon inserts the arthroscope, which sends live images to a monitor, helping them diagnose issues like torn cartilage, ligament damage, or rotator cuff tears. This method allows for precise treatment with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues.
The procedure is commonly used to repair or remove damaged tissues, such as:
- Rotator cuff tears
- Torn cartilage (labrum)
- Inflammation around the shoulder joint
- Bone spurs
- Biceps tendon issues
Shoulder arthroscopy is less painful than traditional open surgery, resulting in smaller incisions, reduced trauma, and quicker recovery. It is often preferred for conditions like arthritis or injuries that affect the joint lining, as well as for addressing loose tissue in the shoulder.
What Are The Types Of Shoulder Arthroscopy?
Shoulder arthroscopy can be used for various surgical techniques based on the specific condition being treated. These include:
- Rotator Cuff Repair: Reattaching torn rotator cuff tendons using arthroscopic methods.
- Labral Repair: Reattaching a torn labrum (the cartilage surrounding the shoulder socket).
- Impingement Decompression: Removing bone spurs or inflamed tissues that might cause pressure on the rotator cuff tendons.
- Instability Repair: Tightening or repairing torn ligaments to stabilize the shoulder, often used for recurring dislocations.
- Biceps Tenodesis: Reattaching or cutting the long head of the biceps tendon to alleviate pain.
- Frozen Shoulder Release: Releasing tight scar tissue in the shoulder to restore movement for those suffering from frozen shoulder.
All these treatments benefit from the minimally invasive nature of shoulder arthroscopy, resulting in smaller incisions, reduced pain, and quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
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Diagnosis Before Shoulder Arthroscopy Surgery
To discern the need for shoulder arthroscopy surgery, your orthopaedic surgeon will diagnose your shoulder condition through a comprehensive check-up and some specific tests. These tests include:
- A Physical Examination: During this, the surgeon will assess your shoulder’s stability and its range of motion. They will also look for any abnormal grinding or catching in the joint.
- X-rays: It offers a clear visualisation of your shoulder bones. It helps to detect issues such as arthritis or bone spurs, among other abnormalities.
- MRI or CT Scans: Radiologists perform these scans to evaluate soft tissue injuries like rotator cuff tears or labral tears.
What Is The Procedure For Shoulder Arthroscopy?
Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to examine and treat issues within the shoulder joint. Here’s what you can expect in a step-by-step shoulder procedure:
- Positioning: You will be positioned in either a beach chair (semi-seated) or lateral decubitus (lying on the side) position to allow the surgeon clear access to the shoulder joint.
- Cleaning: The area around your shoulder is cleaned and shaved if needed, followed by draping it in a sterile fashion.
- Fluid Injection: Your surgeon will inflate the shoulder joint by injecting fluid into it, making it easier to visualise the structures inside.
- Incision and Insertion of Arthroscope: A small incision is made to insert the arthroscope, which is connected to a video monitor, allowing the surgeon to see inside your shoulder joint.
- Treatment: More small incisions are made to insert specialised instruments for treating the identified issue.
- Closure: Once the procedure is complete, the incisions are closed with stitches or steri-strips, and a bandage is applied for healing.
The recovery after shoulder arthroscopy is generally quicker and less painful compared to traditional open surgery, but it requires a commitment to a prescribed physical therapy regime to regain the full function of your shoulder.
Who Is The Right Candidate For Shoulder Arthroscopy?
The decision to undergo a shoulder arthroscopy procedure is primarily based on an individual’s symptoms, extent of discomfort, and impact on their daily activities. The right candidate for shoulder arthroscopy typically exhibits the following characteristics:
- Persisting shoulder pain: If you experience prolonged shoulder pain that does not respond to non-surgical treatments, such as physiotherapy or medication, shoulder arthroscopy might be recommended.
- Limited mobility: Difficulty in moving your arm or performing routine tasks due to a stiff or weak shoulder might necessitate this surgery.
- Injury or damage: If you have had an injury that resulted in rotator cuff tears, labral tears, or ligament damage, then shoulder arthroscopy can be an effective treatment.
- Daily life impact: If your shoulder problem is interfering with your daily activities, causing considerable discomfort, and affecting your quality of life, it might be time to consider shoulder arthroscopy.
However, determining your eligibility for the surgery is a decision made in consultation with your orthopaedic surgeon.