What is Shoulder Arthroscopy?
Shoulder arthroscopy or impingement surgery is a minimally invasive technique to diagnose and treat shoulder problems. It is an outpatient procedure to treat rotator cuff tears or shoulder impingement. The surgeon inserts a small camera called an arthroscope through a tiny incision into your skin. The camera projects images of your shoulder joint to examine the source of the injury.
What are the Benefits of Shoulder Arthroscopy?
- Less pain
- Increased strength
- Shoulder strength
- Ease in moving and lifting the shoulder
- Quick recovery
- Less collateral tissue damage
- Reduced risk of infection
- Reduced blood loss
Who needs Shoulder Arthroscopy?
Surgeons perform shoulder arthroscopy to diagnose and treat shoulder pain that has not been improved by nonsurgical treatments. The causes of this pain include:-
- Frozen shoulder
- Bone spurs
- Labrum tears
- Bicep tendons injuries
- Rotator cuff tears
- Osteoarthritis
- Shoulder impingement
- Shoulder instability
Know more about Shoulder Arthroscopy
How is Shoulder Arthroscopy done?
During the arthroscopy procedure, the surgeon:-
- Make a small incision in your shoulder and insert a tiny camera (arthroscope) into the incision to project images of your shoulder on a video screen.
- Examine the tissue of your shoulder through these images and diagnose the problem.
- Makes one to three small incisions to insert other instruments and remove the damaged tissue.
- Closes the incision with stitches and puts a bandage to cover the wound.
Apart from shoulder arthroscopy, your surgeon can perform the following repairs for specific shoulder problems:-
- Rotator cuff repair: It is a treatment for a torn tendon in the shoulder joint, used to reattach a torn rotator cuff.
- Surgery for impingement syndrome: The procedure is used to clean out the inflamed or damaged tissue above the shoulder joint.
- Surgery for shoulder instability: The surgery is used to treat a torn labrum in the shoulder joint.
Please Note: The procedure selection is based on your medical condition and your surgeon’s opinion.
What Can You Expect After the Surgery?
Recovery at Hospital:-
- After the procedure, the team will shift you to a recovery room to monitor your vitals and anaesthesia effect.
- You will need to recover from the hospital for about 2 to 3 weeks and go home the same day.
- If needed, your healthcare provider will prescribe medication to relieve pain.
- The doctor will provide you with home care and follow-up instructions.
- You will need a family member or friend to drive you home.
Recovery at Home:-
- It will take weeks to months for your shoulder to recover completely.
- You can use ice to relieve pain and swelling.
- Your doctor will advise you to sleep propped up in a chair or bed for a few days after the surgery.
- Furthermore, you will need a sling for the first week after the surgery to protect your shoulder.
- The doctor will also recommend physical therapy to regain motion and strength in your shoulder.
First Follow-Up Appointment
At discharge, your healthcare professional will give you a first follow-up appointment 10 to 14 days after the surgery. During the visit, he/she will remove the sutures, examine your recovery, and provide further follow-up instructions.