Shoulder pain can adversely affect you while performing your day to day activities. Fortunately, arthroscopy shoulder surgery can relieve pain and restore function, but the decision to proceed with shoulder surgery must be made carefully. Here are answers for you about the questions that you have and need to ask your shoulder surgeon before proceeding with surgery.

Shoulder arthroscopy is a surgical procedure to assess the health of problematic shoulder joints. This procedure uses an arthroscope, an endoscopic device with a camera and lights on the end. Inside the joint, the arthroscope displays a joint image on the screen for your surgeon to examine. These images are useful for identifying and even supporting conditions such as torn rotator cuffs, dislocations, or joint inflammation.

Is Shoulder arthroscopy a convenient alternative to open joint surgery? Arthroscopy is not only less invasive than open surgery but also more accessible. Many patients also experience shorter recovery times and a lower risk of complications than open surgery. 

Shoulder Surgery is a complicated procedure and Hyderabad Shoulder Clinic Surgeon, Dr Chandra Shekhar. B has carried out many arthroscopy shoulder surgeries and appreciates the opportunity to share his knowledge. Contact us at https://www.hyderabadshoulderclinic.com/contact-us/ to make an appointment with Dr Chandra Shekhar. B  if you have further questions about shoulder arthroscopy, let us have a look at this article to know more about arthroscopy shoulder surgery FAQ.

What is arthroscopic surgery?

Arthroscopic surgery is a technique used by orthopaedicians to diagnose and repair structural joint damage. The surgeon makes 3 or 4 small cuts around the joint, each about 1/2 inch. Here the fibre optic camera is used to look inside the joint, and miniature surgical instruments are used to make repairs.
Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is an outpatient surgery, which means you don’t need to be hospitalized. You will return home shortly after surgery. Arthroscopy of the shoulder joint is a significant advance in surgical technology. This procedure allows fewer intact tissue cuts to make repairs, which means faster recovery time than with open operations.

How is shoulder arthroscopy done?

During the procedure:

• The arthroscope equipment is inserted through a small incision in your shoulder. The area is connected to a small camera that allows your surgeon to see the tissue on your shoulder.
• The surgeon checks all the tissue in your shoulder joint. These tissues include cartilage, bone, tendons, and ligaments.
• The surgeon repairs all the damaged tissue, making 1 to 3 smaller incisions and inserting the required instruments through them. Damage to the muscles, tendons or cartilage has been repaired.

What type of shoulder surgery can be done using arthroscopic techniques?

Dr Chandra Sekhar. B does many types of shoulder arthroscopy such as:-

• Repairing Rotator cuff tears
• Subacromial decompression (removal of bone spurs )
• Improvements to Glenoid Labrum (SLAP Tears)
• Correction of shoulder instability (dislocation/subluxation )
• Recovery of the biceps tendon
• Bursitis
• Arthritis Debridement
• Remove from frozen shoulder

How long does the operation last?

Most surgeries last between 45 minutes and 1 hour. You must then stay in the recovery room for one hour, and later you are discharged to home. Please do not forget to arrange a person for your return trip because you cannot drive on the day of the operation.

How long should I be admitted in hospital after shoulder arthroscopy?

Your doctor will consider several things when deciding how long you should stay in the hospital. There are several criteria before your doctor can send you home. You should be able to:

• Walk alone
• Get yourself from bed alone
• You don’t need pain relief or IV.
• Eat and drink without feeling sick
• Normal Urination.

In general, patients can be sent home after achieving the above goals.

How does arthroscopy Procedure feel?
If you are given general anaesthesia, you will be in sleep and will not feel anything during your surgery. If you have regional anaesthesia, your arms or legs will be numb for several hours. You will not feel anything during the procedure.

Expect mild pain after your arthroscopic procedure. Your orthopaedician will prescribe some painkillers and recommend that you apply ice to your joints to help reduce pain and swelling. Remember to keep your bandages clean and dry when the joints heal.

How long does the rehabilitation process take after shoulder arthroscopy?
Rehabilitation depends on the type of procedure done.  It is essential to understand that physical therapy is an essential part of rehabilitation. You need to commit to post-operative rehabilitation if you want to get the best results. Physical therapy is divided into several phases, from gentle mobility to strengthening throughout the entire range of motion. The process usually takes 4-6 weeks. Dr Chandra Sekhar. B will give you the details of physiotherapist’s who can provide you with the specific instructions after your surgery.

How much pain will I have after arthroscopic shoulder surgery?

Pain varies significantly from patient to patient. After surgery, you will be prescribed painkillers and instructions for icing your shoulder to help control excessive swelling. During physiotherapy, you will be asked to move your shoulder joints to restore the movement of your entire arm, which can increase the level of pain. For this reason, it is recommended to take painkillers 45 minutes before starting physiotherapy. You need to reduce painkillers dosage from time to time.

Do I need a sling/brace? 
That depends on the type of operation done. When repairing a rotator cuff, SLAP repair, and dislocation repair, you must wear a sling for two weeks after surgery. In subacromial decompression surgery, slings can be worn for post-operative comfort and are stopped when the pain subsides.

In most cases, the sling is for your convenience as some procedures require the use of a sling. This must be noted in the instructions you receive when you are discharged from the hospital. If you have questions, please contact Dr Chandra Sekhar. B. 

Can I take a shower after surgery?

You can remove the bandage and take a shower 48 hours after suture removal. Don’t wet the shoulders. This means don’t soak in the tub or swim in the sea/pool.

When should I have a follow-up visit with Dr Chandra Sekhar. B. after my arthroscopic surgery?

Post-operative appointments are essential for monitoring your progress, assessing limitations or errors, and planning long-term care, usually in the intervals of two weeks, six weeks, three months, six months, and one year. Additional appointments can be recommended in certain situations.

Dr Chandra Sekhar. B.  or his medical assistant will examine you one week after surgery. The purpose of this visit is to make sure your pain is controlled, and the wound is infection-free and well cared for. 

At this time, physical therapy is also determined. This visit is intended to enable patients to ask new questions that may arise after your surgery.

When can I work again?

What are the benefits of arthroscopy?

Arthroscopic surgery allows faster recovery time and less pain, compared to conventional open surgery, less muscle and tissue disruption during the procedure. Most patients are treated on an outpatient basis and go home a few hours after surgery.

What is recovery after arthroscopy?

Small incisions need a few days to recover. The shoulder surgeon will tell you when the surgical dressing can be removed. Joint pain is minimal, but it takes several weeks to recover fully. Shoulder surgeons will develop a customized rehabilitation plan. It depends on the joint you work for, the level and severity of your injury or condition, and your current health. Most athletes can return to normal sports activities within a few weeks, while other patients can return to normal activities in a short time.

Can I drive after Shoulder Arthroscopy?

You may not drive while taking narcotics pain relievers. We do not recommend driving as long as the sling is needed. After you have been instructed that slings are no longer required, you must wait until you have enough power to drive. We recommend that you test your ability to drive in an empty parking lot under supervision until you determine whether you can drive safely or not.

Do I need painkillers?

Most patients take narcotics pain relief a few days after surgery. Most patients turn to painkillers for a day after a week or more. Not infrequently pain relief is needed at night for several weeks. Some patients need painkillers for a long time. Using ice can reduce the need for medication. We recommend ice for no more than 20 minutes with at least one hour between uses. 

Conclusion:

If you get answers to these questions, you can make the right decision for yourself. Make sure you are familiar with your surgeon and procedure and understand your recovery.

Dr Chandra Sekhar. B team is here to help you and make your surgical experience smooth. Dr Chandra Sekhar. B  will help you see patients in the clinic and plan for surgery. For more information on surgery, contact us at  91 9959588389 and book your appointment.