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When Is Shoulder Arthroscopy Recommended?

If you have a soft tissue injury in your shoulder and your pain doesn’t go away with non-surgical treatment, your doctor may recommend shoulder arthroscopy to treat your condition. Shoulder arthroscopy has been a widely used procedure since the 1970s. 

Arthroscopy takes its name from the small camera the surgeon inserts into the shoulder joint so that he can examine its internal structures. Based on the damage found during the examination, the doctor can then use several small surgical instruments to correct the joint pathology. Since this procedure uses a series of small incisions rather than a large incision, arthroscopy is less invasive than an open procedure. There is also a lower risk of arthroscopy complications, and recovery time is usually shorter.

Let us go through this article provided by. Dr Chandra Shekar gives information about when shoulder arthroscopy is recommended.

What is shoulder arthroscopy surgery?

Arthroscopy is a procedure that orthopaedic surgeons use to examine, diagnose, and correct joint problems. During shoulder arthroscopy surgery, the shoulder surgeon places a small camera called an arthroscope in the shoulder joint area. This arthroscope projects the image onto a television screen, where your surgeon can direct miniature surgical instruments to repair damaged joints.

This common procedure makes the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery of arthroscopic shoulder surgery easier and quicker. Shoulder arthroscopy surgery is a completely painless procedure and shortens the time required for recovery.

How is shoulder arthroscopy performed?

Arthroscopy is usually performed in an inpatient setting. The type of anaesthesia is determined after discussion between the patient, surgeon and anaesthetist. Three small incisions, each of 4 to 6mm, are made. The joint is filled with sterile fluid so that the surgeon can see more clearly. Most procedures take less than an hour. After surgery, depending on the type of surgery performed, you can use a sling or a special immobilizer for the shoulder. You will be given specific instructions about whether it is your right to move your hands immediately after the operation.

Rest, medications and anti-inflammatory drugs relieve pain and swelling. The surgical area should be kept dry for the first 3-5 days. Modern bandages are waterproof and allow direct showering into the bandage. Patients usually start light exercise after one week.

During the procedure:

The surgeon inserts the arthroscope through a small incision in your shoulder. The area is connected to a video monitor in the operating room. The surgeon examines all the tissues in the shoulder joint, and the area over the joint is done. This tissue includes cartilage, bones, tendons, and ligaments. The surgeon then repairs all damaged networks. To do this, your surgeon will make 1 to 3 more small incisions and insert other instruments into them. A broken muscle, tendon, or cartilage is repaired. The damaged tissue is removed.

When is shoulder arthroscopy recommended?

This surgery is recommended for people whose pain is not responsive to non-surgical treatment modalities such as physical therapy, medication, injections, exercise, or rest to reduce inflammation. Inflammation is a normal physical response to any disease or injury. Shoulder joints that are sore or injured are inflamed in the form of pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Most shoulder problems are caused by overuse, injury, and age-related wear. Shoulder arthroscopy relieves pain symptoms from various problems that damage the rotator cuff tendons, articular cartilage, labrum, and other soft tissues around the joint.

Arthroscopy for the shoulder is done for the below problems:

  • Cartilage ring (labrum) or ligament that is torn or damaged
  • Shoulder instability, in which the shoulder joint loosens and slips or falls too much (regardless of the ball and socket)
  • The bicep tendon is torn or damaged
  • Rotator cuff torn
  • Bone spurs or inflammation around the rotator cuff
  • Inflammation or damage to the lining of the joints, often caused by diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis
  • Arthritis at the end of the collarbone (collarbone)
  • Loose tissue to remove
  • Shoulder Impingement Syndrome to create more room for shoulder movement
  • Stiff shoulders
  • Frozen shoulders
  • Research and treatment of instability
  • Eliminate loose bodies
  • Subacromial decompression
  • Shoulder joint infection


What are the benefits of shoulder arthroscopy?

Shoulder arthroscopy is beneficial because it offers:

  •  Less pain
  •  Fewer scars
  •  Outpatient procedures
  •  Less swelling
  •  Fast recovery
  •  Improved movement
  • Fewer complications and risks

Conclusion:

Arthroscopy often reduces pain and stiffness, fewer complications, shorter hospital stay (if any), and faster recovery from open surgery. After you have had your repair, your body needs time to recover even after arthroscopic surgery, just as it will take time for you to recover from open surgery. As a result, the recovery time can still belong.

Surgery to repair broken cartilage is usually done to make the shoulder more stable. Many people recover completely, and their shoulders remain stable. However, some people may still experience shoulder instability after arthroscopy repair.

Using arthroscopy to repair rotator cuff or tendonitis usually relieves pain, but you may 

not be able to regain all of your strength.

Dr Chandra Shekar from Hyderabad Shoulder clinic in Hyderabad is an excellent surgeon for shoulder problems. The Clinic offers all the facilities to treat shoulder injuries. The staff is highly qualified and experienced in treating shoulder injuries. For more information on the shoulder, arthroscopy contacts Dr Chandra Shekar at 9959588389.

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