Dr. Vikash Kapoor

Shoulder Arthroscopy

Shoulder Arthroscopy

Shoulder arthroscopy is a surgical procedure. A tiny camera called arthroscope is inserted inside the shoulder through a small incision to examine and repair the tissues inside or around the shoulder joint. This procedure is being performed since 1970's. This process has made it faster and easier to diagnose, treat and recover from a surgery. With the development of new instruments and surgical techniques, the shoulder arthroscopy surgical procedure is improving with each passing year.

When Shoulder Arthroscopy is Recommended?

A person is recommended this surgery when his pain does not respond to any kind of non-surgical treatment procedures like physical therapy, medications, injections, exercise or rest to reduce inflammation. Inflammation is a normal body reaction to any kind of disease or injury. A diseased or injured shoulder joint will have inflammation in the form of pain, swelling and stiffness.

Most shoulder problems are result of overuse, injury and age-related wear and tear. Shoulder arthroscopy alleviates painful symptoms of various problems that harm the rotator cuff tendons, articular cartilage, labrum and other soft tissues around the joint.

Common arthroscopic procedures consist of:

• Bone spur removal

• Rotator cuff repair

• Repair of ligaments

• Repair or removal of the labrum

• Repairing of recurrent shoulder dislocation

• Removal of loose cartilage or inflamed tissue

Less common arthroscopic procedures consist of:

• Fracture repair

• Nerve release

• Cyst excision

What Kind of Shoulder Problems Demands Shoulder Arthroscopy?

If you are suffering from any of the following problems, you may be asked to opt for this surgical procedure:

• A damaged or torn cartilage ring or ligaments

• A damaged or torn biceps tendon

• Damaged or inflamed lining of the joint caused by illness like rheumatoid arthritis

• Loose tissue that needs immediate removal

• Shoulder instability

• A torn rotator cuff

• Shoulder impingement syndrome

• A bone spur

• Inflammation around the rotator cuff

Risks Involved with the Surgery

Shoulder arthroscopy does not generally result in any kind of complication for patients. However, the risks cannot be ruled out completely. The following are the risks involved which can be easily treated:

• Allergic reaction to anesthetic medicines

• Breathing problems

• Infection

• Bleeding

• Blood clot

• Weakness of the shoulder

• May fail to repair or heal the problem

• Shoulder stiffness

• Injury to a nerve or blood vessel

Before the Procedure

Inform your health care service provider about any kind of prescribed or non-prescribed medicine, supplement or herb you are taking.

2 Weeks Before the Surgery:

• You may be asked to stop taking any medicine that makes it difficult to clot blood.

• Ask your surgeon to tell the name of the medicines if any you can still take till the date of surgery.

• Your surgeon may ask you to visit your doctor who regularly treats you for diseases like heart disease, diabetes, etc.

• Let your surgeon know the amount of alcohol you are consuming.

• Try to stop smoking as it slows down the rate of wound and bone healing.

• Make it clear to your surgeon if you have any fever, cold, flu. Herpes breakout or anything else before the surgery.

On the Day of Surgery:

• You would be asked not to eat or drink anything before 6 to 12 hours of the surgery.

• If you are advised to take any medicine on that day, do that with a small amount of water if needed.

After the Procedure

It may take 1 to 6 months to recover completely after the surgery. You would be asked to wear a sling in the first week after the surgery. If there is much repair to be done, the sling bag has to be carried for a little longer. The doctor may give you medicines to cope up with the pain. It will depend on the kind of surgery you went through to suggest when you can go back to work or play sports. It can take just 1 week or several months. Your doctor would tell you about that. You may also take physical therapy to recover quickly if suggested by the doctor. It is extremely important to follow the guidelines provided by your surgeon for a quick and steady recovery.