What is Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery?
Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is a minimally invasive technique used to treat various shoulder problems such as rotator cuff tears, shoulder impingement, arthritis, and labral tears. It involves making small incisions around the shoulder joint, through which a tiny camera (arthroscope) is inserted. The surgeon can then view the joint on a monitor and perform the required procedures using small surgical instruments.
Why is Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery performed?
Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is performed to treat conditions that affect the shoulder joint, including:
- Rotator Cuff Tears: These tears in the tendons that help rotate and stabilize the shoulder are a common cause of pain and limited movement.
- Shoulder Impingement: This condition occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff are pinched during shoulder movement.
- Labral Tears: The labrum is a cartilage structure that helps stabilize the shoulder, and tears can lead to pain and instability.
- Arthritis: Degeneration of the shoulder joint may require surgical intervention to relieve pain and restore function.
- Shoulder Instability: If the shoulder is prone to dislocation, arthroscopy may be used to tighten ligaments or repair tears.
What are the benefits of Arthroscopic Surgery?
Arthroscopic shoulder surgery offers several advantages over traditional open surgery:
- Minimally Invasive: Only small incisions are made, reducing trauma to the surrounding tissues.
- Faster Recovery: Patients typically experience less pain and quicker recovery times.
- Reduced Risk of Infection: Smaller incisions decrease the risk of post-operative infections.
- Improved Outcomes: For many patients, arthroscopic surgery offers better outcomes, with fewer complications and faster rehabilitation.
What can be expected during the surgery?
The procedure usually takes place under general anesthesia or regional anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the surgery and patient preferences. The surgeon makes small incisions around the shoulder and inserts the arthroscope to view the joint. Additional instruments are used to repair or remove damaged tissue. The surgery generally lasts between 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the condition being treated.
What is the recovery process like?
The recovery process after arthroscopic shoulder surgery varies depending on the type of procedure performed and the patient’s overall health. In general, patients can expect:
- Post-operative care: After the surgery, patients may need to wear a sling for several weeks to immobilize the shoulder.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy plays a key role in recovery, helping patients regain mobility, strength, and flexibility in the shoulder.
- Pain Management: Most patients experience mild pain and discomfort after the surgery, which can be managed with prescribed medications.
- Full Recovery: Complete recovery can take several months, and patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting or high-impact activities until fully healed.
Are there any risks or complications?
Like any surgical procedure, arthroscopic shoulder surgery carries some risks, including:
- Infection: Although the risk is reduced with minimally invasive techniques, there is still a small chance of infection.
- Nerve Injury: In rare cases, the nerves around the shoulder can be injured.
- Stiffness or Loss of Motion: If rehabilitation is not followed properly, some patients may experience limited range of motion.
- Blood Clots: There is also a risk of blood clots, though this is uncommon in shoulder surgeries.
- Failure to Relieve Symptoms: In some cases, the surgery may not completely alleviate pain or restore full function.
How long will I need to stay in the hospital?
Most patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery are discharged the same day or the day after the procedure, depending on the complexity of the surgery and the patient’s recovery. In cases where additional procedures are performed or if there are complications, a longer hospital stay may be necessary.
How soon can I resume normal activities?
While the initial recovery from arthroscopic shoulder surgery is quicker than traditional surgery, the time to resume normal activities will vary. Typically, light activities can be resumed within a few weeks, but it may take several months to return to more strenuous activities like lifting heavy objects or participating in sports.
