Overview

The shoulder consists of three main components: the humerus (upper arm bone), the scapula (shoulder blade), and the clavicle (collarbone). These bones and associated muscles, ligaments, and tendons enable shoulder movement and stability. A shoulder can be damaged due to an external injury or internal issues such as inflammation or arthritis of joints. In such cases, non-surgical treatments such as medications, physical therapies, or injections may not work. Shoulder arthroscopy is the last solution to lower shoulder pain and resume routine activities.

What is Shoulder Arthroscopy?

Shoulder Arthroscopy involves diagnosing the problems in the shoulder joints with the help of an arthroscope. It is inserted with the help of a small incision in the shoulder joints to detect the problematic area, define the surgical area and make it easy for a surgeon to perform the surgical process. Being a minimally invasive procedure, a patient experiences less pain and heals quickly compared to traditional open surgery. Fewer scar marks and early discharge from the hospital are some of the benefits of arthroscopic surgery.

Who needs arthroscopic shoulder surgery?

An individual suffering from extreme pain in the shoulder joints due to an internal or external injury may require shoulder surgery. The surgery helps to lower the excruciating pain. Surgery is suggested by a doctor when other non-surgical treatments cannot lower the pain. The surgery is a minimally invasive one requiring smaller incisions with faster recovery. Surgery is also helpful in case of inflamed or injured tissues causing swelling, pain, or stiffness of the shoulder joints.

Arthroscopic shoulder surgery may involve different surgical procedures, such as:

- Shoulder instability- Arthroscopy can be used to treat shoulder instability, including recurrent dislocations or subluxations. The procedure may involve repairing or tightening the structures that support the shoulder joint.
- Rotator cuff tears- Arthroscopy is commonly performed to repair rotator cuff tears. It allows the surgeon to visualise and repair torn tendons, remove damaged tissue, and restore shoulder function.
- Labral tears- Arthroscopy is commonly used to diagnose and repair labral tears, such as Bankart or SLAP tears. These tears often occur in athletes or individuals involved in repetitive overhead activities.
- Shoulder impingement- If conservative treatments for shoulder impingement (subacromial bursitis) are unsuccessful, arthroscopy can remove inflamed tissue, bone spurs, or other structures, causing pain and restricted movement.
- Shoulder arthritis- In cases of severe shoulder arthritis, arthroscopy may be used for joint debridement, synovectomy (removal of the inflamed joint lining), or to assess the joint before considering joint replacement surgery.
- Other shoulder conditions- Arthroscopy can also be utilised for treating various other shoulder conditions, including biceps tendon tears, adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), AC joint injuries, and diagnostic purposes for unexplained shoulder pain or dysfunction.

How is a shoulder arthroscopy performed?

During shoulder arthroscopy, small incisions are made around the shoulder joint. A saline solution is pumped in to expand the joint and enhance visibility. An arthroscope, a small camera, is inserted through one incision to transmit images to a monitor. Specialised instruments are inserted through other incisions to perform procedures tailored to the specific condition. This may involve repairing a torn rotator cuff, removing damaged tissue or bone spurs, addressing shoulder instability, or treating other shoulder conditions like labral tears or biceps tendon injuries. After the surgery, the incisions are closed, and physical therapy is often recommended for rehabilitation and recovery.

Risks of Shoulder Arthroscopy

Mentioned below are some of the possible risks that can be experienced after surgery by the patient:

- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Blood Clots
- Infection

Post-Surgery Care

Mentioned below are the vital post-surgery care tips to be followed to avoid any mishaps after the surgery and to quicken the process of healing:

- Medications- A patient who has undergone an arthroscopic surgery experiences less pain and discomfort than open surgery. But still, the patient might feel pain after the surgery. To lower the pain, a doctor may prescribe NSAIDs. Timely consumption of these medications helps to lower the pain and discomfort and allows the patient to stay calm.
- Icing- a patient operated on may also experience swelling. The swelling may also cause pain. To lower the swelling, one can ice the operated shoulder. It helps to lower the swelling and also the tingling sensation. Doctors may also recommend Icing a few days after surgery to avoid complications or severe swelling.
- Proper position- Sitting or sleeping correctly after surgery is vital. It aids in speedy recovery and avoids any pressure on the operated part of the body.

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Ortho doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

Shoulder Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery to remove painful and deceased shoulder tissues or joints. An arthroscope helps to identify the surgical area and allows a surgeon to perform the surgery precisely. The individual recovers quickly with the help of proper post-surgery care.

Reference Links

- https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/arthroscopy/
- https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/shoulder-arthroscopy/

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the care tips to be followed after shoulder surgery?