Shoulder Arthroscopy
Shoulder Arthroscopy
What is shoulder arthroscopy?
What is shoulder arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive video-surgery technique that allows the visualization of joint structures or extra-articular spaces, through a small camera (4-5mm).
Small incisions can be made to insert working instruments and perform various repair and reconstruction procedures for tendon, ligament or cartilage injuries.
This technique allows for a faster and less painful recovery for problems affecting the shoulder.
What injuries can be treated with shoulder arthroscopy?
What injuries can be treated with shoulder arthroscopy?
It can be used to treat various pathologies that affect this region, including:
- Rotator cuff tears
- Shoulder impingement syndromes
- Dislocations or recurrent instability
- Injuries to the labrum and biceps tendon insertion
- frozen shoulder
- Calcific tendonitis
What are the advantages of shoulder arthroscopy?
What are the advantages of shoulder arthroscopy?
Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows injuries to be treated with smaller incisions and less tissue damage compared to conventional surgery. It also allows better visualization of structures and injuries that are sometimes not visible with conventional surgery. This allows for faster recovery times and less pain, as well as a lower risk of infection.
What procedures should be followed before a shoulder arthroscopy?
What procedures should be followed before a shoulder arthroscopy?
After a detailed clinical evaluation by a shoulder specialist, you will be asked about your complete medical history, including your usual medication list. Some medications may need to be stopped a few days before surgery.
The preoperative study will be completed with some routine tests and an electrocardiogram, depending on the age group and medical history. A fasting period of about 6 hours is usually recommended before surgery.
What happens during a shoulder arthroscopy?
What happens during a shoulder arthroscopy?
Shoulder arthroscopy lasts about an hour, depending on the procedure performed. The patient is usually given general anesthesia supplemented by an anesthetic block – a prick in the neck area – to reduce post-operative pain.
During surgery, the patient may be in a semi-sitting position or lying on their side, with their arm placed on a support. An antiseptic liquid is used to disinfect the entire upper limb and its colour (in shades of red or orange) may be visible at the end. Anatomical landmarks are drawn on the skin and may also be visible when the first dressings are applied, but will disappear later.
A small 5mm incision is used to insert the camera into the joint. The saline solution is inserted through the incision to stretch the tissues and allow the surgeon to see the lesions on a screen. Other small incisions around the shoulder can be used to insert instruments that can be used to repair these lesions.
Finally, the incisions are closed with sutures or staples, and a pressure dressing with several adhesives and compresses is placed to absorb any remaining serum that may leak out of the incisions. It is normal for the shoulder to appear fuller at the end of the surgery, but it will return to its normal appearance approximately 1-2 days after the procedure.
What to expect after a shoulder arthroscopy?
What to expect after a shoulder arthroscopy?
Shoulder arthroscopy can be performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can come and go the same day, or in less than 24 hours. A recovery time of a few hours is usually recommended.
A brachial splint is used to keep the shoulder immobilized for the first few days after surgery. Prescribed pain medication is important to control pain, which can be more intense after certain procedures. Ice packs of 10-15 minutes are also recommended. Stitches are removed after approximately two weeks.
How painful is shoulder arthroscopy?
How painful is shoulder arthroscopy?
Although it is a less invasive procedure and causes less pain than conventional approaches, all surgery involves some degree of pain and discomfort. Fortunately, it is possible to minimize this through modern anesthetic techniques, such as nerve blocks (an injection in the neck or shoulder), as well as intravenous medication in the immediate post-operative period and oral medication to be taken at home. The anesthetic team and the surgeon will be involved in reducing the degree of post-operative pain.
How long does it take to recover after shoulder arthroscopy?
How long does it take to recover after shoulder arthroscopy?
Total recovery time depends on the initial injury and the arthroscopic procedure performed. In general, a brachial suspension is used for two to four weeks, after which rehabilitation is recommended to restore shoulder mobility. Strength training begins later, ideally when pain-free mobility throughout the range of motion has been restored.
Daily tasks such as cooking or dressing are usually possible after one to two months, and driving can be resumed at the end of this period. Returning to sports can take between 3 and 6 months, depending on the procedure.
Longer recovery times will be expected for more extensive injuries or more complex surgeries. Clarification with the surgeon and physiatrist is essential to understand the recovery time required and varies for each specific injury and patient.
