Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is just one of several options
available to people who are suffering from shoulder-related pain,
injury, or both. More traditional open procedures are also still
performed, though the percentage of this type of surgery has declined
dramatically since the introduction of newer techniques. Some
large-scale issues, such as major fractures and replacements, require
full access to the entire area, which can only be achieved through an
open procedure.
The word "arthroscopic" is based on the use of an
arthroscope, a small medical instrument that can be inserted into the
body through an incision to access an area where the surgical procedure
is to take place. In the case of shoulder surgery, a small camera is
first inserted through an incision. The medical team can see an up close
and personal viewing of the entire area on a screen in the operating
room. Typically, additional incisions are then made throughout the
surrounding area. The surgeon inserts small instruments where needed to
perform the operation.
Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is an
outpatient procedure, which means patients are in and out of the
hospital quickly. Patients are typically sedated throughout the
procedure and need someone to drive them home afterwards. It's not
uncommon for a patient to be home and resting within a matter of a few
hours after the operation has been completed.
One of the benefits
of arthroscopic shoulder surgery is that recovery time may be
significantly less than if an open procedure had taken place. The
medical team will provide detailed post-op care instructions outlining
how to properly rest the affected area and when the patient can begin
various levels of physical activity. The patient will wear a sling to
ensure proper healing takes place.
Another benefit of this type of
operation is that post-op pain is usually much lower. The application
of ice will help and painkillers may be prescribed for the days
immediately following the operation. It's important to remember that
some pain may persist for several months after shoulder surgery, so
patience is key.
As mentioned above, arthroscopic surgery is not
recommended for all types of shoulder problems. The most common issues
it can address include damage to the rotator cuff, tendons, articular
cartilage, labrum, or other soft tissues of the joint area. If you
suffer from ongoing pain or have been injured in some way, seek the
advice of a qualified surgeon. He or she will talk through the details
of the problem and will work to provide a comprehensive solution that
will best address the issue. Sometimes, that solution will involve
surgery, but other times it may be possible to get results without
having an operation.
