Shoulder Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic and surgical procedure performed for joint problems.
How Shoulder Arthroscopy is Done:
Shoulder arthroscopy is performed using a pencil-sized instrument called an Arthroscope. The arthroscope consists of a light system and camera to project images to a computer screen for your surgeon to view the surgical site. Arthroscopy is used to treat disease conditions and injuries involving the bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and muscles of the shoulder joint.
The shoulder joint is made up of a ball and socket joint, where the the upper arm bone articulates with the socket of the shoulder blade called the glenoid. The two articulating surfaces of the bones are covered with cartilage, which prevents friction between the moving bones enabling smooth movement. Tendons and ligaments around the shoulder joint provide strength and stability to the joint. Injury and disease to the bones or soft tissues of the shoulder joint can lead to pain, inflammation and reduced mobility.
The surgeon performs shoulder arthroscopy under general anaesthesia. The orthopaedic surgeon and the anaesthesiologist will talk to you about which method is best for you. The patient may be positioned lying down on his side with his arm supported up in a semi-seated position. Sterile fluid is injected into the shoulder joint to expand the surgical area so the surgeon has a clear view of the damage and room to work. A button sized hole is made in the shoulder and the arthroscope is inserted. The surgeon can view images captured by the camera in the arthroscope on a large monitor. Surgical instruments are introduced into the joint through separate small holes to remove and repair the damage to the joint. After surgery, the instruments are removed and the incisions are closed with stitches or small sterile bandage strips.
After the surgery, the small surgical wounds take a few days to heal and the surgical dressing is replaced by simple bandage strips. The recovery time depends on the type and extent of problem for which the procedure was performed. Pain medications are prescribed to keep the patient comfortable. The arm of the affected shoulder is placed in a sling for a short period as recommended by the doctor. Physical therapy is advised to improve shoulder mobility and strength after the surgery.
The advantages of arthroscopy compared to open surgery with a large incision include
Correct rehabilitation for Shoulder Arthroscopy is very important for recovery. Ranka Orthopedic Hospital offers patients the opportunity to do so at our specialist centre in Pune.
Dr.Ramesh Ranka (M.S Ortho)
Dr.Rajeev Arora (M.S Ortho)
Dr.Sachin Tapasvi(M.S Ortho)