Shoulder arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that involves the use of an arthroscope, a small camera, to inspect and repair the tissues within or surrounding the Best Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgeon in Hyderabad shoulder joint. The camera is inserted through a small incision, allowing the surgeon to visualize the inside of the joint and perform necessary repairs or removal of damaged tissue.
The procedure is often used to diagnose and treat conditions such as rotator cuff tears, shoulder impingement, and arthritis. It is a minimally invasive procedure that can help to reduce pain and improve joint function
Shoulder arthroscopy may be recommended for a variety of conditions affecting the shoulder joint.
Some common indications for the procedure include:
- Rotator cuff tears: Tears in the tendons or muscles that surround the shoulder joint can lead to pain and weakness. Arthroscopy can be used to repair or remove these tears.
- Impingement syndrome: When the tendons or bursa (small fluid-filled sacs) in the shoulder become compressed, it can cause pain and inflammation. Arthroscopy can be used to remove the bursa or reshape the bones to relieve impingement.
- Arthritis: Arthritis in the shoulder joint can cause pain and stiffness. Arthroscopy can be used to remove bone spurs and smooth out rough surfaces in the joint to relieve symptoms.
- Frozen shoulder: When the shoulder joint becomes stiff and difficult to move, it is called frozen shoulder. Arthroscopy can be used to remove scar tissue and relieve stiffness.
- Instability: If the shoulder joint is loose or unstable, arthroscopy can be used to repair or tighten the ligaments that hold the joint in place.
- Recurrent dislocations: If the shoulder keeps dislocating, arthroscopy can be used to repair or tighten the ligaments that hold the joint in place.
It is important to note that shoulder arthroscopy is not recommended for everyone and other non-surgical options such as physiotherapy or medication may be considered before proceeding with the surgery.
Once in the operating room, the surgeon positions the patient in a way that allows them to easily use the arthroscope to view the inside of the shoulder. The two most common positions for shoulder arthroscopy are
- Beach chair position – similar to sitting in a reclining chair.
- Lateral decubitus position – This position involves lying on the side of an operating table. The choice of position will depend on the specific procedure being performed and the surgeon’s preferences.
Once in position, the surgical team will remove any necessary hair and clean the shoulder with an antiseptic solution. They will then cover the shoulder and arm with sterile drapes and may use a holding device to keep the arm still during the procedure.
The procedure for shoulder arthroscopy usually takes less than an hour. This procedure involves:
- A fluid is injected into the shoulder to inflate the joint for better visibility during the procedure.
- The a small puncture is made in the shoulder for the arthroscope to be inserted.
- The same fluid then flows through the arthroscope to maintain a clear view and control any bleeding.
- Images from the arthroscope are projected on a video screen for the surgeon to view the inside of the shoulder and for any damage.
- Once the problem is identified, insertion of other small instruments through separate incisions is used to treat it.
- In some cases, special devices may be used to anchor stitches into bone.
Shoulder arthroscopy is a procedure that is typically done on an outpatient basis and one can return home the same day. The procedure typically takes less than an hour to complete. The post operative care includes:
- 1-2 hours of monitorization is done before being discharged home.
- Pain medication is given as needed.
Shoulder arthroscopy is generally considered a safe procedure with few complications. However, as with any surgical procedure, there is always a risk of complications, which are typically minor and can be treated effectively.
Minor complications might include:
- Blood clots.
- Damage to blood vessels or nerves.
- Excessive bleeding or swelling.
- Infection.
