Shoulder Arthroscopy
3min ReadShoulder arthroscopy is an operation that is performed to examine and repair the shoulder joint. In this operation, instead of splitting the surgical site, small cuts are made at the site of the surgery, and an instrument called the arthroscope enters the site. This tube like tool is equipped with a camera that displays the image obtained from the shoulder joint on a display; by looking at this picture, the doctor will be able to diagnose the problem and to perform surgical operations by inserting surgical instruments from other sections.
Duration of treatment
Since the surgery is done with very small cuts, the duration of recovery is less than the duration of open surgery. Yet, your body will need time to fully recover. In most cases, this recovery period will take from 1 to 6 months, depending on the type of repair performed, but there are many ways to accelerate the recovery process, which will be discussed further.
Related paraclinics
Your orthopedic surgeon may ask you to go to your general practitioner to make sure you are not having other medical problems that may interfere with the surgery you are taking. You may be required to undergo blood tests, take an electrocardiogram and take x-rays of your chest before surgery.
Preoperative care, operation process, and postoperative care
Preoperative care:
The health center will talk with you about the necessary care before the surgery. Be sure to follow these instructions; for example, you may be asked not to use water and food for a few hours before surgery. Also, an anesthetist will talk with you about anesthesia options before an operation.
In shoulder arthroscopy, local anesthesia is commonly used; however, some surgeons prefer to use a combination of local and general anesthesia because if the patient is completely alert, the patient will be tired of being in a steady state.
Operation process:
The surgeon first injects a kind of fluid into the joint to swell. It will be easier to see the shoulder structure through the arthroscope this way. The surgeon then creates a small incision (as much as a button cavity) on the shoulder to insert the arthroscope into the shoulder through it. The fluid is inserted through the arthroscope into the joint so that a clear view is obtained and the bleeding is controlled. A fluid is inserted through the arthroscope into the joint so that a clear view is obtained and the bleeding is controlled. The images obtained from the arthroscope are shown on a screen and the surgeon identifies the injuries involved by observing these images. When the problem is diagnosed, the surgeon repairs the damage by inserting other small devices through separate incisions. Then the surgeon removes the arthroscope and surgical instruments and stitches the gaps. Suture site will be covered by dressing.
Postoperative care:
After surgery, follow your doctor’s advice and take prescribed medications. Using cold compresses can help relieve pain and swelling. Sleeping in a flat position may also cause you to hurt. For this reason, some patients prefer to lie down on a comfortable chair or sit down on the bed in the first few days.
Surgical Tips:
Possible risks include:
- Blood clotting
- Damage to nerves and blood vessels
- Infection
- Excessive bleeding
Reviews
Number of pending reviews173