Shoulder arthroscopy
Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical method,that treats a large number of shoulder conditions. Using a small camera (arthroscope) inserted through a small incision, the surgeon will examine the area around and above the joint, i.e. tissues, cartilage, bones, tendons and ligaments. Arthroscopic toolsare inserted through one to three smaller incisions and the process of correcting damage to muscles, tendons or cartilage begins.
Indications
Arthroscopy may be recommended for the treatment of the following shoulder problems:
Evaluation and treatment of shoulder instability
Assessment and treatment labrum tears and SLAP lesions
Pathology of the long head of the biceps
Rupture of the rotator cuff
Shoulder stiffness, frozen shoulder syndrome
Impingment syndrome
Pathology of the acromioclavicular joint
Removal of free/loose bodies
Surgical debridement/drainage of inflammation
Which procedures are done arthroscopically
Suturing of tendons (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis)
Tenodesis-Tenotomy of the long head of the biceps
Treatment of shoulder dislocation
Treatment of impingment syndrome with acromioplasty
Treatment of articular cartilage injuries (chondropathies)
Removal of free/loose bodies
Treatment of shoulder fractures
Removal of synovial membrane for biopsy
Advantages of shoulder arthroscopy
Minimal injury to the soft tissues of the joint,
Bloodless surgery,
Less post-operative pain,
Faster post-operative recovery
Complications
Although uncommon, complications can occur during or after arthroscopy. Local complications of arthroscopic procedures (<1%) may include infection, venous thrombosis, bleeding, and vessel-nerve injury.
Postoperative course
Depending on the surgery, the length of hospital stay varies from 2 hours to 1 day, depending , depending on the severity of the surgery. Postoperatively, our patients receive a detailed recovery and exercise program. Their close post-operative monitoring ensures a smooth recovery.
