shoulder arthroscopy

Shoulder arthroscopy: Arthroscopy, or minimally invasive “keyhole” surgery, allows the surgeon to view the shoulder joint, make an accurate diagnosis, and treat the condition with an operation that requires very small cuts in the skin. We use specially made instruments that fit through small incisions in the skin and visualize the shoulder using a camera. Because this technique alters the shoulder joint less than open surgery, the hospital stay is shorter and recovery is smoother than with “open surgery.”
There are several conditions that can be treated with arthroscopic shoulder surgery:

rotator cuff tears
shoulder impingement
frozen shoulders
Shoulder dislocations or instability
Cartilage or labrum tears
SLAP lesions
Bankart lesions
Loose particles in the joint
Calcific tendinitis
infections
biceps tendinopathy
You will need some preoperative tests to make sure you are fit for general anesthesia. We will ask you to complete some questionnaires prior to surgery. We are part of an international group that studies the results of different operations to ensure that the surgical results are satisfactory. We have you complete similar questionnaires at the end of your treatment. You will be admitted to the hospital the morning of surgery. All rings must be removed from your hand prior to surgery. Usually there will be 3 very small incisions around the shoulder. Occasionally there will be up to 6 small incisions if there are multiple facets to the surgery. Patients are usually discharged home the same day or the morning after surgery.
Arthroscopic Capsular Release is performed for frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) that does not resolve with conservative treatment. In this surgery, through 2-3 puncture holes, a radiofrequency device is used to cut through the thick and contracted shoulder capsule, providing immediate improvement in shoulder movements. As the inflammation is eliminated, the pain also decreases. The puncture holes are then closed with 1 stitch each, and the arm is placed in a sling. Patients are discharged the same day or the next morning. Aggressive exercises are started. Sling is discontinued in a few days. The stitches are removed 2 weeks after surgery. The exercises are essential for at least 3 months to maintain full movements without pain.
Rotator cuff repair is necessary when the rotator cuff tendons are torn as a result of injury, overuse, or impingement of the shoulder. Patients have pain and weakness when raising the arm. Repair is usually done by arthroscopic surgery (keyhole technique), open surgery is rarely needed. Using 3-6 small puncture holes, we visualize the tear using a camera. Suture anchors: small screws with loaded points, are placed in the bone. The rotator cuff tendons are sewn to the bone with these stitches. The bony arch above the tendons (acromion) is simultaneously shaved to create space for the rotator cuff tendons to glide freely; this is called subacromial decompression. After surgery, you are discharged from the hospital the same day or the next morning. You will be in a sling for a few weeks. Progressive exercises begin the day after surgery. It takes at least 3 to 6 months to regain strength in the shoulder. He is ready for contact sports after about 9 months after surgery. The suture anchors used are generally made of bioabsorbable materials and do not need to be removed later.