Shoulder Arthroscopy

Orthopedic surgeons use arthroscopic techniques to examine and repair injuries or other problems inside a joint.

Shoulder arthroscopy involves insertion of a small camera, called an arthroscope, into the shoulder to view the joint. Images from the camera are transmitted to a television monitor, allowing your surgeon to guide the use of small surgical instruments.

Because the arthroscope is thin and miniature surgical instruments are used, only tiny incisions are needed compared to the larger incisions required for open surgery. This decreases pain and shortens recovery time for patients, returning you to your favorite activities more quickly.

Surgeons have performed shoulder arthroscopy since the 1970s, and new techniques and instruments are developed every year.

Here at YourOrthoSolution, we have extensive experience and specialization in the latest techniques. We want to help you start the healing process as soon as possible and get you on the path to recovery. We have some of the top surgeons and sports medicine physicians in the country. We are dedicated to getting you back to the things you love through a customized plan that fits only you. Our caring team always goes that extra step to make you feel a part of our family. Your physician at YourOrthoSolution will customize a treatment plan that will work best for you as an individual to facilitate a fast recovery.

When Shoulder Arthroscopy is Recommended

Your doctor will likely recommend nonsurgical treatment first, including physical therapy, altering activity, rest, pain medication, or injections to reduce inflammation. Inflammation is a natural reaction of the body to damage. Inflammation in a diseased or injured shoulder joint can lead to pain, swelling, and stiffness.

If nonsurgical treatment is not sufficient to relieve your pain, your surgeon may suggest shoulder arthroscopy. Our doctors at YourOrthoSolution are conservative and do not recommend surgery until all other treatments have been attempted to relieve your pain.

Overuse, injury, and age-related wear and tear are the most common causes of shoulder problems. Shoulder arthroscopy can be used to repair damage and relieve pain caused by damage to the rotator cuff tendons, cartilage, or other soft tissues surrounding the joint.

Common arthroscopic procedures include bone spur removal, rotator cuff repair, removal of loose cartilage or inflamed tissue, ligament repair, repair or removal of the labrum, and repair of recurring shoulder dislocation. Nerve release, cyst excision, and fracture repair can also be performed arthroscopically. However, some surgical procedures must be performed using traditional open surgery with larger incisions, such as shoulder replacement.

Procedure

Your surgeon will begin by inflating the joint using injection of fluid into the shoulder. This provides a better view of the shoulder structures. A small incision is then made in your shoulder, about the size of a buttonhole, allowing your surgeon to insert the arthroscope. The images from the arthroscope are transmitted to a video monitor so that the surgeon can examine any damage to the join. Fluid will continue to flow through the arthroscope to control bleeding and maintain the surgeon’s view.

After diagnosing the problem, the surgeon uses small, specialized instruments inserted through separate small incisions to repair the problem. Specialized instruments are used for cutting, shaving, suturing (inserting stitches), or anchoring stitches into the bone.

Your surgeon may use sutures or Steri-Strips™ to hold together your incisions for healing and cover them with a large, soft bandage.

No matter which type of surgery is performed, YourOrthoSolution is always keeping you in mind and looking for the least-invasive way to repair your injury.

All of our doctors and staff at YourOrthoSolution are dedicated to ensuring that you not only receive the best orthopedic care in the area but also have an exceptional experience each time you visit our locations. Our dedicated staff will handle all insurance processes for you. You can expect to be in a friendly atmosphere and receive top orthopedic treatment to help you return to your usual activities as quickly as possible.