Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat various shoulder conditions. It involves inserting a small camera (arthroscope) into the shoulder joint through a small incision (about the size of a buttonhole). The camera displays images on a video monitor, allowing the surgeon to inspect the inside of the joint and identify any damage or issues. Additional small incisions are made to insert surgical instruments to repair or treat the identified problems.

When is Shoulder Arthroscopy Recommended?

Shoulder arthroscopy may be recommended for conditions like:

• Rotator cuff tears
• Labrum tears or damage
• Shoulder instability or dislocation
• Bone spurs or impingement
• Removal of loose cartilage or inflamed tissue
• Arthritis of the shoulder joint

It is often recommended when non-surgical treatments like rest, physical therapy, or injections fail to provide relief.

Procedure Details

• The patient is positioned in either a beach chair or lateral decubitus position for optimal access.
• The joint is inflated with fluid for better visualization.
• Specialized instruments are used for tasks like shaving, cutting, grasping, suture passing, and knot tying.
• Common procedures include rotator cuff repair, labrum repair, ligament repair, and removal of loose bodies or inflamed tissue.

Benefits & Recovery

In summary, shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive technique that allows surgeons to diagnose and treat various shoulder conditions through small incisions, offering benefits like less pain, faster recovery, and improved outcomes compared to traditional open surgery.

• Less pain, stiffness, and complications compared to open surgery.
• Typically an outpatient procedure with smaller incisions and faster recovery.
• Recovery time varies based on the specific procedure, from a few days to a few months.
• Physical therapy is often recommended for optimal recovery and regaining full shoulder function.

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