Shoulder Arthroscopy is a surgery that relieves the patient from shoulder pain and restores the functionality of the shoulder.

In this type of surgery, the surgeon evaluates the shoulder region and fixes the tears by using special instruments and making small incisions.

The Arthroscope is a device that consists of a camera and light to inspect and repair problems of the joint. It is a minimally invasive procedure and guarantees less pain. It deals with diseases involving the bones, tissues, ligaments, tendons, cartilage and muscles of the shoulder joint.

Indications of Shoulder Arthroscopy

This surgery is meant for people who didn’t get benefit from physical therapy, injections or medications. Cases include:

A torn rotator cuff
Shoulder stiffness
A torn or damaged biceps tendon or cartilage ring
Bone spurs
Removal of inflamed tissue
Shoulder instability
Shoulder impingement
Clavicle arthritis/ arthritis of the collarbone
Debridement/drainage of shoulder joint shoulder
Causes

Traumatic injury
Dislocation of shoulder joints
A disease of the bones
Overuse of joint
Diagnosis and tests

Physical examination
MRI
Ultrasound
CT Scan
EMG (electromyogram)
Shoulder Arthroscopy Procedure

Before Procedure

A complete physical examination of the affected area is done by the physician.
The medical history should be provided to the doctor including medications being taken.
The doctor may ask to stop for certain medications before the surgery such as blood thinners.
The patient is advised to stop smoking as it will adversely affect the wound and recovery.
The patient will be asked to fast for 8 -12 hours before surgery.
If the patient is asked to take any drugs, then he/ she should do it with a small sip of water.
During Procedure

Generally, the shoulder arthroscopy is an outpatient surgery. However, it may depend on the health of the patient.
Most surgeries take less than one hour but the time may vary from person to person.
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
The patient may be lying down with arm propped up or in a semi-seated position.
Sterile fluid is injected into the area which expands the surgical site for a good view.
A small cut is made and the arthroscope is inserted.
Images that are captured by the arthroscope can be viewed on the monitor.
Then, the surgical instruments are inserted into the joint to remove and repair the damaged area.
After taking the instruments out, the incisions are closed either with small sterile bandages or stitches.
After Procedure

The patient will be monitored for about 1 to 2 hours after surgery before being discharged from the hospital.
The shoulder may swell after the surgery, a pack of ice can be placed on the swollen area 3-4 times a day to minimize the swelling.
The patient may experience discomfort and pain for at least a week but medications will be provided to control the pain.
The patient may be asked to wear an immobilizer to protect the shoulder.
The surgeon may request a physical therapist depending on the complexity of the repair.
Recovery of the patient will depend on the type of repair and procedure performed.