Understanding Shoulder Arthroscopy: A Comprehensive Guide
Shoulder pain can be a debilitating condition that affects your day-to-day life. Sometimes, conservative treatments like rest and medication may not be enough to alleviate the pain. In such cases, your orthopedic surgeon may suggest a minimally invasive surgical procedure called shoulder arthroscopy. This procedure uses a small camera called an arthroscope, which is inserted into your shoulder joint through a small incision. It allows your surgeon to visualize and repair the shoulder structures through a few tiny incisions rather than a large, open incision. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at shoulder arthroscopy - what it is, what to expect, and how it can help relieve your pain.
What is Shoulder Arthroscopy?
Shoulder arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that allows your orthopedic surgeon to diagnose and treat problems in your shoulder joint. The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis, which means you can go home the same day. During the procedure, your surgeon will make a few tiny incisions around your shoulder joint. He or she will then insert the arthroscope, a small camera that displays an image of the inside of your shoulder joint on a video monitor. This makes it possible for your surgeon to visualize the joint structures and perform various surgical procedures through the small incisions.
What Can You Expect During the Procedure?
Before the procedure, your surgeon will discuss the risks and benefits with you and give you instructions on how to prepare. You may need to stop taking certain medications, fast for a few hours before the procedure, or arrange for someone to drive you home. The procedure itself usually takes around an hour, depending on the complexity, after which you will be taken to a recovery room to rest. You will be discharged once you have recovered from the anesthesia and have been given some instructions on how to care for yourself at home. Full recovery can take several weeks to months, depending on the extent of the procedure.
What Can Shoulder Arthroscopy Help With?
Shoulder arthroscopy can be used to treat various conditions that cause shoulder pain, such as rotator cuff tears, labral tears, impingement syndrome, dislocation, and frozen shoulder. The surgeon can repair the damaged structures, remove inflamed tissues or bone spurs, and release tight tissues to relieve symptoms and improve your range of motion. It may also be used as a diagnostic tool to identify the cause of persistent shoulder pain.
What Are the Benefits of Shoulder Arthroscopy?
Compared to traditional open surgery, shoulder arthroscopy offers several advantages. It involves smaller incisions, so there is less damage to the surrounding tissues. This means less pain, swelling, and scarring, and a faster recovery time. The procedure is also less risky and has a lower risk of infection. It may also be less expensive than open surgery, as it can be performed on an outpatient basis. Additionally, it can provide a more accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment, leading to better outcomes and fewer complications.
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing shoulder pain that is affecting your quality of life, seeking the help of an orthopedic surgeon may be the best option for you. Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that can help diagnose and treat a range of shoulder conditions. It offers several benefits over traditional open surgery, including smaller incisions, faster recovery, and better outcomes. If you’re looking for an orthopedic surgeon in Lake Mary, FL, look no further than Central Florida Bone & Joint Institute. Our experienced and compassionate team is dedicated to helping you find relief from your shoulder pain. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how shoulder arthroscopy can help you.