Shoulder Arthroscopy
A shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure performed to diagnose and/or treat shoulder conditions and injuries. It is preferred over an open procedure as it has fewer complications, less painful, a shorter hospital stay and a faster recovery. However, not all conditions can be treated via this route.
The procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic. You will be positioned in a semi-sitting position with your head stabilised away from the side of the procedure. A minimum of two small keyhole incisions are made to allow insertion of the arthroscope and any instruments required for the procedure. The surgeon will inject a large amount of sterile fluid into the joint to expand the joint and clear blood to get a clear view of the joint. The images captured by the arthroscope are viewed on a large screen and the surgeon can also save copies of static images and short video clips of the procedure. At the end of the procedure, the surgeon will put a few stitches on the wound areas which can be removed between 10 – 14 days after the procedure.
The following conditions can be treated via a shoulder arthroscopy:
Frozen shoulder or stiffness
Shoulder impingement
Shoulder instability
Bicep’s rupture
Rotator cuff tears
Risks and complications
Infection - While you still have stitches on the wounds, you must keep your wounds clean and dry. It is also important to maintain underarm hygiene as this can pre-dispose you to infections.
Bleeding - It is not unusual for some blood-stained watery fluid to continue to leaf from your wound after the surgery. Do apply a towel on your bed for the first couple of nights to prevent staining your bed.
Nerve damage - this is very rare, and you should contact your consultant if the initial numbness from the anaesthetic block does not wear off after 24hrs.
Shoulder stiffness - You must follow the exercise plan given to you by the physiotherapist to prevent your shoulder form stiffening. The types of exercises will depend on the procedure and instructions from the surgeon.
Pain - Take your painkillers regularly as this will also enable you to comply with your exercises.it is recommended you use ice therapy regularly as this will help with your pain and swelling
Recovery from Shoulder Arthroscopy
Recovery will take anything between 2 weeks to several months depending on the procedures performed during the operation such as repairs. Please follow your surgeon’s post operative instructions for the relevant rehabilitation protocol for your procedure.
References
NHS (2022) What is an arthroscopy? Arthroscopy. Accessed 28 September 2022 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/arthroscopy/
Shoulderdoc (2022) Bones & Joints of the Shoulder. Accessed 18 September 2022
Sonnabend D. H. and Young, A.A. (2009) Comparative anatomy of the rotator cuff. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British volume. Vol. 91-B, No. 12