Shoulder Arthroscopy
What is shoulder arthroscopy?
Shoulder arthroscopy is a procedure that inserts a very small camera called an arthroscope into the joint to assess, diagnose and treat any problems that may be occurring in the shoulder joint. The camera or arthroscope allows your orthopedic surgeon to display an image onto a screen or monitor.
Shoulder arthroscopy is used either to examine or repair the tissues around or inside your shoulder joint.
These images allow the surgeon to see what they are doing and miniature surgical tools are inserted into the arthroscope to perform the necessary shoulder repairs during your procedure.
Shoulder arthroscopy is used to examine what is happening in and around the shoulder joint that may be causing you any pain or discomfort and is also used to apply treatment to make any necessary tissue repairs. It is a more non-invasive procedure and a small incision or incisions are made to insert the camera and surgical tools.
It’s a procedure that is recommended by surgeons if your shoulder hasn’t responded to non-surgical treatment such as rest, physiotherapy, etc
Surgery Information
Before the Surgery
Your surgeon will explain to you before the operation how the procedure works and what you can expect so you will be fully informed. If you have any questions these are welcomed to ensure you have all the information you need prior to surgery.
As you will be given anesthesia you will need to arrange for transport home after the operation as you will be unable to drive yourself.
After the Surgery
You will probably experience pain and swelling for several weeks after your procedure. Ice will help with the swelling and pain killers will provide pain relief. You will need to wear a sling after shoulder arthroscopy and the length of time you need a sling will depend on what type of shoulder condition was being treated. At the very least you will need to wear a sling for a week but some will have to wear a sling for several weeks.
Healing time can take anywhere between 1 – 6 months depending on the treatment required to help repair your shoulder joint.
You should be able to do easier daily activities in about 2 – 3 weeks after allowing office workers for example to go back to work at this time, but for those who do more manual work such as lifting, you will probably be off work for between 3 – 4 months. During this time you will be monitored by your surgeon who will provide any support you need and answer any questions you have
During this rehabilitation period, your physiotherapist will also be able to advise you around what exercises they would recommend to help you improve muscle strength around your shoulder area and these will differ depending on the affected area of the shoulder.
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