Shoulder Arthroscopy

What is shoulder arthroscopy?

Your shoulder connects your upper arm to your torso and consists of muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery using a thin, lighted tube with a camera attached to view or make repairs inside of your shoulder. 

Why might I need shoulder arthroscopy?

Your Twin Palm Orthopedics specialist may recommend shoulder arthroscopy to diagnose or treat the following conditions:

• Shoulder pain
• Overuse injuries
• Age-related wear and tear
• Rotator cuff damage
• Labral tears
• Cartilage damage
• Ligament damage
• Loose cartilage
• Inflamed tissue
• Recurrent shoulder dislocation
• Fractures
• Cysts

Your orthopedic surgeon can diagnose common shoulder injuries using arthroscopic procedures. They review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, examine your shoulder joint, and might recommend you undergo diagnostic tests. 

Diagnostic tests may include blood tests, X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, or other imaging procedures.

What are the benefits of shoulder arthroscopy?

Some of the benefits of shoulder arthroscopy include:

• Less pain
• Injury repair
• Minimal bleeding
• Low risk of complications
• Small incisions
• Shorter recovery time
• Less scarring

Shoulder arthroscopy is a highly effective procedure that can reduce discomfort, increase shoulder strength and range of motion, and restore the joint’s structure.

How should I prepare for shoulder arthroscopy?

Prepare for shoulder arthroscopy by following your surgeon’s instructions. Stop taking certain medications or supplements and avoid eating or drinking anything after midnight before surgery. Wear comfortable clothes and arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.

What happens during the procedure?

Before shoulder arthroscopy, your anesthesia provider gives you local, regional, or general anesthesia to ensure you don’t feel any pain. Then, they make tiny incisions in your shoulder joint and use a small lighted camera to view the inside and remove or repair tissues if needed. 

What should I expect after shoulder arthroscopy?

After shoulder arthroscopy, your surgeon closes the incisions and takes you to a recovery area to rest. You can often go home the same day as surgery as long as someone drives you there. 

You will be provided a shoulder sling or immobilizer to protect your shoulder while it heals. You should ice your joint, and take medications as directed. Avoid lifting your arm until your specialist says it’s okay, and complete physical therapy sessions to speed up healing and increase joint strength.

To learn more about shoulder arthroscopy and determine if it’s right for you, call the Twin Palm Orthopedics office or schedule an appointment online today.