Shoulder Arthroscopy

Shoulder Arthroscopy Surgery in MRC Nagar, Chennai

Arthroscopy is an orthopedic surgery during which your doctor will view the inside of a joint through a small camera called a scope. It is done for a wide variety of orthopedic conditions by the best orthopedic surgeon in Chennai.

What is a shoulder arthroscopy?

When the shoulder joint is evaluated through an arthroscopic procedure to diagnose and treat any injury or condition, it is referred to as shoulder arthroscopy.

What causes shoulder pain?

• Rotator Cuff Injury - The rotator cuff consists of muscles that keep the shoulder bone centered in the joint.
• Rotator Cuff Degeneration- These muscles may also suffer from age-related wear and tear causing pain and stiffness.
• Tendinitis - Muscles are attached to bones via tendons which may get swollen and this is called tendinitis.
• Shoulder Fracture - Road traffic accidents can result in a fracture of bones in the shoulder joint. 
• Shoulder Impingement - Tendons beneath the shoulder bones may get impinged due to swelling inside the joint, abnormal bone growth, etc. This leads to painful shoulder movements.

When do you need to see a doctor?

If you have shoulder pain because of the conditions mentioned above, consult an ortho doctor near you.

Request an appointment at Apollo Hospitals, MRC Nagar, Chennai.

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

How do you prepare for the surgery?

• Your orthopedic doctor will prescribe pain-relieving medicines.
• You will be advised to stop certain medications like steroids or blood thinners.
• A few exercises may also be advised to prevent shoulder and hand stiffness.

How is the procedure done?

• Anesthesia will be given.
• You will be positioned in a way to keep the shoulder joint relaxed and well-supported.
• Tiny incisions are made around your shoulder to insert the arthroscope that helps to view the parts inside the shoulder joint.
• The arthroscope is connected to a small monitor on which your orthopedic surgeon can see what is damaged inside.
• On confirming the extent of the damage, a few more cuts are made to push in instruments that repair or reconstruct damaged tissues.
• The cuts are stitched back and a bandage is applied.
• The hand will then be placed in a shoulder sling.

Open repair surgery: If your orthopedic surgeon, during a shoulder arthroscopic evaluation, finds that the damage inside your shoulder joint is severe, an open repair surgery is recommended.

Post-surgery care

• You will be advised to follow up with your ortho doctor after 2 weeks for stitch removal.
• Shoulder sling is to be worn at all times at home and outside for the initial 2-4 weeks.
• Your physiotherapist will instruct you on certain hand exercises and icing to reduce swelling.

What are the complications?

• Excessive bleeding (rare)
• Damage to surrounding tissues
• Shoulder weakness and stiffness

Conclusion

A shoulder arthroscopy is a useful procedure for diagnosing the source of your shoulder pain and subsequently repairing it.