Shoulder Arthroscopy

Shoulder Arthroscopy Surgery in Chirag Enclave, Delhi

Arthroscopy is a procedure wherein your surgeon will insert an arthroscope into your joints to visualize the problem and sometimes even rectify it. This procedure is minimally invasive and is done through a small incision of about 1 cm. An arthroscope is an endoscope that is inserted into the joints and transmits high-definition video to a monitor attached.
To know more, consult an orthopedic doctor near you or visit an orthopedic hospital near you.

What is shoulder arthroscopy?

In shoulder arthroscopy, a surgeon visualizes your shoulder joint to diagnose the problem and if the problem is rectifiable, then he/she can even perform the surgery through different minimally invasive incisions. This is made possible by an arthroscope and pencil-thin surgical instruments.

How is shoulder arthroscopy done?

Step 1: The anesthesia team will administer a local anesthetic which will numb your shoulder joint. Some surgeons feel that patients become uneasy sitting in the same position for long durations of time and can, hence, prefer to put patients under light general anesthesia.

Step 2: The position of your arm is fixed. The position is such that the surgeon gets maximum access to your shoulder joint and the arthroscope can transmit clear images to the monitor, where surgeon can observe the joint

Step 3: The team will then clear the area of any unwanted hair, use an antiseptic to make the area aseptic and the incision is made.

Step 4: The arthroscope is inserted into the joint. If the joint is not visible, then a fluid is inserted into the joint to swell it up, and hence, visibility becomes better. The surgeon then diagnoses the condition.

Step 5: Depending upon the condition, the surgeon can repair the ailment using fine surgical tools, inserted from other incisions.

Swelling might be present in the post-operative days, but it can be dealt with ice-rubs. Medicines prescribed by your doctor should take care of the pain and it should not bother you much.

Sometimes, physiotherapy may be recommended by your physician to ensure complete recovery of the joint.

For what conditions is a shoulder arthroscopy  recommended?

• When the cartilage or ligament is damaged
• Instability of shoulder
• Dislocation of shoulder
• Biceps tendon damage
• Biceps tendon tearing
• Rotator cuff damage
• Frozen shoulder
• Arthritis

What are the general benefits of this procedure?

Shoulder arthroscopy is recommended when the shoulder pain is not subsiding even after medications and physiotherapy. Shoulder arthroscopy can also be used to repair common rotator cuff injuries and any injuries in the labrum (inside) of the shoulder joint and also, repair of the ligaments affected can be done using this procedure. 
The recovery from any arthroscopy procedure is way less complicated and faster compared to an open surgery.

Who can conduct shoulder arthroscopy?

Any registered surgeon can do an arthroscopy but it is recommended that you visit an orthopedic specialist near you for the procedure.

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Chirag Enclave, New Delhi.

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

What are some risks?

Shoulder arthroscopy is generally deemed a safe procedure, however it presents some risks such as Vascular injury

• Neurological injury
• Extravasation of fluid
• Stiffening of shoulder joint
• Tendon injury
• Failure of equipment being used

Conclusion

Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure and is deployed for multiple conditions to diagnose and treat various problems related to the shoulder joint.  If you have any apprehensions or questions regarding the procedure, then you must discuss these with your healthcare provider at the earliest.