Arthroscopy of the Shoulder

Arthroscopy of the shoulder is a surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat problems within the shoulder joint. The procedure involves inserting a small camera, called an arthroscope, into the joint through a series of small incisions. This allows the surgeon to visualize the internal structures of the shoulder on a monitor and perform repairs or other treatments as needed.

Indications for Shoulder Arthroscopy

• Tendonitis or tears in the rotator cuff tendons
• Labral tears, which are injuries to the cartilage that surrounds the socket of the shoulder joint
• Shoulder impingement syndrome, where the tendons of the rotator cuff become pinched under the acromion bone
• Adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder, which is characterized by stiffness and limited mobility in the shoulder joint
• Loose or foreign bodies within the joint, such as bone fragments or cartilage pieces
• Osteoarthritis of the shoulder, to remove loose fragments of cartilage or bone spurs

Procedure Details

The arthroscopy procedure typically begins with the patient being placed under general anesthesia or regional anesthesia. The surgeon then makes several small incisions around the shoulder joint, through which the arthroscope and other surgical instruments are inserted.

The arthroscope is connected to a camera and monitor system that allows the surgeon to see inside the joint. The surgeon uses this visualization to identify any problems within the joint and perform necessary repairs or treatments.

Types of Arthroscopic Procedures for the Shoulder

• Rotator cuff repair: This involves repairing tears in the rotator cuff tendons, which can be done through arthroscopy or a combination of arthroscopy and open surgery.
• Labral repair: This involves repairing tears in the labrum, the cartilage that surrounds the socket of the shoulder joint.
• Subacromial decompression: This involves removing bone spurs or inflamed tissue from under the acromion bone to relieve pressure on the rotator cuff tendons.
• Debridement: This involves removing loose fragments of cartilage, bone, or other debris from within the joint.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and potential complications associated with shoulder arthroscopy. These may include:

• Infection
• Bleeding or hematoma
• Nerve damage
• Shoulder stiffness or limited mobility
• Reaction to anesthesia

Recovery and Rehabilitation

After shoulder arthroscopy, patients typically require a period of recovery and rehabilitation. This may involve:

• Pain management with medication or ice
• Immobilization in a sling to protect the joint and allow healing
• Physical therapy exercises to restore range of motion and strength
• Gradual return to normal activities, including sports or heavy lifting

The length of recovery time can vary depending on the specific procedure performed and the individual patient's condition. Generally, patients can expect to make a full recovery within several weeks to months after surgery.