Shoulder Arthroscopy Surgery
What is Shoulder Arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic and surgical procedure performed for joint problems. Shoulder arthroscopy is
performed using a pencil-sized instrument called an arthroscope which is inserted into the shoulder joint. The arthroscope consists
of a light system and camera that projects images onto a computer screen for Dr. Jay to view the inside of the joint.
Arthroscopy may be used to treat disease conditions and injuries involving the bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and muscles
of the shoulder joint.
Shoulder Anatomy
The shoulder joint is made up of a ball and socket joint, where the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) articulates with the
socket of the scapula (shoulder blade) called the glenoid. The two articulating surfaces of the bones are covered with cartilage,
which prevents friction between the moving bones enabling smooth movement. Tendons and ligaments around the shoulder joint provide
strength and stability to the joint.
Indications of Shoulder Arthroscopy
Shoulder arthroscopy is indicated to treat the following shoulder conditions when conservative treatment such as medication and
therapy fails to relieve pain and disability:
- Shoulder Impingement: this occurs when the shoulder blade applies pressure on the underlying soft tissues when the arm is lifted
- Rotator cuff tear
- Frozen shoulder or stiffness of the shoulder joint
- Shoulder Instability: this occurs when the head of the upper arm bone slips out of the socket of the shoulder blade’s glenoid cavity either due to injury or overuse
- Damaged cartilage or ligaments
- SLAP tear
- Bone spurs or bony projections
Shoulder Arthroscopy Procedure
Dr. Jay performs shoulder arthroscopy under general or regional anesthesia. You may be positioned sitting in a semi-seated position called beach-chair position. Sterile fluid is injected into the shoulder joint to expand the surgical area,
so Dr. Jay has a clear view of the damage and room to work. A button-sized hole is made in the shoulder and the arthroscope is
inserted. Dr. Jay can view images captured by the camera in the arthroscope on a large monitor. Surgical instruments are introduced
into the joint through separate small holes to remove and repair the damage to the joint. After surgery, the instruments are removed, and
the incisions are closed with stitches or small sterile bandage strips.
Rehabilitation
Following your shoulder arthroscopy you will be placed in an arm pouch to rest your arm. You will be initiated on hand, finger, wrist and elbow exercises. Shoulder exercises may begin soon after surgery or after delay by a few days depending on the procedure undertaken.
