about the procedure

The diagnosis and treatment of shoulder jointjointThe junction or articulation of two or more bones that permits varying degrees of motion between the bones. problems have improved greatly since a minimally invasive procedure called arthroscopy was developed. Arthroscopy allows the surgeon to see inside the shoulder and to carry out procedures through tiny incisions.

Arthroscopic surgerysurgeryThe branch of medicine concerned with the treatment of disease, injury, and deformity by operation or manipula... also can be used to diagnose and treat shoulder injuries.

How does arthroscopy work?

Arthroscopy uses a device called an arthroscope. This tiny, pen-shaped instrument has a micro video camera attached to the end. The arthroscope is inserted through a tiny incision in the shoulder. The camera relays images to a computer screen. The surgeon can use the images to diagnose the jointjointThe junction between the ends of two adjacent bones. problem and to carry out appropriate surgery.

During the surgery, several tiny incisions are made to insert the arthroscope and surgical instruments. First, the surgeon uses the arthroscope to view the shoulder and evaluate the bones, tendonstendonsFibrous bands, one at each end of a muscle, that connect the muscle to bones., and ligaments. Then the surgeon uses small instruments to make necessary repairs.

This minimally invasive approach to surgery can help speed recovery, reduce painpainAn unpleasant sensation associated with actual or potential tissue damage, and mediated by specific nerve fibe..., and minimize scarring, when compared with traditional "open" surgery.

• Patient Jennifer says she is pleased with the results of her arthroscopic surgery, returning to work within a week. "The surgeon did a great job and was very supportive before and after the surgery. He only did what he needed to do during the procedure. I was so happy he could do what he needed to do arthroscopically."

Jennifer also says she is delighted that her scars are so minimal. "I had two tiny incisions—and one is almost invisible now," she pointed out.

what can arthroscopic surgery treat?

Arthroscopic surgery may be an option for treating the following shoulder problems:

• Torn rotator cuff
• Shoulder impingement
• Shoulder dislocation/separation (instability)
• Arthritis
• Tendinitis (tendonitis) and bursitis

An orthopaedic surgeon can use arthroscopic surgery to perform these and other procedures:

• Remove small bits of boneboneThe hard tissue that provides structural support to the body. It is primarily composed of hydroxyapatite cryst... or cartilagecartilageThe hard, thin layer of white glossy tissue that covers the end of bone at a joint. This tissue allows motion ...
• Repair or remove torn tendons
• Remove inflamed synoviumsynoviumThe inner membrane of a joint capsule surrounding a freely movable joint. (the membrane that lines the cavity of a synovial jointsynovial jointA synovial joint, such as the knee or elbow, is a structure that allows movement between two bones. In a synov... and produces synovial fluidsynovial fluidA lubricating fluid resembling the white of an egg, secreted by certain membranes, as those of the joints; als...)
• Remove inflamed bursae

Keep in mind that orthopaedic experts say many shoulder patients are seen later than recommended. Individuals who have pain that's more than just a little bruise, ache, or a musclemuscleContractile connective tissues that affect movement; a component of nearly all organs and body systems. strainstrainTo injure by overuse or improper use. should seek early evaluation, the experts counsel.

what are the benefits of arthroscopic surgery?

There are potential benefits of arthroscopic surgery when compared with traditional "open" surgery. With arthroscopic surgery, it's more likely that patients will experience:

• Less pain following the procedure
• A lower risk of complications
• A shorter hospital stay or the procedure may be done as out-patient surgery
• A quicker recovery
• Less scarring

Arthroscopic surgery and complying with a physical therapyphysical therapyThe treatment consisting of exercising specific parts of the body such as the legs, arms, hands or neck, in an... plan can help jump-start the return to an active lifestyle.

What are the risks of arthroscopic surgery?

All surgery has risks:

• An orthopaedic surgeon will discuss the specific risks associated with any procedure and recovery with the patient. The risks of orthopaedic surgery depend on the patient‘s health before surgery and the type of surgery done
• An anesthesiologist will discuss the risk associated with the use of anesthesiaanesthesiaA process used before surgery or other medical procedures that induces partial or complete loss of sensation. ... during the procedure with the patient

Some of the things that may be discussed include:

• Bleeding or other problems during the procedure
• Damage to joint tissues or nerves around the joint
• How their patient‘s individual weight, activity level, age and other factors may affect the patient outcome

Possible postsurgical complications include:

• Infection
• Excessive swelling or bleeding
• Joint stiffness
• Blood clots in the leg veins (thrombophlebitis)
• Leakage of blood into the joint (hemarthrosishemarthrosisA collection of blood within a joint.) blood clots that travel to the lung (pulmonary embolus).