Shoulder arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is a type of surgical procedure that involves inserting an endoscope into a joint through a small incision. This allows you to see the inside of the joint on the monitor for a more accurate diagnosis and carry out the necessary medical procedures. For this purpose, additional incisions (usually two or three) are made, through which surgical instruments are inserted.

Shoulder arthroscopy – advantages

Shoulder arthroscopy is one of the most popular procedures due to its numerous advantages, such as:

  • minor invasiveness,
  • minor scarring,
  • short hospital stay,
  • rapid rehabilitation,
  • the ability to quickly return to daily activities and physical activity.

Shoulder arthroscopy - advantagesĀ§

Indications for arthroscopy of the shoulder joint:

  • subbar pain syndrome with subbar calcaneal inflammation,
  • rotator ring rupture;
  • degenerative changes of the shoulder-clavicle joint;
  • free intraarticular bodies;
  • chronic synovitis;
  • shoulder instability;
  • damage to the upper articular bag, articular disc and biceps tendon;
  • shoulder frozen-overgrown inflammation of the joint bag.

Course of arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder

Arthroscopy of the shoulder joint is performed under general and splint anesthesia. The type of anesthesia is discussed by the anesthesiologist before the procedure. During the procedure, the patient is placed in a semi-sitting position or on a healthy side with his hand placed on a special lift. During the operation, the joint is filled with arthroscopic fluid. The procedure is performed through small incisions (“through the keyhole”) and all actions are observed on the monitor single sutures are applied to the postoperative wound, followed by dressing. After the procedure, the patient moves independently. The hand is placed in an orthosis or immediately begins rehabilitation. The next day the patient can be discharged home. Seams are removed after approx. two weeks after surgery.

Postoperative recommendations:

  • The day after surgery, the patient should be provided with transport home. He should not drive or use public transport on his own.
    Follow the prescribed prescriptions and take your medicine as directed by your doctor.
  • Dressings should be changed as directed by your doctor, avoiding wetting the wounds.
  • A check-up is carried out at the appointed time, however, in case of the appearance of the severity of pain and swelling, leakage from the wounds or fever, you should contact your doctor immediately.
  • Recovery can last from 1-6 months. For 1-2 weeks, the use of a sling is usually required.
  • Exercises should be performed according to the given recommendations of the physiotherapist

Shoulder injuries are a common problem and involve especially muscles, ligaments and tendons, not just bones. Shoulder problems are most common in athletes, where these problems can develop slowly, through repetitive and intense training and minor injuries (e.g. lifting weights, tennis or swimming), but also during the simplest daily activities such as hanging curtains, washing windows or painting walls, and in connection with other forms of work that require frequent lifting of the arms above the head.

Complications and recovery
Most patients do not experience the desired complications after the procedure. However, this is an operation, so as in the case of everyone there is a risk. Potential problems may include infection, excessive bleeding, blood clots, or damage to blood vessels or nerves.

Course of arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder

Recovery can last from 1-6 months. For 1-2 weeks, the use of a sling is usually required. Sometimes your doctor may recommend the use of painkillers, if necessary.
Although the position during sleep does not significantly affect the healing process, most patients for the first few days after the procedure sleep in a semi-reclining or propped position. Return to work and sport: depends on the type of surgery and the degree of damage. Most often there is a period of time from 1 week to several months.

Rehabilitation of the shoulder – Rehabilitation of the shoulder plays an important role in the recovery of full fitness. Exercises can usually begin in the first week after the procedure. The greatest emphasis is placed primarily on strengthening and stretching exercises.