Shoulder Arthroscopy
What Is Shoulder Arthroscopy?
A shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure performed on the shoulder using an arthroscope, an endoscope which is inserted through a small incision. Thanks to the endoscope, doctors can view the shoulder joint from the inside and therefore diagnose a wide range of issues.
The word “arthroscopy” comes from Greek the words “arthro” (joint) and “skopein” (to look), which literally translates into “to look within the joint.” During the procedure, Dr. Ashford inserts a small camera (the arthroscope) into your shoulder joint which displays pictures on a video monitor used to guide miniature surgical instruments.
The arthroscope itself and the surgical instruments are tiny, therefore Dr. Ashford can make very small incisions as opposed to the larger ones needed for traditional surgery. As a result, patients feel less pain and their recovery time is faster.
Diagnosing and Treating Shoulder Conditions or Injuries with Shoulder Arthroscopy
Thanks to shoulder arthroscopy, Dr. Ashford is able to safely diagnose and treat conditions or injuries affecting your shoulder joints, including:
- Rotator cuff repair
- Removal or repair of the labrum
- Repair of ligaments
- Removal of inflamed tissue or loose cartilage
- Repair for recurrent shoulder dislocation (chronic shoulder instability)
“Dr Ashford has been great to work with throughout my procedure. My experience has been better than I expected. I am very pleased with Ashford Orthopedics and have and will recommend Dr Ashford for any orthopedic needs.” —Charles R.
How Is It Performed?
Before your shoulder arthroscopy, you should tell Dr. Ashford about the medications that you’re taking. He may suggest that you stop taking certain medications (such as blood thinners) before surgery.
Once in the room, you will be positioned so that Dr. Ashford may adjust the arthroscope to have a clear view of the inside of your shoulder. The two most common patient positions for arthroscopic shoulder surgery are:
- Beach chair position. This is a semi-seated position similar to sitting in a reclining chair.
- Lateral decubitus position. In this position, you will lie on your side on the operating table.
Dr. Ashford will make a small puncture in your shoulder (about the size of a buttonhole) for the arthroscope. Fluid flows through the arthroscope to keep the view clear and control any bleeding. The images it captures from the inside of your shoulder are projected on the video screen to inform and guide the doctor’s movements.
With tools that are smaller than those used in the traditional surgery kit, he can repair torn tissues, shave off damaged bone or cartilage and remove inflamed or damaged tissues.
Most shoulder arthroscopies take less than an hour and are outpatient procedures, therefore you may go home the same day. It is important that you remember that you will not be able to drive, so someone must drive you back.
Once you have had time to heal, Dr. Ashford may recommend physical therapy as a complement to help you gain strength and mobility.
Why Is It Beneficial?
Shoulder arthroscopy presents benefits in contrast with traditional surgery because:
- It is minimally invasive
- It requires less recovery time
- You only need a few stitches
- You can get back to your daily activities more quickly
- There are lower chances of infection
- Patients feel less pain
If you are experiencing shoulder pain or have suffered an injury to your shoulder, call Ashford Orthopedic Specialists or book a personalized appointment online today.