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Medical Video: ConMed: Linvatec Rotator Cuff Shoulder Surgery
Definition
What is shoulder arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy (microsurgery) involves examining the inside of your shoulder using a telescope that is inserted through a small incision made on your skin. Your surgeon will be able to deal with problems detected during the examination using special surgical instruments.
What are the benefits of arthroscopy?
The purpose of the procedure is to ascertain what is the problem being complained about, and for some people, the problem can be directly addressed during the procedure.
When should I do shoulder arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is recommended for shoulder problems, such as:
- tear or damage to the cartilage (labrum) or muscle ligament belt
- shoulder instability, in which the joints on the shoulder look loose, often slip, or dislocation (the joints release from the joint cavity)
- torn or damaged bicep tendon
- tear on the rotator cuff
- extra bone growth (bone spur) or inflammation of the rotator cuff
- inflammation or damage to the joint lining, commonly caused by disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis
- arthritis in collarbone
- the tissue is loose and needs to be removed
- shoulder impingement syndrome (shoulder pain arising from constant pressure or clamping on the rotator cuff)
Prevention & warning
What should I know before undergoing shoulder arthroscopy?
A surgical procedure to correct a tear in the cartilage is commonly done to restore shoulder stability. Most people who undergo this procedure can recover completely and the shoulder movements will return to full. However, some people may still have instability problems after undergoing arthroscopy.
An arthroscopic procedure to treat rotator cuff disorders or tendinitis will generally relieve the pain. However, you may not fully recover.
Are there other alternatives to shoulder arthroscopy?
Joint problems can be diagnosed using other medical tests, such as CT and CT Scan. However, you might need arthroscopy to deal with the problem.
Process
What should I do before shoulder arthroscopy?
This procedure is done after you have been totally sedated. You will be given complete instructions on what to do before the procedure, including whether you can eat certain foods several hours before surgery. Generally, you will be asked to fast eating 6 hours before arthroscopy. You will be allowed to drink fluids, such as coffee, until a few hours before the procedure.
What is the process of shoulder arthroscopy?
The surgical procedure takes about 40 minutes.
The surgeon will make 2-4 small slices along your joints. Then, your doctor inserts a small telescope through one slice so he can examine the joints. The surgeon will also insert a surgical instrument through another slice if he feels that the problem that appears in your joints must be dealt with immediately.
What should I do after shoulder arthroscopy?
You can go straight home after surgery.
Your physiotherapist may suggest that you do light exercise and a number of follow-up instructions to help speed up the recovery process. The recovery process can take up to 3 months until you can return to normal activities.
Regular exercise will help you restore your strength to carry out daily activities. Before you start, ask for advice from the team of doctors about sports that are right for you.
Most people in general will experience a significant increase, but it takes time for pain to decrease and the movement of the joints returns to normal. Signs of the disorder often return over time.
Complications
What complications might I experience?
General Complications
- pain
- bleeding
- infection in the surgical area (wound)
- mild scarring
Specific Complications
- bleeding leaked into the joints
- infection of the shoulder joint
- extreme pain, stiff arms, and loss of control of the complex regional pain syndrome
- nerve damage
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