Shoulder Arthroscopy – Surgery, Recovery & Rehabilitation

What is Shoulder Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is a common surgical procedure in which a high definition camera is inserted through a small incision, and images are projected onto a high resolution monitor. This provides a clear view of the inside of the shoulder and helps orthopaedic surgeons diagnose and treat shoulder problems.

Injury, overuse, and age-related wear and tear are responsible for most shoulder problems. Shoulder arthroscopy may relieve painful symptoms of many problems that damage the rotator cuff tendons, labrum, articular cartilage, and other soft tissues surrounding the joint.

Common arthroscopic procedures include:

Rotator cuff repair

Bone spur removal

Removal or repair of the labrum

Repair of ligaments

Removal of inflamed tissue or loose cartilage

Repair for recurrent shoulder dislocation

Less common procedures such as nerve release, fracture repair, and cyst excision can also be performed using an arthroscope. Some surgical procedures, such as shoulder replacement, still require open surgery with more extensive incisions.

Video “Subacromial Decompression and Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Animation” obtained from Youtube: follow link

Preparing for Surgery

If you decide to have shoulder arthroscopy, you will need a complete physical examination with our doctor to assess your health and identify any problems that could interfere with your surgery.

Before surgery, tell your orthopaedic surgeon about any medications or supplements that you take. He or she will tell you which medicines you must stop taking before surgery (e.g. blood thinners).

You may be required to undergo pre-operative tests such as complete blood counts or an ECG (electrocardiogram).

Surgery

Almost all arthroscopic shoulder surgery is done on an outpatient basis.

Arrival
Your hospital or surgery center will contact you with specific details about your appointment. You will likely be asked to arrive at the hospital an hour or two before your surgery. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery.

Anesthesia
When you first arrive for surgery, a member of the anesthesia team will talk with you. Arthroscopy can be performed under local, regional, or general anesthesia.

Local anesthesia numbs just your knee
Regional anesthesia numbs you below your waist
General anesthesia puts you to sleep

The anesthesiologist will help you decide which method would be best for you.

If you have local or regional anesthesia, you may be able to watch the procedure on a television monitor.

Procedure
The orthopaedic surgeon will make a few small incisions in your shoulder. A sterile solution will be used to fill the knee joint and rinse away any cloudy fluid. This helps your orthopaedic surgeon see your shoulder joint clearly and in great detail.

The surgeon’s first task is to properly diagnose your problem. He will insert the arthroscope and use the image projected on the screen to guide it. If surgical treatment is needed, your surgeon will insert tiny instruments through another small incision.

This part of the procedure usually lasts 30 minutes to over an hour. How long it takes depends upon the findings and the treatment necessary.

Recovery

Postoperative

After surgery, you will stay in the recovery room for 1 to 2 hours before being discharged home. Nurses will monitor your responsiveness and provide pain medication, if needed. You will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least the first night.

At Home

Although recovery from arthroscopy is often faster than recovery from open surgery, it may still take weeks for your shoulder joint to completely recover.

You can expect some pain and discomfort for at least a week after surgery. If you have had a more extensive surgery, however, it may take several weeks before your pain subsides. Ice will help relieve pain and swelling. Your doctor may prescribe pain medicine, if needed.

Although it does not affect how your shoulder heals, lying flat may pull on your shoulder and cause discomfort. Some patients are more comfortable sleeping in a reclining chair or propped up in bed during the first days after surgery.

A few days after surgery, you should be able to replace your large bandage with simple Band-Aids. You may shower once your wounds are no longer draining, but try not to soak or scrub your incisions.

You will most likely need a sling or special immobilizer to protect your shoulder. Your surgeon will discuss with you how long the sling will be needed

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation plays an important role in getting you back to your daily activities. An exercise program will help you regain shoulder strength and motion. Your surgeon will develop a rehabilitation plan based on the surgical procedures you required.

If you have had a more complicated surgical repair, your surgeon may recommend a physical therapist to supervise your exercise program.

It is important that you make a strong effort at rehabilitation in order for your surgery to succeed.

Download Shoulder Exercise Conditioning Program Here