Shoulder Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is a closed method used by orthopedic surgeons to diagnose and treat joint problems. The word arthroscopy is of Greek origin and means arthro-joint, scopi-looking.
and it means looking inside the joint.

During shoulder arthroscopy, the surgeon enters the joint with a small camera called an arthroscope. A TV or a monitor is used for visualization. Through another hole, small hand tools are used to evaluate the intra-articular structures.

Because arthroscopic instruments are very thin and small, the skin incision is usually very small. This is an important point in terms of patient comfort and postoperative rehabilitation.

Anatomy of the Shoulder Joint

The shoulder is made up of three bones; the humerus (arm), scapula (shoulder blade) and clavicle (collarbone). The knob of the humerus forms the shoulder joint with the socket of the scapula.
This joint is surrounded by the tendons of muscles called the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff consists of 4 main muscles. These muscles allow the arm to lift up and rotate.

There is a sac in the shoulder called the bursa, which acts as a cushion. It is located between the acromion belonging to the scapula and the supraspinatus tendon from the rotator cuff muscles. This structure allows the supraspinatus tendon under the acromion to rub against the bone and slide freely. In inflammation or damage of this sac called the bursa, shoulder movements become painful.

When is Shoulder Arthroscopy Necessary?

If you have a painful shoulder that does not respond to non-operative treatment methods, shoulder arthroscopy is recommended.
Non-operative treatment methods include rest, physical therapy, medication and local injections. These methods can reduce inflammation in the shoulder. Inflammation is the normal reaction of the human body to a disease or injury. It is accompanied by swelling, pain and stiffness at the site of inflammation.

Injury, overuse and age-related calcification are the most common shoulder problems.
Shoulder arthroscopy evaluates many painful problems associated with the shoulder joint, cuff tears, articular cartilage damage, labrum tears and other soft tissues around the joint.

Conditions that can be treated with Shoulder Arthroscopy;
The most common arthroscopic repairs;
Rotator cuff tears
Shaving bone spurs
Repair of labrum tears
Vineyard repair
Removal of intra-articular inflamed tissues and free cartilage
Repair of recurrent shoulder dislocations
Cyst excision
How is Shoulder Arthroscopy Performed?

The surgical position is planned as either side lying or beach chair position. It depends on the surgeon’s preference. If the shoulder area is very hairy, it should be cleaned. After cleaning with antiseptic solutions, it is covered with a sterile drape. Liquid is injected into the shoulder joint. This allows easy visualization during camera access. The shoulder joint is entered with a camera called an atroscope and the problems related to the shoulder joint are evaluated on the monitor. Once the problem is clearly identified, a separate incision is made to repair it using small hand tools.

Shoulder Arthroscopy Postoperative

He/she is usually hospitalized overnight. Antibiotics and painkillers are given. Bed rest is applied with arm trunk bandage.

Although recovery is faster and shorter than open surgery, rest is recommended for a few weeks.
Ice application is applied for swelling for 15 minutes every hour on average. Dressing is done every 2 days, stitches are removed after 15 days and showering is allowed. In some cases after surgery, you should use an arm trunk sling.

Shoulder Arthroscopy Postoperative Physical Therapy
Rehabilitation is very important to return to daily activities.
These shoulder exercises include shoulder stretching and strengthening exercises.
A rehabilitation program suitable for the surgical procedure will be given to you by our clinic.