Shoulder Arthroscopy

Autor: RAFAŁ CZEPUŁKOWSKI
Consultation MACIEJ PAWLAK
Date added 18.12.2024
Date of last revision 18.12.2024

Table of contents:

Shoulder arthroscopy is a type of surgical procedure that involves inserting an endoscope into the joint through a small incision. This allows visualization of the joint interior on a monitor for more accurate diagnosis and the execution of necessary therapeutic procedures. To facilitate this, additional incisions (usually two or three) are made to insert surgical instruments.

Table of contents:

Advantages of Shoulder Arthroscopy

Shoulder arthroscopy is one of the most preferred surgical procedures due to its numerous benefits, such as:

  • minimal invasiveness,
  • small scars,
  • short hospital stay,
  • quick rehabilitation,
  • ability to return quickly to daily activities and physical exercise.

Indications for Shoulder Arthroscopy

Shoulder arthroscopy is indicated for the following conditions:

  • rotator cuff tears,
  • shoulder joint instability,
  • labral tears,
  • subacromial pain syndrome with subacromial bursitis,
  • pathology of the long head of the biceps tendon and its attachment,
  • intra-articular loose bodies,
  • degenerative changes in the acromioclavicular joint,
  • frozen shoulder – adhesive capsulitis.

Procedure of Shoulder Arthroscopy

Shoulder arthroscopy is performed under general and regional anesthesia. The type of anesthesia is discussed with an anesthesiologist prior to the surgery. During the procedure, the patient is positioned either semi-sitting or lying on the healthy side, with the arm placed in a specialized traction device. The joint is filled with arthroscopic fluid during the operation. The surgery is performed through small incisions ("keyhole surgery"), and all actions are monitored on a screen.

The implants used during arthroscopy do not need to be removed and do not interfere with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Postoperative wounds are sutured with individual stitches and covered with a dressing. After the surgery, the patient moves independently, places the arm in an orthosis, or begins rehabilitation immediately. The patient may be discharged the next day. Stitches are typically removed approximately two weeks after the surgery.

Postoperative Recommendations

The day after surgery, the patient should arrange transport home and should not drive or use public transportation independently.
Prescribed medications should be collected and taken as directed by the physician.
Dressings should be changed as per medical advice, avoiding moisture on the wounds.
A follow-up visit should occur on the scheduled date, but if increased pain, swelling, wound discharge, or fever occurs, the patient should contact a physician immediately.
Recovery may take 1–6 months. Immobilization with a sling is usually required for 1–2 weeks.
Exercises should be performed according to the physiotherapist's recommendations.

Related Articles
Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair – How Is the Surgery Performed?

Bibliography:

Autor
RAFAŁ CZEPUŁKOWSKI
RAFAŁ CZEPUŁKOWSKI

Specjalista do spraw content marketingu, dziennikarz sportowy i medyczny. Redaktor naczelny magazynu „Poradnik Zdrowie i Sport”, członek Dziennikarskiego Klubu Promocji Zdrowia, współtwórca wielu artykułów medycznych z zakresu ortopedii i urazowości w sporcie.

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Konsultacja merytoryczna
MACIEJ PAWLAK
MACIEJ PAWLAK

Lekarz w klinice Rehasport, specjalizuje się w ortopedii i traumatologii narządu ruchu z ukierunkowaniem na staw kolanowy, biodrowy i barkowy. Międzynarodowy trener chirurgii barku i kolana prowadzący praktyczne kursy dla ortopedów zarówno w Polsce, jak i za granicą.

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