Shoulder Arthroscopy Surgery Meaning

Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows an orthopedic surgeon that examines and repairs the tissues inside and around the shoulder joint. The procedure uses a small camera called an arthroscope that is inserted through a small incision. Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows an orthopedic surgeon to diagnose and treat problems within the shoulder joint.

Shoulder arthroscopy can be used to diagnose and treat conditions such as: 

• Rotator cuff tears

• Shoulder impingement

• Arthritis

• Tendonitis

The surgery requires smaller incisions than traditional surgery. Each incision is about the size of a keyhole. 

Some common types of shoulder surgeries include: 

• Rotator cuff repair- This is the most common type of shoulder arthroscopy. It is used to repair tears in the rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons that helps to stabilize the shoulder joint. 

• Total shoulder replacement- A total shoulder replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces the damaged parts of the shoulder joint with artificial parts. This procedure is typically used to treat severe arthritis of the shoulder, which can cause pain, stiffness, and loss of movement.

• Arthroscopy for frozen shoulder- Frozen shoulder is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. It can make it difficult to move your arm. Arthroscopy for a frozen shoulder is a surgical procedure that can help to break up the scar tissue that is causing the stiffness.

• Acromioclavicular joint repair for arthritis- Acromioclavicular (AC) joint arthritis is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the AC joint, which is the joint between the acromion (a bony part of the shoulder blade) and the clavicle (collarbone). AC joint arthritis can be caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or an injury to the joint.

  Acromioclavicular joint repair for arthritis is a surgical procedure that can help to relieve pain and improve function in the shoulder. During the procedure, the surgeon will remove the damaged cartilage from the AC joint and may also remove some of the bone. The surgeon will then fuse the AC joint together using screws or plates.

• Arthroscopy for impingement syndrome- During arthroscopy for impingement syndrome, the surgeon will make a few small incisions in your shoulder and insert a thin tube with a camera (arthroscope) into the shoulder joint. The surgeon will use the arthroscope to view the inside of the joint and identify the inflamed tissue or bone spurs that are causing impingement. The surgeon will then use small surgical instruments to remove the inflamed tissue or bone spurs.

Arthroscopy for impingement syndrome is a minimally invasive procedure, which means that it is less invasive than traditional open surgery. Most patients experience significant pain relief and improved function after surgery.

Here is a general overview of the shoulder arthroscopy surgery procedure:

Before the surgery:

• Your doctor will review your medical history and perform a physical examination to determine if you are a good candidate for shoulder arthroscopy.

• You may be asked to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, before the surgery.

• You will also be asked to arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery.

During the surgery:

• The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia.

• The surgeon will make a few small incisions in your shoulder.

• An arthroscope, a thin, lighted tube with a camera, will be inserted into one of the incisions.

• The surgeon will use the arthroscope to view the shoulder joint structures on a television monitor.

• If necessary, the surgeon will insert small surgical instruments through other incisions to repair or remove damaged tissues.

• The incisions will be closed with sutures or staples.

After the surgery:

• Most patients are able to go home on the same day as the surgery.

• You will wear a sling for several weeks to support your shoulder and allow it to heal.

• You will also start physical therapy to help you regain range of motion and strength in your shoulder.

• Most patients make a full recovery within a few weeks.

Side Effects of  Shoulder Arthroscopy Surgery

Risks of shoulder arthroscopy are:

• Shoulder stiffness

• Failure of the surgery to relieve symptoms

• The repair fails to heal

• Weakness of the shoulder

• Blood vessel or nerve injury

• Damage to the cartilage of the shoulder (chondrolysis)

Risks of anesthesia and surgery in general are:

• Allergic reactions to medicines

• Breathing problems

• Bleeding, blood clots, infection

Benefits of Shoulder Arthroscopy Surgery

Some benefits of shoulder arthroscopy include: 

• Reduced pain

• Reduced swelling

• Reduced risk of infection

• Less tissue damage

• Speedier recovery

The recovery time for shoulder arthroscopy surgery can vary depending on the specific procedure performed and the individual patient's healing process. However, most patients can expect to make a full recovery within a few weeks.

General recovery timeline:

• Week 1-2: During the first week or two, you will likely wear a sling to support your shoulder and limit movement. You will also experience some pain, swelling, and stiffness, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and ice packs.

• Week 2-4: As the pain and swelling subside, you will begin physical therapy to gradually regain range of motion and strength in your shoulder. You may also be able to start weaning yourself off the sling.

• Week 4-6: By the end of the sixth week, you should have regained most of your range of motion and strength. You should also be able to discontinue the sling and resume most of your normal activities.

Factors that can affect recovery time:

• The severity of the condition

• The type of procedure performed

• The individual patient's healing process

Tips for a faster recovery:

• Follow your doctor's instructions carefully

• Rest your shoulder

• Ice your shoulder

• Elevate your shoulder

• Eat a healthy diet

• Sleep is essential for healing.

• Manage stress

The cost of shoulder arthroscopy surgery in Delhi can vary depending on the specific procedure performed, the hospital or clinic you choose, and your insurance coverage. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from ₹ 65,000 to ₹ 2,00,000 for the procedure.

The cost of shoulder arthroscopy surgery in India depends on a few factors like joint surgery, the location of the hospital, the expertise of the surgeon performing the procedure, and the additional costs involved in the treatment.

Here is a breakdown of the average cost of shoulder arthroscopy surgery in Delhi:

Here is a table that describes the procedure cost of Shoulder Arthroscopy Surgery: