Shoulder problems can cause debilitating pain and make the simplest tasks become difficult chores. Imagine not being able to dress up in the morning for work because of a shoulder injury. Dr. Hess is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in arthroscopic shoulder surgery in West Chester for shoulder injuries, such as rotator cuff tears.
He uses shoulder arthroscopy surgery to examine and repair tissues inside or around your shoulder joint, enabling you to get back to those sporting activities and be able to perform your daily living activities without excruciating pain.
Below is all you ought to know about shoulder arthroscopic surgery;
Arthroscopic surgery
It refers to the use of an arthroscope, which is a small narrow tube inserted into the shoulder joint through a small incision to view flayed, degenerative tissue and damaged tendons. Another incision is made in the joint for insertion of a small instrument to;
- Debride degenerative tissue for the healthy ones to remain
- Increase space of rotator cuff by removing bone spurs and inflamed tissues
- Remove arthritis from acromioclavicular joint
- Repair and reattach ligaments, labrum, and joint capsule for shoulder instability
- Relocate the torn-long head of the bicep’s tendons
- Repair a torn rotator cuff
Types of shoulder injuries and how they are treated
Rotator cuff tear: The treatment for the rotator cuff varies depending on your surgeon. Dr. Hess treats all rotator cuff arthroscopically to alleviate the pain.
Labral tears: Shoulder instability such as SLAP tears and Bankart tears are treated with arthroscopy, and patients should closely follow post-operative rehab protocol for faster healing.
Shoulder bursitis: If you have impingement syndrome and the conservative measures are not working, Dr. Ronald recommends arthroscopic subacromial decompression, which removes inflamed bursa and bones from the irritated area of rotator cuff tendons. Removal of these tissues creates more space for the tendons and reduces inflammation which occasionally subsides.
Bicep tendonitis: When your bicep tendons become inflamed and irritated, they cause excruciating pain; therefore, bicep tenodesis is an arthroscopic shoulder surgery procedure that helps remove the damaged portion and reattach the tendon.
Frozen shoulder: Adhesive capsulitis requires arthroscopic surgery to alleviate the symptoms.
AC joint arthritis: When the AC of the joint is severely damaged, it is removed arthroscopically to alleviate the symptoms.
The other shoulder injuries that are treated arthroscopically are distal clavicle, shoulder dislocations, and cartilage damage.
Arthroscopic procedure
After diagnosis and physical evaluation, your surgeon injects fluid into your shoulder to inflate the joint, making it easier for the arthroscope to view all the structures of your shoulder.
The surgeon then makes a small incision in your shoulder to insert the arthroscope, and fluid flows through the arthroscope to keep a clear view and control any bleeding.
Images are then projected on the screen to show your shoulder damages. Then your surgeon will insert a specialized instrument through a separate incision for shaving, suture passing, tying knot, cutting, and grasping. Then you will stay in the recovery room for twelve hours before being discharged to recover at home following post-operative protocol.
Conduct shoulder arthroscopic specialist today
Arthroscopy results in fewer complications, less hospital stay, and faster recovery; therefore, schedule an appointment with Beacon Orthopedics & Sports Medicine specialist Ronald Hess, MS, DO and get comprehensive evaluation and treatment to alleviate shoulder pain.