The significant advances in surgical technique have ushered in the development of minimally invasive surgical procedures like shoulder arthroscopy, which has been a boon to people who need surgery for their shoulder problems but dread the large incisions and long recovery times associated with the traditional approach.
If you’re dealing with persistent pain and quality-of-life issues brought on by a shoulder injury or condition, talk to your orthopedic surgeon about whether arthroscopy is right for you. Here’s some information about this innovative procedure to give you a basic idea of how it works and how it promotes faster recovery.
How Shoulder Arthroscopy Works
Shoulder arthroscopy is used to diagnose and treat a variety of shoulder problems, including rotator cuff tears, shoulder instability, labrum tears, frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tendinitis, and osteoarthritis. Your orthopedic surgeon will likely recommend shoulder arthroscopy if conservative treatments no longer provide adequate relief for your symptoms.
The procedure involves your surgeon creating a tiny incision, about the size of a buttonhole, through which they insert a thin, flexible instrument with a fiber-optic video camera on its tip to visualize the inside of your shoulder. The images are then projected onto a high-definition video monitor. If your surgeon deems repair necessary, they will carry it out within the same procedure using miniature surgical instruments to restore your shoulder’s normal function and mobility. As such, your surgeon will create another one or two small incisions for the surgical instruments.
The small incisions and miniature instruments employed in an arthroscopic procedure translate into the following advantages:
- Minimal soft-tissue trauma
- Substantially reduced postoperative pain
- Minimal risk of blood loss, infection, and other complications
- Faster recovery
It is worth noting, however, that how fast you can return to your normal activities still greatly depends on your adherence to your rehabilitation plan. Additionally, it can take up to a few months for your shoulder to completely heal.
Shoulder Arthroscopy in Carmel, IN
If you live in or around the Carmel area in Indiana and are searching for a reliable shoulder surgeon, look no further than Dr. Stephen Jacobsen here at Total Shoulder. Dr. Jacobsen has performed countless successful shoulder arthroscopies over the course of his career, helping athletes and people who pursue an active lifestyle recover from their shoulder problems and get back to enjoying the things that matter to them.
Schedule your visit with Dr. Jacobsen today. Contact our friendly staff at (317) 450-6139. You may also send an appointment request using this form. We look forward to helping you move freely again!
