Doctors for Shoulder Arthroscopy

Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat orthopedic issues in the shoulder joint. It involves making small incisions and inserting a thin tube-like instrument called an arthroscope fitted with a camera and light, allowing the surgeon to view the joint on a monitor. This procedure is commonly used to repair a torn rotator cuff and other issues such as shoulder instability, frozen shoulder, and impingement syndrome. Shoulder arthroscopy results in less tissue damage, pain, and scarring than traditional open surgery, and patients can typically return to their normal activities faster. Although it is typically done as an outpatient operation, in some circumstances an overnight hospital stay may be required.

A minimally invasive surgical technique called shoulder arthroscopy is used to identify and address a variety of orthopedic problems in the shoulder joint. There are different types of shoulder arthroscopy surgeries performed depending on the specific condition that needs to be treated;

• Rotator Cuff Repair: Rotator cuff repair is one of the most common types of shoulder arthroscopy performed. It is used to repair tears in the rotator cuff tendon. The edges of the torn tendon are pulled together during surgery and secured to the bone using sutures or anchors.
• Impingement Syndrome Surgery: Surgery for impingement syndrome is performed if a bone spur is causing pain and inflammation by pressing down on a tendon, cartilage, or ligament. To relieve pressure on the afflicted location, the surgeon will remove the bone spur and any additional tissue that is impinging.
• Shoulder Instability Surgery: Surgery for shoulder instability is generally performed for a tear in the shoulder labrum, such as a SLAP tear or Bankart lesion. The surgery process is similar to rotator cuff repair, where sutures or anchors are used to reattach the torn tissue to the bone. The anchors used for tear repair are made of biocompatible metal or plastic, or absorbent material, which means they don't need to be removed after recovery.

Before undergoing shoulder arthroscopy in India, a patient will typically undergo several diagnostic tests to assess the condition of their shoulder joint and determine the appropriate course of treatment;

• Physical Examination: The first step in the diagnostic process is a physical examination. The injured shoulder's range of motion, strength, and stability will all be evaluated by the specialist. They might also inquire about any signs of discomfort, weakness, or instability the patient may be feeling.
• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests are also an essential part of the diagnostic process. These tests can help the doctor identify the specific condition affecting the shoulder joint and determine the extent of the damage. Common imaging tests include X-rays, MRI scans, and ultrasound scans.
• Arthroscopic Examination: In some cases, the doctor may perform an arthroscopic examination before the surgery. This involves inserting an arthroscope into the shoulder joint to view the area in real-time. This can help the physician in making a more precise diagnosis and selecting the most appropriate course of action.
• Blood Tests: Blood examinations may also be carried out to look for any underlying medical issues that can limit a patient's capacity for surgery. For example, a blood test may be used to check the patient's blood sugar levels or to screen for an infection.

To identify and treat issues with the shoulder joint, surgeons often perform shoulder arthroscopy, which is a minimally invasive surgical technique. Here are the step-by-step procedures involved in shoulder arthroscopy;

• Anesthesia: Before the surgery, the patient will be given general anesthesia or regional anesthesia, depending on the preference of the surgeon and the patient. This ensures that the patient will not experience any pain during the procedure.
• Preparation in the operation theater: After the anesthesia has taken effect, the patient will be moved to the operation theater. The patient will be wrapped with sterile drapes after the shoulder area has been cleansed and sterilized.
• Incisions: The surgeon will make two or three small buttonhole-sized incisions (about 5mm) in the shoulder area. Via these incisions, the surgical arthroscope and additional tools will be inserted.
• Inspection: The interior of the shoulder joint will be inspected using an arthroscope. The camera attached to the arthroscope will transmit images of the joint to a monitor in the operating room, allowing the surgeon to view the joint in real-time.
• Repairing: If a problem is detected, the surgeon will use the surgical instruments to repair the issue. For instance, if the rotator cuff is torn, sutures or anchors will be used to bring the margins of the tear together and attach them to the bone.
• Closing: Once the repair is complete, the surgical instruments and arthroscope will be removed. The incisions will be bandaged and sutured.
• Recovery and discharge: After the surgery, the patient will be moved to the recovery room, where they will be monitored for a few hours before being discharged. In addition to receiving pain medication for any discomfort, the patient will also receive instructions on how to take care of the incisions. The patient will need to rest the shoulder and avoid any strenuous activity for a period of time recommended by the surgeon.

Shoulder arthroscopy offers several benefits over traditional open surgery, making it a popular choice for orthopedic procedures in India;

• Less Invasive Procedure: Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves making small incisions in the shoulder area, reducing tissue damage, pain, and scarring compared to open surgery.
• Faster Recovery: The minimally invasive nature of the procedure also means that patients typically have a shorter recovery time, allowing them to return to their daily activities faster.
• Reduced Risk of Infection: With shoulder arthroscopy, there is a lesser risk of infection since the incisions are smaller than those used in open surgery.
• More Accurate Diagnosis: The use of an arthroscope during the procedure allows for a more accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment of the issue, leading to improved outcomes.
• Minimal Hospitalization: In most cases, shoulder arthroscopy is done as an outpatient treatment, which eliminates the need for patients to spend the night in the hospital and saves money and discomfort.
• Less Pain and Scarring: The smaller incisions used in shoulder arthroscopy lead to less pain and scarring, making it a more aesthetically pleasing option compared to open surgery.

Shoulder arthroscopy is a generally safe and minimally invasive procedure. There are, however, a few potential risks and side effects, just like with any surgical operation. Before the treatment, it is crucial to go over these with your doctor. Some possible side effects of shoulder arthroscopy may include;

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Nerve damage
• Stiffness or weakness in the shoulder joint
• Continued pain or discomfort
• Adverse reaction to anesthesia

While these side effects are rare, it is important to be aware of them and to report any concerns or complications to your doctor immediately. Your physician can collaborate with you to treat any side effects and guarantee a secure and effective recovery.

After a shoulder arthroscopy, proper recovery is crucial to ensure optimal healing and prevent complications. Here are some tips for a successful recovery;

• Rest the affected joint: Resting the joint is essential to prevent further damage and allow the joint to heal properly. Avoid any vigorous activity and keep your shoulder movements to a minimum.
• Ice packs: For the first few days following surgery, placing ice packs on the affected area can help reduce swelling and inflammation.
• Physiotherapy: Once the swelling has subsided, your doctor may recommend physiotherapy exercises and heat pack massages to improve muscle flexibility, reduce stiffness, and improve recovery.
• Incision care: To avoid infection, it's crucial to keep your incision clean and dry. Change your bandages regularly as advised by your doctor.
• Avoid strenuous activities: A doctor's consent is required before engaging in any intense activity or heavy lifting. Before starting any new physical activity, it's imperative to give your shoulder enough time to recover.
• Healthy diet: A healthy diet rich in nutrients can boost your immune system and aid in the healing process. A nutritious diet helps strengthen your immune system and speed up the healing process. Make sure your food is well-balanced and contains enough protein, vitamins, and minerals.

By following these recovery tips, patients can ensure a successful and speedy recovery after shoulder arthroscopy.