Shoulder Arthroscopy
When the tissue inside or around your shoulder joint becomes damaged, shoulder arthroscopy surgery is used to examine and/or repair the tissue. In most cases, arthroscopy reduces the need to surgically open the shoulder joint through “open” shoulder surgery.
Dr. Gartsman specializes in shoulder arthroscopy, and since 1982, he has seen 27,600 new patients, 75,900 patient visits and has performed 7,100 shoulder surgeries and 1, 441 arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs.
Patients who are candidates for shoulder arthroscopy usually will experience at least six (6) months of pain with their shoulder. Patients who experience shoulder pain for less than six months are normally treated with rest from painful movements and anti-inflammatory medicine. A visit to the doctor is not necessary unless there has been an injury, the arm is weak or movement is limited. (Click here to tell us about your shoulder pain).
Shoulder arthroscopy is an elective surgery, meaning the patient must weigh the costs and benefits to having the surgery. Advantages to arthroscopy include less pain and joint stiffness, fewer complications from surgery, shortened or no hospital stays and a possible faster recovery time.
If Dr. Gartsman determines that tissue repair is needed, the overall recovery time still may be lengthy. Individual surgeries and recovery times vary depending on the diagnosis and extent of the injury. Recovery can take one to six months. Most patients take pain medication during the recovery process.
How Shoulder Arthroscopy is Performed:
Shoulder arthroscopy is performed under general anesthesia. The procedure uses a small camera, called an arthroscope, which is inserted near the shoulder joint through a small (usually one-quarter inch) incision. The arthroscope is attached to a video monitor to allow Dr. Gartsman to look inside your joint.
Dr. Gartsman will pump a saline solution into your joint to expand the joint so he can see more easily. The solution also helps control any bleeding that may occur.
As Dr. Gartsman examines the cartilage, tendons and ligaments of the shoulder, he may have to make additional incisions to insert other instruments to repair the damaged tissues. A blunt hook is used to pull on damaged tissues, a shaver is used to remove damaged or unwanted tissue and a burr is used to remove bone fragments.
After the surgery is complete, the fluid is drained from the shoulder, the incisions are closed with sutures and a dressing is applied.
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