joint. The "ball part of the joint is the top part of your upper arm bone. The "socket" part of your joint is a cup shaped indentation in your shoulder blade. A smooth tissue called cartilage lines the ends of the bones. This helps the joint glide easier. Four muscles called the rotator cuff surround the joint. They help with movement and stability. With normal wear and tear or other problems, the cartilage can wear down. Then, the joint can become damaged. This can lead to pain and loss of motion. ‚
Surgery may be done when PT and drugs for pain have not helped and the problem gets worse. Shoulder arthroscopy is done to look at the shoulder joint and see what is causing your shoulder problem. The doctor makes a few small cuts and uses special tools to look inside your shoulder. Your doctor may be able to: ‚
- Repair:
- Rotator cuff tears
- Tendons and ligaments
- The ring of cartilage around the shoulder socket called the labrum
- Ongoing shoulder dislocations
- Nerve problems
- Minor shoulder breaks
- Remove:
- Bone spurs
- Loose cartilage
- Damaged tissue
- Cysts
Arthroscopy avoids having to use an open surgery with a large cut. This may give you a smaller incision, less pain, and a shorter recovery time. ‚
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What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- Lab tests
- X-rays
- Ultrasound
- CT or MRI scan
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, you will either lie on a table on your side or sit in a reclining position like in a beach chair. Sometimes, the doctor will give you a special drug to make you numb for the surgery. Other times, you are fully asleep. The staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs.
- Monitors will keep track of your blood pressure and heart rate. Your shoulder will be cleaned with an antiseptic.
- Your doctor will make 3 to 4 small cuts in your shoulder. A scope with a tiny camera is put through one of the small cuts to look at the joint. Your doctor will put small surgical tools into the holes to do the procedure. To be able to view the site, fluid will be put in the joint. Then, the problem will be removed or repaired. Your doctor will close your cuts with stitches or staples and cover it with clean bandages.
- The procedure takes about 1 hour.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely. Your doctor may give you drugs for pain.
- Ice packs on your shoulder will help lower your pain and swelling. Use pillows to make your arm and shoulder comfortable.
- You may need to wear a sling or brace to support your shoulder. Ask your doctor how long you need to wear the sling.
- You may be able to go home after a few hours in the Recovery Room.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent infection
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Injury to blood vessels or nerves
- Blood clots
- Ongoing pain and stiffness
- Not able to fix the problem with arthroscopy and need to do an open surgery
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
To prevent injury to your shoulder: ‚
- Return slowly to your regular activities. Doing too much too soon may delay healing or reinjure the shoulder.
- Avoid or use caution when playing sports that will put a lot of strain your shoulder like throwing sports and tennis. Ask your doctor what is safe to do.
- After going through a rehab program, your doctor may suggest that you continue doing activities that will strengthen your shoulder.
- Stay active and work out to keep your muscles strong and flexible.
- Always warm up slowly and stretch your shoulder before you exercise.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00589 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚