What is Shoulder Arthroscopy?

                   Shoulder Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy, or minimally invasive "keyhole" surgery, allows the surgeon to view the shoulder joint, make an accurate diagnosis, and treat the condition with surgery that requires very small incisions in the skin. Small skin incisions and visualize the shoulder with a camera. Since this technique puts less strain on the shoulder joint than open surgery, the hospital stay is shorter and recovery is smoother than with "open surgery". 

 There are several diseases that can be treated with arthroscopic shoulder surgery: 

•  Rotator cuff tears  
•  Shoulder impingement 
•  Frozen shoulder 
•  Shoulder dislocations or instability 
•  Cartilage or labral tears  
•  SLAP lesions  
•  Bankart lesions 
•  Loose particles in the joint  
•  Calcific Tendonitis
•  Infections  Biceps
•  Tendinopathy   

Doctors will need some preoperative tests to make sure you are fit for general anesthesia. Doctors will ask you to fill out some questionnaires before the operation. Doctors are part of an international group that studies the results of various operations to ensure that the operation results are satisfactory. Doctors will have you fill out similar questionnaires at the end of your treatment. On the morning of the operation, you will be admitted to the hospital. You must remove all of the rings from your hand before the operation. 

Cuts required in the Surgery:

There are usually three (3) very small cuts in the shoulder, occasionally up to six ( 6) small cuts if the surgery has multiple facets. 

Discharge Time:

Patients are usually discharged home the same day or the morning after the operation.  Arthroscopic capsular release is performed in cases of stiff shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) that does not settle with conservative treatment. 

Procedure Introduction:

In this operation, a radiofrequency device is used through 23 puncture holes to cut the thick, contracted capsule of the shoulder, resulting in an immediate improvement in shoulder movements. As the inflammation subsides, so does the pain. Then the puncture holes are closed with 1 stitch each and the arm is placed in a sling. Patients are discharged the same day or the next morning. Aggressive exercises are started. The sling is hung up after a few days. The sutures are removed 2 weeks after the operation. The exercises are essential for at least 3 months in order to maintain full movements without pain.  

Rotator cuff repair:

Rotator cuff repair is required when the rotator cuff tendons are torn as a result of shoulder injury, overuse, or impingement. Patients experience pain and weakness when lifting their arm. The repair is usually carried out arthroscopically (keyhole technique). 

Open surgery is rarely required, with the help of 36 small puncture holes. We visualize the crack with a camera, sew on small screws with stressed points, and then insert them into the bone. they are sewn into the bone with these stitches.At the same time, the bony arch over the tendons (acromion) is shaved to allow the rotator cuff tendons to slide freely, which is known as subacromial decompression. You will be discharged from the hospital the same day or the next morning after the operation. Progressive exercises start the day after surgery. 

Recovery Time:

It takes at least 36 months for the shoulder to regain its strength.You will be ready to practice contact sports about 9 months after the operation. The suture anchors used are usually made of bioabsorbable materials and do not have to be removed later.