If you’re suffering from shoulder pain and discomfort, your doctor may recommend arthroscopic shoulder surgery (also known as shoulder arthroscopy). During this procedure, your surgeon will insert tiny cameras into your shoulder joint to determine what’s causing the pain. He can then take steps to treat the problem and get you back on track with your everyday life. If you’re thinking about getting a shoulder arthroscopy and are wondering how long Arthroscopy Shoulder Surgery takes, here are some important things to know.
When Is Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery Used?
Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is most commonly used to treat shoulder impingement, rotator cuff tears, bank tears, shoulder dislocation, and SLAP tears. The procedure involves making small incisions in the shoulder joint and using a tiny camera to visualise the inside of the joint. Special instruments are then inserted through the cuts to perform any necessary repairs or remove anything that may be causing irritation. The small incisions ensure minimal pain after arthroscopic shoulder surgery.
For instance, if there is an issue with the labrum – a ring of cartilage that runs around the outside edge of the ball and socket joint – it can be repaired with arthroscopic surgery. If there is inflammation from arthritis or bursitis, those conditions can also be treated with this type of procedure which reduces the arthroscopy shoulder surgery recovery time drastically. If the rotator cuff has been torn for more than six months, and the tear isn’t responding to non-surgical treatments, surgical repair will likely be recommended.
What Goes On Pre-Surgery?
You will be questioned by your doctor about your medical history prior to shoulder arthroscopy. Additionally, you must bring a list of all your current medications. Some of your prescription medications may need to be stopped a few days before surgery and they will also inform you about what not to do after arthroscopy shoulder surgery.
Your hospital will provide you with detailed instructions, including how long you should wait to eat or drink before the arthroscopy shoulder surgery. You may also need the following to assess your health before the treatment
- Blood tests
- Chest X-ray
- Electrocardiogram
How Long Does Shoulder Arthroscopy Surgery Take?
Arthroscopy shoulder surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that normally takes 30-60 minutes. The surgery is performed through small incisions, or keyholes, in the shoulder. Shoulder arthroscopy can be used to visualise, diagnose, and treat various shoulder joint problems.
Our team has the best shoulder surgeons who use the most advanced techniques that enable us to lessen the pain after arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Shoulder arthroscopy surgery often provides very good results with the best shoulder surgeon. So, if you’re looking for an orthopaedic surgeon specialising in shoulder injuries, contact our office today!
Arthroscopy Shoulder Surgery Recovery Time
Most people recover within 6 to 12 weeks after shoulder arthroscopy. The length of time depends on the severity of your injury and whether you have any other health problems. If you have a massive rotator cuff tear, for example, it may take longer to recover than if you had a simple supraspinatus tear.
Most people can return to their normal activities within 3-5 months. If you have significant pain after arthroscopy shoulder surgery or weakness in your arm, it’s important to see a physical therapist who specialises in post-operative rehabilitation. It’s also important to consult your sports injury surgeon before starting any new activity or sports following surgery.
After Surgery Care
- Observe any discharge and self-care guidelines that are given to you and carefully follow the what not do after arthroscopic shoulder surgery guidelines given by your doctor.
- Recovery may take one to six months. For the first week, you’ll probably need to wear a sling. You might need to wear the sling for a longer period of time if you had extensive repairs made.
- To manage your discomfort and make the arthroscopic shoulder surgery recovery time easier and pain-free, you could take medication.
- Depending on the nature of your surgery, you may be able to resume working or participating in sports sooner or later. The recovery time might differ from weeks to a few months.
- You might benefit from physical therapy to get your shoulder back to being mobile and strong. Depending on what was done during your surgery, the length of therapy will vary.
Benefits Of The Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery
Depending on the nature of your condition, you might opt for Arthroscopy shoulder surgery rather than open surgery (which requires a wider incision). A shorter recovery period and lower risk of infection are two advantages of arthroscopic surgery versus open surgery. In comparison to open operations, this operation frequently results in reduced stiffness and joint pain after arthroscopy shoulder surgery. A few other major benefits are as follows:-
- Quick Recovery – Being allowed to leave the hospital on the day after surgery is possibly the finest part of shoulder arthroscopy. You will be kept in a recovery room for a few hours following surgery before being released. Although you’ll need a ride home and probably someone to look after you for the first few days, the arthroscopy shoulder surgery recovery time is pretty short. Most people feel discomfort for a few weeks following surgery, and you might need to use a sling for the first few to keep your shoulder safe.
- Minimally Invasive – The advantages of minimally invasive surgery apply to shoulder arthroscopy as well. Complications and infections following surgery are unlikely. A buttonhole-sized incision is typically needed for an arthroscopy, while more extensive procedures could necessitate numerous incisions. Many people can resume their athletic activities after a few months, and physical treatment might help you regain your shoulder’s motion and strength. Physical therapy is frequently effective in treating shoulder stiffness and joint pain after arthroscopy shoulder surgery, which is one of the most frequent post-procedure side effects.
FAQs About Shoulder Arthroscopy
What Anaesthesia Is Used For Arthroscopy Shoulder Surgery?
It is performed under general anaesthesia, additionally, a cervical block is used to tackle post-operative pain
How Much Pain Is There After Shoulder Arthroscopy?
It is a relatively painless procedure and patients will be pain-free when an additional cervical block is used for postoperative pain.
What is The Scar After Shoulder Arthroscopy?
Shoulder arthroscopy does not need extensive incisions and keyhole surgery. You will hardly have any scars if you carefully follow the what not to do after arthroscopic surgery guide provided by your doctor. It suits females because they can wear all kinds of modern dresses without any cosmetic concerns.
What Is The Success Rate Of Shoulder Arthroscopy?
It is one of the most successful modes of treating shoulder injuries. It has excellent success and acceptability rates when compared to conventional old open surgeries.
Where Can I Find a Good Shoulder Surgeon Near Me?
If you’re looking for the best acl surgeon in india, look no further than The Cruciates. Our experienced sports injury surgeons are the best in arthroscopic surgeries and use the most advanced techniques available. We’re dedicated to providing our patients with the best possible care and treatment, and we’re always here to answer any questions you may have. Team is headed by Dr Nagendra Prasad, who specialised in all kinds of sports injuries and arthroscopic surgeries with vast experience.
