The shoulder joint is one of the most flexible and mobile structures in the body. While this flexibility provides great advantages in daily activities, it also increases the risk of injury. What is shoulder arthroscopy, a technique used in the treatment of intra-articular problems?
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical method used in the diagnosis and treatment of joint diseases. Thanks to the camera and lighting system placed on a thin instrument called an arthroscope, the inside of the joint can be viewed in detail.
What Is Shoulder Arthroscopy?
Shoulder arthroscopy is a closed surgical technique used in the diagnosis and treatment of intra-articular problems.
Thanks to the camera and lighting system placed at the tip of a thin device called an arthroscope, the inside of the joint can be imaged in detail. Since this method is performed through small incisions, it minimizes tissue damage and accelerates the healing process.
Shoulder arthroscopy provides an effective solution especially in complaints such as shoulder pain, limited range of motion, and loss of strength.
Arthroscopic surgery can be easily applied to the shoulder, knee, and ankle joints. Shoulder arthroscopy is especially used in elderly patients who experience pain in movements such as lifting the arm above the head or moving it backward, aiming to treat impingement and tears in this area.
Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist at Irmet Hospital, Op. Dr. Ayaz Afandiyev says:
“The shoulder is the most flexible joint in your body. It has a structure that allows the arm to move in almost every direction. However, this flexibility can cause problems. Because of this feature, the shoulder is highly prone to injury and damage. If there is a problem in the shoulder, it can be resolved with a surgical procedure called arthroscopy.”
In younger patients, injuries and tears in the shoulder muscles and soft tissues caused by sudden movement or trauma are also treated with this method.
Problems in the shoulder joint usually become apparent when lifting the arm above the head or during sudden and incorrect movements. Shoulder injuries, which manifest as shoulder pain, require a detailed examination process for accurate diagnosis.
Why Is Shoulder Arthroscopy Performed?
Shoulder injuries can be diagnosed through detailed physical examination, medical history, and specific tests. The severity of the shoulder pain, during which activities the pain is felt, and genetic factors are evaluated.
Certain conditions must be present for arthroscopic surgery to be needed in shoulder joint problems.
Shoulder arthroscopy is considered when the following symptoms exist:
- Loss of strength in the arm
- Persistent pain despite medication and physical therapy
- Limited range of motion
In addition to the patient’s symptoms, certain diagnostic methods are also used. Thanks to these diagnostic methods, arthroscopy planning can be carried out effectively.
Conditions That Require Shoulder Arthroscopy
Many problems in the shoulder region can be treated with arthroscopic surgery. This method is preferred because it is minimally invasive.
Common conditions that require Shoulder Arthroscopy include:
1. Shoulder Impingement
This usually occurs as a result of overuse of the shoulder joint. Pain and limited range of motion occur when the arm is raised above the head.
Compression of the rotator cuff muscles leads to tears, inflammation, and damage. These problems are effectively resolved with shoulder arthroscopy.
2. Shoulder Tear
Tears caused by shoulder dislocation or trauma led to loss of strength in the joint, cracking sounds during movement, and difficulty in use. Arthroscopic surgery provides repair by comprehensively evaluating the shoulder joint.
3. Shoulder Instability
Shoulder instability occurs when the head of the humerus comes out of its socket due to sudden and incorrect movements. If left untreated, it may cause fractures or recurrent dislocations. Arthroscopy restores joint stability.
4. Shoulder Arthritis (Degeneration)
The deformation of joint cartilage causes pain and limited movement. This condition, which may occur due to various reasons (aging, trauma), can be managed through arthroscopy.
How Long Does Shoulder Arthroscopy Take?
Shoulder arthroscopy, known as Shoulder Arthroscopy, usually takes between 1 and 2 hours. The duration may vary depending on the complexity of the problem, the degree of joint damage, and the treatment to be performed.
For example, a simple impingement repair may take 45–60 minutes, while tear repair or instability correction may take up to 2 hours. When preoperative preparation and anesthesia are included, the total time may be 2–3 hours.
Advantages of Shoulder Arthroscopy
Shoulder arthroscopy, a closed surgical method, has clear advantages over open surgeries. The best benefit for the patient is a fast and comfortable postoperative recovery period.
Its most important advantage is that tissue damage is minimal because large incisions are not made, and the healing process progresses quickly. Thanks to the camera system, detailed imaging of the joint is provided, which increases surgical precision.
Op. Dr. Ayaz Afandiyev lists the advantages and benefits of shoulder arthroscopy as follows:
- Detailed imaging capability
- Comfort provided to the surgeon during surgery
- Increased safety during the procedure
- Low risk of complications
- Fast recovery period
- Less postoperative pain
- Aesthetic surgical scars
After Shoulder Arthroscopy
The recovery process after shoulder arthroscopy is quite comfortable. After Shoulder arthroscopy, the process generally proceeds as follows:
- Patients are usually discharged on the same day, sometimes the next day. As with other surgeries, there is rarely a need for hospital stay.
- There may be very mild pain, which can be easily managed with simple painkillers.
- An arm–body bandage is applied.
- Although the recovery process is fast, resting for about 1 week is beneficial.
- Wound dressing is done every two days. Your doctor will provide instructions.
- Stitches are removed after 15 days during a follow-up visit.
- Showers are allowed after the stitches are removed.
- Exercises prescribed by the doctor should be performed regularly to accelerate healing.
