SHOULDER ARTHROSCOPY

Shoulder arthroscopy (key hole surgery) is a type of minimally invasive surgery that uses a small camera (arthroscope) inserted through a small incision to examine or repair the tissues inside or around the shoulder joint. It is an alternative to "open" surgery which is a more invasive procedure. Arthroscopy results in less pain and stiffness, fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery time.

Arthroscopy may be recommended for shoulder problems, such as:
•  Torn or damaged cartilage ring (labrum) or ligaments (in cases of shoulder instability)
•  Torn or damaged biceps tendon
•  Torn rotator cuff
•  Bone spur or inflammation around the rotator cuff
•  Stiffness of the shoulder
•  Inflammation or damaged lining of the joint
•  Arthritis of the end of the clavicle (acromioclavicular joint)

PROCEDURE DETAILS

How is the surgery performed?
Anesthesia is first administered to make you unconscious. The surgeon starts by making a small incision, about one-quarter inch (0.25") long, near the shoulder joint. A small camera (arthroscope) is then inserted into the joint. The camera is attached to a video monitor to allow the surgeon to see inside the joint.

The surgeon will look around the entire joint to check the cartilage, tendons, and ligaments of the shoulder. If damaged tissues need to be repaired, the surgeon will make 1 to 3 additional small incisions to insert other instruments.

In addition to working on the shoulder joint, the surgeon often places the camera in the space above the rotator cuff tendons (the subacromial space). The surgeon can evaluate the area above the rotator cuff, clean out inflamed or damaged tissue, remove a bone spur, and fix a rotator cuff tear.

What are some of the risks involved?
The risks are the same as those associated with any surgery, namely bleeding, infection, nerve damage. Risks involved with anesthesia are allergic reaction to the medication and/or problems in breathing. Some of the specific risks related to the shoulder surgery are:
•  Stiffness of the shoulder
•  Weakness of the shoulder

How long will recovery take?
Depending on the surgery that was performed, recovery can take anywhere from 1 to 6 months. You may have to wear a sling for the first week. In case of a more extensive repair, you may have to wear the sling for a longer period.

When you can return to work or play sports will depend on the extent of the surgery that was performed, and can range from 1 week to several months.

For many procedures, especially if a repair is performed, physical therapy may help you regain the motion and strength of your shoulder. The length of therapy will depend on the extent of repair that was done.

For affordable shoulder arthroscopy, please contact Healthbase. Healthbase is a medical tourism expert connecting patients to leading orthopedic hospitals worldwide. Healthbase also offers medical tourism plans for self-insured businesses and insurance companies looking for affordable healthcare benefits for employees or clients.