Shoulder Arthroscopy

What is Shoulder Arthroscopy?

The word arthroscopy is made up of the two Greek words, “arthro,” which means joint, and, “skopein,” which means to look. A shoulder arthroscopy is a procedure that surgeons utilize to look at, diagnose, and repair issues inside your shoulder joint. A surgeon inserts a small camera called an arthroscope into your shoulder joint during the procedure. The surgeon uses these pictures displayed on a television screen to guide very small surgical tools in diagnosing and repairing your shoulder problem.

Shoulder Arthroscopy Diagnosis

A shoulder arthroscopy may be recommended for you by your physician if you have a painful shoulder condition that does not respond to nonsurgical treatment such as physical therapy, rest, or anti-inflammatory medications or injections.

Shoulder arthroscopy can be used to diagnose several shoulder problems. Your surgeon can diagnose a damaged or torn cartilage ring or ligament, a torn rotator cuff, shoulder instability, a bone spur, shoulder impingement syndrome, or a damaged or torn biceps tendon.

What Happens During Shoulder Arthroscopy Treatment

Once your surgeon diagnoses the problem, he may be able to fix it during the shoulder arthroscopy. Several shoulder problems can be addressed with this type of surgery.

Torn Rotator CuffTo repair a torn rotator cuff, the edges of the tendon are brought together and attached to the bone using sutures and suture anchors.Treatment for Shoulder InstabilityShoulder instability occurs when the structures around your shoulder joint don't hold the joint in the socket correctly. This results in either partial or complete shoulder dislocation.
If you have a torn labrum, your surgeon can fix it during a shoulder arthroscopy. The labrum is cartilage that surrounds the rim of your shoulder joint. If necessary, ligaments that attach to the area will be repaired at the same time.Treatment for Impingement SyndromeShoulder Impingement Syndrome occurs when the rotator cuff tendons become inflamed or irritated as they pass through the space below the acromion.
To treat Shoulder Impingement Syndrome, your surgeon will clear out any inflamed or damaged tissue above your shoulder joint. Your coracoacromial ligament may be cut. Because Shoulder Impingement Syndrome is often caused by a bone spur on the underside of the acromion, the bone spur may be shaved down.Other ConditionsLoose tissue in the shoulder can also be removed during an arthroscopy. Other torn tendons, such as the biceps tendon, can be repaired during this type of surgery as well.

About the Recovery Process

Recovery typically takes one to six months. You will likely have to wear a sling for the first week following surgery. You may need to wear the sling longer if you had a lot of repairs done during your shoulder arthroscopy. Physical therapy may be helpful in strengthening your shoulder and regaining range of motion. How soon you can return to work or physical activities depends on what was done during your surgery. It typically ranges from one week to several months.

Why Choose Treasure Valley Hospital for this Surgery?

Individualized patient care is our focus. We do what is right for each patient, and we strive to exceed patient expectations. Our staff is committed to making your stay as pleasant and comfortable as possible. Our hospital pharmacy staff will work closely with you to answer all your medication questions. Our pharmacy staff will also check for possible drug interactions to help keep you safe.