Shoulder pain can limit your ability to enjoy everyday activities and significantly affect your quality of life. Whether caused by an injury, aging, or an underlying condition, shoulder problems can be debilitating. However, arthroscopic shoulder surgery offers a minimally invasive solution for many shoulder issues. This advanced procedure helps patients recover more quickly, with less pain and fewer complications than traditional open surgery.

What is Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery?

Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small camera, called an arthroscope, to examine, diagnose, and treat various shoulder conditions. The arthroscope is inserted through small incisions, providing the surgeon with a detailed view of the inside of the shoulder on a monitor. Special surgical instruments are then inserted through other small incisions to repair damaged tissues, and remove inflamed areas, or smooth rough cartilage.

This technique is highly effective in both diagnosing and treating shoulder problems, with minimal disruption to surrounding tissue, resulting in faster recovery and reduced risks.

Conditions Treated by Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery

• Rotator Cuff Tears: The rotator cuff stabilizes the shoulder and is a common source of pain. Arthroscopic surgery can repair tears with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues, restoring function.
• Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): This condition causes stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. Arthroscopic surgery can release tightness in the shoulder capsule, improving mobility and reducing discomfort.
• Shoulder Impingement: Shoulder impingement occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff become irritated. Arthroscopy can remove inflamed tissue and provide space for the tendons to move freely.
• Shoulder Arthritis: Arthritis in the shoulder joint can lead to pain and stiffness. While severe cases may require joint replacement, arthroscopic surgery can manage symptoms by removing damaged cartilage and smoothing rough surfaces in the joint.
• Shoulder Instability: If the shoulder is prone to dislocations, arthroscopic surgery can repair or tighten the ligaments, preventing further instability.

Benefits of Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery

• Smaller Incisions and Reduced Scarring: Unlike traditional surgeries that require large incisions, arthroscopy uses small incisions, which results in less visible scarring and faster healing.
• Less Pain: Because the procedure is minimally invasive, most patients experience less pain after the surgery, reducing the need for pain medication.
• Faster Recovery: Arthroscopic surgery allows for quicker recovery times. Patients often return to normal activities within weeks, while full recovery takes a few months.
• Lower Risk of Complications: The smaller incisions and less invasive nature of the surgery reduce the risk of infection, blood loss, and other complications commonly associated with open surgery.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes a few small incisions around the shoulder joint. The arthroscope is inserted through one incision, and surgical instruments are used through the other incisions to repair the damaged tissue. The entire procedure typically takes 1-2 hours, depending on the severity of the condition.

Patients usually go home the same day after the surgery and are monitored in a recovery room. Depending on the condition, the surgeon may prescribe pain management and post-surgery guidelines.

Recovery After Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery

Recovery time is generally faster with arthroscopic surgery than with traditional open surgery. After the procedure, patients may need to wear a sling for several days or weeks, depending on the extent of the surgery. Physical therapy is crucial for restoring strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the shoulder. Most patients can return to light activities within weeks, and more strenuous activities can be resumed after a few months.

Is Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery Right for You?

If you're dealing with shoulder pain or limited movement and conservative treatments such as physical therapy or medication haven’t been effective, arthroscopic shoulder surgery may be the solution. This minimally invasive procedure can provide lasting relief, allowing you to return to your daily activities.

Consult with our experienced orthopedic specialists today to find out if arthroscopic shoulder surgery is the right option for you. Restore shoulder mobility and eliminate discomfort with advanced arthroscopic surgeries by Dr. Martha Balakrishna in Secunderabad. Specializing in minimally invasive procedures, Dr. Balakrishna offers tailored care for faster recovery and lasting results. Book your appointment now!