SHOULDER ARTHROSCOPY

What is Shoulder Arthroscopy?

Shoulder arthroscopy involves making a small puncture in your knee. This allows access for a camera (arthroscope) so that the surgeon can view the in and around your knee. The camera allows the surgeon to view ant areas of your anatomy that may be contributing to your pain. Fluid is used to irrigate that camera and to maintain good visualisation. Images from the camera are displayed throughout on a video screen.  

Will I be awake during the procedure?

Along with Mr Leonard the anaesthetist will be present. He/She will evaluate you and decide if your anaesthetic will be a spinal or general anaesthetic. Most commonly a general anaesthetic is used allowing you to go asleep for the operation. This will be decided beforehand.

How long will I be in hospital?

Shoulder arthroscopy is a day procedure. You should make arrangements to have a family member or friend to bring you home.

Why is Shoulder Arthroscopy needed?

Your surgeon may recommend shoulder arthroscopy if your pain hasn’t responded to more conservative treatment. It is effective to relieve painful conditions that are causing your symptoms. These are conditions that effect soft tissue structures around the joint such as impingement issues or bone spurs.

How long will it take?

Shoulder arthroscopy shouldn’t take more than an hour. In saying this however it will depend on the amount of work to be done.

Possible complications

Complications are rare. However, and although shoulder arthroscopy is considered a less invasive surgical procedure it is still surgery and therefore carries a certain amount of risk. Irritation to the surrounding nerves, blood vessels or the joint itself. As with all surgery there is a risk of infection.

Recovery

You will experience a certain amount of pain after the procedure. Paracetamol or anti-inflammatory medication will help with this. Pain should decrease over the few days following the surgery. Returning to sport following arthroscopy will depend on the extent of the intervention and the damage that was previously there. As always a properly designed rehabilitation programme will help to give the best possible post op results.