An arthroscopy allows the surgeon to diagnose and treat the shoulder by providing a clear view of the inside of the shoulder with small incisions, utilizing a pencil-sized instrument called an arthroscope. This “scope” allows the surgeon to examine the interior of the shoulder and determine the source of the problem, allowing him to remove or repair damaged tissue. The arthroscope can also identify tears or other damage that may have been missed by an x-ray or MRI.
This procedure was first performed in the late 1970s.
WHO WOULD BENEFIT FROM A SHOULDER ARTHROSCOPY?
WOULD I NEED TO STAY IN THE HOSPITAL?
WILL I BE AWAKE DURING THE PROCEDURE?
WHAT CAN I EXPECT WHEN I GO HOME?
WHEN WILL I SEE THE SURGEON?
WHEN CAN I DRIVE AND RETURN TO WORK?
SIGNS OF INFECTION:
WHO WOULD BENEFIT FROM A SHOULDER ARTHROSCOPY?
Patients with shoulder pain or limited shoulder function may be a candidate for arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Patients who have sustained a shoulder injury and have not found relief with conservative management may also benefit.
WOULD I NEED TO STAY IN THE HOSPITAL?
Most arthroscopies are done on an outpatient basis.
Most arthroscopies are done in a Surgery Center Facility rather than the hospital.
The procedure would generally take approximately one hour. After the procedure you will be taken to the recovery area and be able to leave the facility when the staff feels you are ready which is approximately two hours post surgery. YOU MAY NOT DRIVE YOURSELF! You should also have someone check on you that evening if you live alone.
WILL I BE AWAKE DURING THE PROCEDURE?
NO. At the time of the surgery or the day before you will be evaluated by the anesthesiologist. At that time he will decide whether you will have general anesthesia (you will be sleeping), local (your shoulder will be numbed only) or regional block (numbing only the upper extremity).
WHAT CAN I EXPECT WHEN I GO HOME?
One to two weeks post op your shoulder will be immobilized in a sling for three weeks. You will have exercises to do. You will use an immobilizer for sleep.
Three to four weeks post op you will remove the sling. You will increase and continue exercises. You will continue the immobilizer for sleep.
Five to six weeks post op you will discontinue the immobilizer for sleep. You will increase exercises.
During this time you will also be scheduled for out patient therapy and have follow up visits with your surgeon.
WHEN WILL I SEE THE SURGEON?
You should call the office to make an appointment to see the surgeon 48 hours after your surgery.
WHEN CAN I DRIVE AND RETURN TO WORK?
This will be determined by your surgeon. Return to normal activity will be determined by the surgeon also.
SIGNS OF INFECTION:
Increased swelling and redness at incision site
Change in color, amount, odor of drainage
Increased pain
Fever greater than 100.5 degrees.