Shoulder Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that is widely used to review, diagnose and treat diseases that involve the inside of a joint.

Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that facilitates the treatment of many injuries to the shoulder joint. More specifically, this procedure allows the immediate evaluation of the muscles, ligaments, tendons and articular cartilage of the shoulder joint, in order to successfully treat any damage.

In this way, the diagnosis is confirmed and the repair of any injured tissues is achieved with the use of a microscopic camera and specialized arthroscopic tools inserted into the joint area.

Shoulder arthroscopy is the most modern and effective method for diagnosing and treating a number of injuries involving the shoulder joint.

Injury, overuse and tear due to age are responsible for most problems in the shoulder area. Shoulder arthroscopy can be applied to diagnose and treat a variety of diseases involving the shoulder joint and the anatomical elements surrounding it. More specifically, the pathological conditions that are diagnosed and treated with this technique are:

• Rotator cuff injuries such as tendon rupture and the presence of inflammation
• Shoulder instability
• Repeated shoulder dislocations
• Traumatic ligament injuries
• Shoulder arthritis (early stages)
• Frozen shoulder

Shoulder arthroscopy can be used to repair ruptures of the rotator cuff or biceps tendons, by suturing and refixing them, treating subacromial friction syndrome [(subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS)] or restoring instability or any dislocation of the shoulder by stabilizing the ligaments. At the same time, bone or cartilage residues can be removed in case of osteoarthritis and calcifications in cases of calcifying tendonitis.

Usually, patients undergoing this procedure have not seen an improvement in symptoms with conservative therapeutic measures, such as rest, physiotherapy, administration of anti-inflammatory drugs and steroid injections.

Shoulder arthroscopy is used both, as a diagnostic tool to identify damaged structures of the shoulder and as a therapeutic method for their surgical repair. In order to perform the procedure, the patient is administered general anesthesia, after he is placed either, in a semi-sitting position or in a lateral position. The incisions required are two of tiny size, one in the front and one in the back of the shoulder. In case of extensive damage, an additional incision may be made.

Through these incisions, a tiny 4 mm camera called an arthroscope is inserted, which projects a clear image of the joint on a high-definition screen, allowing optimal imaging of the anatomical structures of the joint to identify the diseased pathology.

The remaining incisions are performed to insert special arthroscopic surgical instruments, which allow the examination of ligaments and tendons in order to detect any problems. If a problem is detected, it is repaired with the same tools. Most arthroscopic operations last less than an hour, but the duration of the operation depends on the pathological finding and the repair it requires.

With this minimally invasive technique, it is possible to review the entire shoulder joint in order to successfully identify the problem that exists, so that it can then be treated with the most modern methods, leading to the effective relief of any painful symptoms.

Recovery after shoulder arthroscopy is faster and clearly more painless than open surgery. The patient is discharged on the same day, and from the next day a suitably designed rehabilitation program begins, which is fully personalized to the needs of each case.

Pain after surgery is easily tolerated and managed by taking painkillers. Ice therapy and a immobilization system to protect the shoulder play an important role in postoperative rehabilitation. In order for the patient to return to daily activities, the start of a targeted physiotherapy program is crucial.

A rehabilitation plan is implemented to help regain muscle strength and full range of motion of the shoulder based on the surgical repair that has been performed. A key factor in the success of postoperative rehabilitation is, of course, the patient’s full compliance.

Shoulder arthroscopy offers several advantages to the patient, as it is a minimally invasive procedure, which means less trauma to the joint and fewer scars, therefore lower risks of complications compared to open surgeries, while an excellent aesthetic result is achieved.

The benefits of arthroscopic surgery in the shoulder area compared to older, open surgical techniques include, a faster return to daily activities, reduced pain and swelling postoperatively, and faster functional recovery. Patients can return to their daily activities in a short period of time, ranging from a few days to a few weeks.

Most patients do not have complications from shoulder arthroscopy. As with any surgery, however, there are some risks. These are usually minor and are treated. Possible, but extremely rare problems with arthroscopy include infection, light bleeding, damage to blood vessels or nerves.

In order to avoid any complications, it is important that this operation is performed by surgeons with long-term experience and specialization. Since this operation is quite demanding, the surgeon’s experience plays a decisive role in the optimal functional rehabilitation of the patient.