Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery Benefits

Surgery is a last resort to various issues affecting different parts of your body. These problems need to be significant enough to require surgery, such as if it affects how you go about your daily activities or if it significantly affects your quality of life through discomfort or pain. An example of a typical surgery to alleviate such issues is arthroscopic shoulder surgery West Chester. This surgery deals with primary issues affecting your shoulder and is further discussed below.

What is Arthroscopic shoulder surgery?

This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat various shoulder conditions. The procedure is performed using a small camera, called an arthroscope, inserted into the joint of your shoulder through a small incision. This allows the surgeon to visualize the inside of the joint and perform the necessary repairs.

This type of surgery is often used to treat:

•         rotator cuff tears
•         shoulder impingement
•         shoulder instability

It also eliminates bone spurs or repairs damaged cartilage. In some cases, it can be a diagnostic tool to help determine the cause of shoulder pain.

Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is typically performed using general anesthesia. This means you will be asleep during the procedure. The surgery itself usually takes close to an hour to complete. Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you do not need to stay in the hospital overnight. Recovery from the procedure takes approximately four to six weeks.

Surgery may be recommended if nonsurgical treatments, such as medication and physical therapy have failed to relieve your shoulder pain. The goal of arthroscopic shoulder surgery is to relieve pain and restore function. The specific technique will depend on the type of shoulder problem being treated.

Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is generally a safe and effective procedure with a low risk of complications. The most common complication is an infection, which can usually be treated with antibiotics. Other potential complications include:

•         nerve damage
•         blood vessel damage
•         joint stiffness

What do you gain from arthroscopic shoulder surgery?

The benefits of arthroscopic shoulder surgery include:

•         Reduced risk of infection: Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is a minimally invasive procedure, which means that there is a reduced risk of infection compared to traditional open surgery.
•         Reduced surgical trauma: Arthroscopic shoulder surgery causes less surgical trauma to the surrounding tissues, which leads to a quicker recovery and less postoperative pain.
•         Reduced scarring: Arthroscopic shoulder surgery results in smaller incisions and less scarring than traditional open surgery.
•         Early return to activity: Patients who undergo this particular surgery can typically return to their normal activities and exercise sooner than those who have open surgery.
•         Excellent clinical outcomes: Arthroscopic shoulder surgery has superior clinical outcomes, with most patients experiencing a significant reduction in pain and an improvement in shoulder function.

The decision to undergo arthroscopic shoulder surgery is typically made after a thorough evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon. This evaluation will likely include a review of your medical history, a physical examination, and imaging studies. For further insight into arthroscopic shoulder surgery, check out our website or call our West Chester, OH offices.