Arthroscopy of the shoulder joint

Arthroscopy of the shoulder joint is the most modern method of surgical intervention, which gives almost 100% restoration of the shoulder joint function. The procedure is performed not only for treatment, but also for accurate diagnosis of injuries using a small arthroscope with optics. This minimally invasive surgery is able to restore the range of motion of the arms, restore the integrity of tendons and ligaments, cure habitual dislocation and fractures, and remove cysts and bone processes.

IN WHICH CASES SURGERY IS REQUIRED. INDICATIONS

Intervention in the shoulder joint is most often required by athletes and the elderly. The former due to injuries, the latter due to degenerative changes in the joints.

The main indications for arthroscopy:

  • damage to individual elements of the joint (synovial membrane, rotator cuff tendon);
  • tearing of the articular lip;
  • chondromatosis;
  • contract;
  • bursitis;
  • tear of the rotational cuff;
  • hemarthrosis;
  • dislocation of the shoulder

Certain symptoms and sensations are also clear signals for arthroscopy. These include pain in the shoulder joints, joint crunching, swelling, and limited arm movements (inability to raise the arm high). If there are old injuries, then due to muscle atrophy, one shoulder seems smaller than the other. The earlier you seek examination, the more likely it is to restore full joint function. This includes exercise therapy, physiotherapy, massages and non-steroidal drugs. Treatment with folk methods, unfortunately, has no effect except to worsen the situation.

ARTHROSCOPY FOR DISLOCATIONS

The first dislocation in your life does not require serious intervention, it is simply set. But why can it lead to regular dislocations? Injuries, such as a fall on the outstretched arm or a direct blow to the shoulder joint, destroy the natural anatomy of the joint. The head of the joint falls out of the capsule, and the ligament and articular lip are torn. After the arm is set and immobilized, the damaged tissue fuses up on its own. However, 15-50% patients develop joint instability, which is called a habitual dislocation of the shoulder. Therefore, the dislocation can recur regularly. Sometimes even in a dream or when the arm is slightly moved to the side.

With the help of arthroscopy, the integrity of the joint capsule can be completely restored with the help of anchors to which the ligaments and the remains of the lip of the articular cavity of the scapula are sutured. This means getting rid of regular or repeated dislocations once and for all.

HOW THE OPERATION GOES

The operation itself is considered not complicated, as it does not involve strip incisions. After administering anesthesia (local or general anesthesia), the doctor makes 2 punctures of 5 mm (for complicated tasks: lip restoration, suturing of muscles, ligaments, tendons, 3 punctures). Through them, an arthroscope with a small screen is inserted for accurate diagnosis and equipment to eliminate the disease. After the surgery, the arm is fixed and the patient either returns home the same day or is offered to stay in the hospital for 1-2 days for observation. The pain after the operation is felt at 2-3 points on a 10-point scale, depending on the complexity of the specific operation. Painkillers are prescribed to make you feel comfortable. Then you should follow the rehabilitation recommendations that the doctor makes individually for each patient.

REHABILITATION AFTER ARTHROSCOPY OF THE SHOULDER JOINT

The first days after the surgery, bandages are made, and a fixation bandage is applied, which is recommended not to be removed for a couple of weeks. An orthopedic traumatologist prescribes a small list of auxiliary procedures to help you recover faster:

  • PHYSICAL THERAPY;
  • massage;
  • physiotherapy procedures;
  • use of exercise machines, balls, and muscle stimulants;
  • swimming.

From the second day after the arthroscopy, the patient begins to develop the joint, can use the keyboard, hold a cup, toothbrush with the operated hand. After 2 weeks, the sutures are removed. After 4-6 weeks, you can go to the gym.

Full recovery of the shoulder joint occurs after about 6 months of rehabilitation. Mobility returns without restrictions, even background pain, "snapping", blocks and swelling disappear, and the arm can be loaded in the usual rhythm of a healthy person.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ARTHROSCOPY

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure, so the risks of infection and trauma are extremely low compared to open surgery. Arthroscopy results in not only cosmetic aesthetics (the traces are almost invisible), but also significantly less pain during the recovery period. There is no need to stay in a hospital, you can quickly return to your usual lifestyle, and most importantly, almost all 100%s have no complications due to the jewelry precision of the equipment.

Results of arthroscopy of the shoulder joint

Read more
en_USEnglish
ukUkrainian en_USEnglish