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Krishna Complex, Opp. Chintamani Society, Achher Cross Road, Sabarmati, Ahmedabad
Shoulder arthroscopy is a surgical procedure used to visualize, diagnose, and treat various problems inside the shoulder joint and in the space surrounding the rotator cuff. This is done through small incisions that allow the insertion of specialized instruments.
Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is used to treat a variety of common shoulder problems, including bursitis, tendonitis, arthritis, impingement, rotator cuff tears, labral tears and shoulder instability.
Requires detailed clinical examination by an expert followed by the USG and MRI of the affected shoulder. MRI is gold standard for the diagnosis.
The physical examination and history are a reliable means to diagnose rotator cuff weakness and pain. Many times, persons will have no abnormalities on X-ray (the cuff can not be visualized with x-ray), but MRI is very reliable in confirming a suspected diagnosis. Frequently, and MRI arthrogram will be performed.
Severe pain and stiffness in affected shoulder (more during nights disturbing the sleep)
Inability to actively lift the arm and pick up any heavy object
Impingement–rubbing of the cuff surfaces on the undersurface of the acromion (or bony ‘roof’ of the shoulder)
Instability—subtle dislocation of the shoulder joint
Frozen shoulder—also called adhesive capsulitis is a temporary inflammation and scarring of the shoulder capsule
Typically, surgery requires admission for 2-3 days. Surgery is done under general anesthesia and regional block is given for the pain relief. Surgery requires 3-4 small (key hole) incisions. Post-operative recovery is very smooth and painless.
Traditionally rotator cuff used to be repaired with open surgery leading to adhesions and post-operative stiffness & recovery generally takes a very long time.
Shoulder arthroscopy requires very aggressive physiotherapy in presence of an expert for a atleast6-8 weeks in phased manner. Regular follow ups are required to the operating surgeon to upscale the physiotherapy after examining the recovery.
Some early motion is important after rotator cuff repair, but unrestricted motion can endanger the success of the procedure. For the first 3 or 4 weeks, the patient is scheduled to see a physical therapist once or twice per week to monitor the progress of healing and to reiterate the proper exercises.
Patients are almost always satisfied with the range of motion, comfort and function that they achieve as the rehabilitation program progresses.