Whenever you think of surgery, you often think of a long and painful process with big incisions made on your body. This is certainly not the case with shoulder arthroscopy. Shoulder arthroscopy is one of the most common and popular surgical procedures for treating shoulder injuries, especially the ones encountered while playing sports.
It is common for athletes and sportspersons to lose themselves in the sports they play, leading to all sorts of orthopedic injuries. Shoulder injuries are common in people indulging in sports like basketball, tennis, football, etc. While some of these injuries can be treated with home remedies, others require the help of an orthopedic surgeon.
If any of your loved ones meet with such an accident and end up injuring their shoulders, seek help from the best orthopedic doctor in your city. For instance, if you live in Gurgaon, approach the best orthopedic doctor in Gurgaon for effective diagnosis and treatment.
Let us now dive deeper into shoulder arthroscopy and its benefits.
What Is Shoulder Arthroscopy?
Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves making small incisions inside the patient’s body for diagnosis and treatment. It is used to cure a range of different shoulder injuries and conditions that require comprehensive medical help.
Issues like shoulder impingement and rotator cuff tears are often treated using shoulder arthroscopy. It involves inserting a miniature camera called an arthroscope inside the patient’s body and examining the affected regions on a video screen. Here, orthopedic surgeons perform suitable surgeries without the need for bigger incisions. The arthroscope allows doctors to see the source of your injury, understand what is wrong with your shoulder, and treat the problem effectively.
Shoulder arthroscopy is often recommended for patients who have not responded well to non-surgical procedures. It is also recommended for injuries that are too serious about being treated non-surgically.
Which Injuries And Conditions Can Be Treated Using Shoulder Arthroscopy?
Here are some of the most common shoulder injuries and conditions that can be treated using shoulder arthroscopy:
- Shoulder impingement
- Rotator cuff tear
- Rotator cuff tendinitis
- Shoulder osteoarthritis
- Frozen shoulder
- Bone spurs
- Labrum tears
- Shoulder instability
It is important to note that shoulder arthroscopy is an outpatient surgical procedure. For instance, if you go for shoulder arthroscopy in Gurgaon, you can return home the same day.
Key Benefits Of Shoulder Arthroscopy For Sports Injuries
Here are some of the most important benefits offered by arthroscopy for sports injuries:
Less Invasive
Shoulder arthroscopy is less invasive than traditional open surgery. This means that the incisions are smaller, and there is less tissue damage, resulting in less pain, a shorter recovery time, and a smaller scar.
Accurate Diagnosis
Shoulder arthroscopy lets the surgeon see the inside of the shoulder joint clearly and directly, allowing for a more accurate diagnosis of the problem. This helps to ensure that the right treatment is provided to the patient.
More Versatile
Shoulder arthroscopy can be used to treat a wide range of shoulder problems, including rotator cuff tears, labral tears, impingement syndrome, shoulder instability, and frozen shoulder.
Faster Recovery
Recovery from shoulder arthroscopy is generally faster than open surgery. Most patients can return to their normal activities within a few weeks, and physical therapy can be started early in the recovery process.
Reduced Pain and Swelling
Shoulder arthroscopy is associated with less post-operative pain and swelling than open surgery, reducing the need for pain medication and other interventions. However, it is important to note that the surgery doesn’t eliminate pain before or after the procedure.
Lower Complication Rates
Shoulder arthroscopy has a lower risk of complications compared to open surgery. The risk of infection, nerve damage, and blood loss is reduced, making it a safer and more effective option for many patients.
Outpatient Procedure
In most cases, shoulder arthroscopy can be performed on an outpatient basis, which means that the patient can go home on the same day as the surgery. This is convenient for the patient and reduces the overall cost of the procedure.
This way, people suffering from sports injuries can get back on the field after a successful shoulder arthroscopy. It is also important to understand the importance of extensive rehabilitation after the surgery is performed. Doctors and physiotherapists often recommend specific exercises to be performed during rehabilitation to ensure a speedy and healthy recovery.
How Long Does It Take For A Patient To Recover After Shoulder Arthroscopy?
This is a common question asked by athletes suffering from shoulder injuries, as they are always willing to get back on track playing their favorite sport. Ideally, your shoulder joint may take a few weeks to a few months to heal completely after shoulder arthroscopy. It is common for patients to experience pain and swelling for at least a couple of weeks after surgery.
However, following the right rehabilitation practices and home care helps you tackle the issue better. Pain medications and ice packs often prove effective while reducing pain after shoulder arthroscopy. Doctors also recommend sleeping in a propped-up position in a chair/bed for a few days after returning from the hospital. You are likely to be given a sling to support your shoulder as well.
As a sportsperson, make sure you do not get back to your sport sooner than advised by your orthopedic surgeon. If you are asked to rest your shoulder for a few months, do not get back on the field for that time. Following the right procedures will prevent your shoulder from encountering unwanted damage again.
The Final Word
If you have met with a sports injury, it is advisable to opt for a shoulder arthroscopy to heal more effectively. The minimally invasive surgery tackles your injury with high precision and low pain. Thanks to medical science, procedures like shoulder arthroscopy help patients recover from serious shoulder injuries without using complicated procedures that involve making larger incisions on the affected regions. Seek help from skilled and experienced ortho surgeons to restore your shoulder’s functionality.
