Shoulder

Shoulder Arthroscopy

Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and treat various shoulder conditions. By inserting a small telescope, known as an arthroscope, into the shoulder joint, the surgeon can assess the interior of the joint and perform necessary procedures with minimal disruption to the surrounding tissues.

What is Shoulder Arthroscopy?

Shoulder arthroscopy is commonly referred to as keyhole surgery because of the small incisions made during the procedure. The procedure offers numerous advantages over traditional open surgery, including smaller scars, less tissue disruption, faster recovery times, and reduced post-operative pain.


Common conditions treated with shoulder arthroscopy include:

  • Rotator cuff tears (repair or partial removal)
  • Labral tears (repair or debridement)
  • Recurrent shoulder dislocations
  • Biceps tendon injuries
  • Removal of inflamed tissue, bone spurs, or loose cartilage
  • Shoulder impingement syndrome

Procedure for Shoulder Arthroscopy

The procedure is typically performed under general anaesthesia or regional block. The surgeon makes small incisions around the shoulder to insert the arthroscope, which is connected to a camera that projects high-definition images of the shoulder joint onto a video monitor.

Once the damaged areas are identified, the surgeon uses specialised instruments inserted through additional small incisions to perform the required procedure. These instruments are designed for precise tasks such as shaving, cutting, grasping, suture passing, and knot tying. If necessary, special anchors or devices are used to secure tissues such as ligaments and tendons back to the bone.

In many cases, fluid is introduced into the shoulder joint to expand the space, which improves visibility and access to the area being treated.


Benefits of Shoulder Arthroscopy

Shoulder arthroscopy offers several benefits over traditional open surgery:

  • Smaller incisions result in reduced scarring and less tissue damage.
  • Faster recovery times and shorter hospital stays, as it is less invasive.
  • Minimal pain after surgery, thanks to reduced muscle and tissue trauma.
  • Reduced risk of infection, due to the small size of the incisions.
  • Enhanced precision in diagnosis and treatment, as the arthroscope allows surgeons to directly view the inside of the joint.


Recovery After Shoulder Arthroscopy

Following shoulder arthroscopy, patients can generally expect a faster recovery than with traditional open surgeries. However, the extent of recovery depends on the complexity of the procedure performed.


Pain Management

After the procedure, pain relief will be managed with medication. Initially, patients may require regular painkillers such as paracetamol or NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) to manage discomfort. In the first few days, stronger pain medication may be prescribed. Ice packs applied to the shoulder for 20 minutes at intervals throughout the day can help reduce swelling and pain.


Mobility and Rehabilitation

  • Shoulder immobilisation: A sling is typically used to support the shoulder immediately after surgery, helping prevent movement while the tissue begins to heal.
  • Physical therapy: Rehabilitation is a crucial part of recovery. The patient will be provided with specific exercises to restore mobility, strength, and range of motion in the shoulder. These exercises aim to prevent stiffness and improve function.

The first 2-3 weeks focus on gentle motion and alleviating pain, gradually progressing to strengthening exercises as the shoulder heals.


Return to Work and Sport

  • Return to work depends on the nature of the surgery and your job. For non-physically demanding work, patients can often return after 1-2 weeks, while more physically demanding work may require 6-12 weeks of recovery.
  • Return to sport varies depending on the type of activity. Light exercises, such as swimming or cycling, can often resume 4-6 weeks post-surgery. High-impact activities like running or lifting heavy weights may require 3-6 months of rehabilitation.

Dr. du Sart will provide tailored advice regarding the resumption of specific activities and provide ongoing assessments to ensure the shoulder heals properly.


Driving

While driving, particularly with a manual car, can usually be resumed after the sling is removed (around 6 weeks), it is essential to ensure you have regained full motion and control of your shoulder before getting back behind the wheel. Dr. du Sart will assess your readiness to return to driving during post-operative consultations.


Why Choose Dr. Ryan du Sart for Shoulder Arthroscopy?

Dr. Ryan du Sart is a highly trained orthopaedic surgeon with expertise in minimally invasive procedures, including shoulder arthroscopy. His approach focuses on personalised treatment, ensuring that each patient receives optimal care for their condition and recovery. By utilising the latest technologies, Dr. du Sart aims to improve patient outcomes and provide a quicker return to function with minimal discomfort.


Book a Consultation

If you're suffering from shoulder pain or need a comprehensive evaluation for potential arthroscopic surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ryan du Sart today. Early intervention and the use of advanced arthroscopic techniques can significantly improve your recovery time and overall outcome.

Phone: (08) 9779 9767
Email: admin@ryandusart.com.au

Clinic Locations:

6 Higgins Street, South Bunbury, WA 6230

20 Prince Street, Busselton, WA 6280



References:

  1. Michaels, J., & Biederman, J. (2019). "Shoulder Arthroscopy: A Review of Techniques and Outcomes." Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Research, 14(1), 19-22.
  2. Zhang, L., & Yang, H. (2020). "Minimally Invasive Shoulder Arthroscopy: Techniques and Advancements." Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 478(1), 68-74.