Advanced Surgery, Trusted CareShoulder Arthroscopy
What does Shoulder Arthroscopy mean?
Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic and surgical procedure used for shoulder joint issues. It enables surgeons to look inside your joint, effectively diagnosing and treating your specific condition.
During arthroscopy, Dr. Kenawy makes a small incision at the back of your shoulder to introduce a pencil-sized instrument called an arthroscope. This arthroscope consists of a light system and a camera that transmit images from the inside of your shoulder joint to a large video screen. This allows Dr. Kenawy to clearly visualize the joint and effectively treat diseases and injuries affecting the bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and muscles of your shoulder joint.
Advantages of Shoulder Arthroscopy
As shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure, you can usually undergo this process on an outpatient basis, spending only a few hours in the hospital. When Dr. Kenawy performs an arthroscopic procedure for your shoulder, the recovery time is shorter compared to open surgical methods. Shoulder arthroscopy also minimizes trauma to the surrounding tissues and joint structures, as the incision is much smaller than in many conventional surgeries, leading to a lower risk of infection. Some patients can return to sports and an active lifestyle more quickly than with more invasive surgeries or alternative treatment methods.
In summary, compared to open surgery with a large incision, arthroscopy offers the following advantages:
Indications of Shoulder Arthroscopy
Shoulder arthroscopy is indicated for the following shoulder conditions when conservative treatments such as medication and physiotherapy fail to provide relief from pain and impairments:
Procedure of Shoulder Arthroscopy
Dr. Kenawy performs shoulder arthroscopy under general anesthesia. You can be positioned lying on your side with your arm supported or in a semi-seated position. To expand the surgical area and ensure a clear view of the damage, sterile fluid is injected into the shoulder joint. A button-sized hole is made in the shoulder, and the arthroscope is inserted. Dr. Kenawy examines the images and videos captured by the arthroscope’s camera on a large monitor. Surgical instruments are introduced through separate small holes in the joint to remove and repair the damage. After the operation, the instruments are removed, and the incisions are closed with stitches or small sterile bands.
Post-operative Care for Shoulder Arthroscopy
After the procedure, it takes a few days for the small surgical wounds to heal, and the surgical dressing is replaced with simple bandages. The recovery period depends on the nature and extent of the treated issue. Pain medication is prescribed to promote your well-being. The arm of the affected shoulder is temporarily placed in a sling. To enhance shoulder mobility and strength after the operation, physiotherapy is recommended.
