Is Shoulder Arthroscopy a Major Surgery? Everything You Need to Know

Shoulder pain can run interfere with your daily life to such an extent that simple acts like raising your arm, driving a car, sleeping or playing sports become really difficult. If taking medicine and doing physical therapy do not bring you any relief, then the orthopedic surgeon might suggest a surgery called shoulder arthroscopy.

Many patients have one main question:

Does Shoulder Arthroscopy Constitute a Major Surgery?

The short answer is No. In fact, shoulder arthroscopy is widely regarded as a minimally invasive surgical procedure as opposed to a major open one. It only demands small cuts, results in less damage to the tissues and most of the time recovery time is faster when compared to open shoulder surgeries.

In this detailed article, Dr. Shekhar Srivastav, a top shoulder arthroscopy doctor in Delhi, shares in-depth information about shoulder arthroscopy such as its procedure, advantages, convalescence, hazards and FAQ.

Explanation of Shoulder Arthroscopy

Shoulder arthroscopy is a sophisticated minimally invasive surgical method which permits diagnosing and treating various shoulder diseases through three or four tiny incisions.

Instead of making a large incision, the doctor places a tiny camera called arthroscope inside the shoulder joint. This camera gets amazing close-up images which are viewed on a monitor and this is how the surgeon operates specialized instruments for repairing damaged tissues.

This technique is nowadays the preferred method for treating multiple shoulder problems as it can cause lesser pain and thus help quicker recovery.

Is Shoulder Arthroscopy a Major Surgery?

As shoulder arthroscopy, in most cases, is a day surgery, even the patient is under anesthesia in an operating room, which makes it very different from open shoulder surgeries that are major surgery.

Here is why:

• Creating a few small keyhole openings (normally 5-10 mm).
• Very minor cutting and muscle trauma.
• A smaller amount of produced blood.
• Postoperative pain is substantially less.
• A much smaller risk of getting an infection.
• Rehabilitation period is significantly accelerated.
• Hospital admission time is very short.
• It becomes possible to carry out normal activities at an earlier stage.

Nonetheless, the difficultly will be dependent on the treated pathology. For instance, surgery of repairing a big rotator cuff tear is highly complex as compared to the case of removing inflamed tissue only.

Conditions Treated with Shoulder Arthroscopy

Shoulder arthroscopy is an extremely useful surgical technique to treat a number of musculoskeletal conditions, such as:

Rotator Cuff Tears

This is probably the number one reason for having a shoulder arthroscopy. The torn areas of the tendon are fixed by a combination of anchors and sutures.

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Arthroscopic procedure will allow to remove the inflamed tissues that cause the person to experience pain when moving the arm.

Shoulder Instability

Resurfacing of the ligaments, which are usually torn when the shoulder is dislocated, can be done arthroscopically, and this can stabilize the shoulder so that dislocations do not happen anymore.

Labral Tears

Arthroscopic repairs are the methods used to fix SLAP tears and Bankart lesions.

Frozen Shoulder

Certain surgical procedures involving capsular release may be undertaken to increase the mobility of the shoulder in patients with a significant loss of flexibility.

Shoulder Bursitis

Removing the inflamed bursa is a means to relieve a patient of persistent pain.

AC Joint Problems

With arthroscopy, it is possible to ease the pain resulting from arthritis of the acromioclavicular joint.

Loose Bodies

Free bone or cartilage pieces within the joint can be removed with minimal trauma.

Who Needs Shoulder Arthroscopy?

Your orthopedic doctor may suggest a shoulder arthroscopy if non-surgical methods do not work after some weeks or months.

It is possible that you are the right patient for it if you have:

• Long-lasting shoulder pain
• Repeated dislocation of the shoulder
• Inability to move the shoulder fully
• Rotator cuff injury
• Sustained shoulder injury during sports
• Loss of strength in the shoulder
• Pain at night time
• Experience of clicking or locking in the shoulder
• Shoulder that gives way or feels unstable

How is Shoulder Arthroscopy Performed?

The operation usually lasts between 45 minutes to 2 hours depending upon the type of the procedure.

Step 1: Anesthesia

You will receive general anesthesia or a local nerve block.

Step 2: Small Incisions

Small cuts will be made around your shoulder.

Step 3: Arthroscope Insertion

A small camera will be introduced into the joint.

Step 4: Diagnosis

The surgeon will thoroughly check all the structures within the shoulder.

Step 5: Repair

Tendons, ligaments, cartilage, or bone that are damaged are fixed using specialized tools.

Step 6: Closure

Advantages of Shoulder Arthroscopy

In comparison to conventional surgery, shoulder arthroscopy has quite a few advantages.

Small Scars

Minuscule Surgical cuts will result in less prominent marks on the skin.

Less Pain

Injury to the tissues is limited, hence less pain after the surgery.

Faster Recovery

Most patients return to normal activities faster than following an open surgery.

Less Risk of Infection

The smaller the wound, the lower the infection risk.

Excellent Joint Visualization

The arthroscopic camera reveals highly detailed and magnified views of the joint.

Shorter Hospital Stay

The majority of patients are good to be discharged on the very day that they have undergone surgery.

Early Rehabiliation

Physical exercises normally start right after the surgery.

Does Shoulder Arthroscopy Cause Pain?

Prior to the surgery, patients are most concerned about the level of pain after the surgery.

Luckily, post-op pain usually isn’t a problem because:

• General anesthesia is effective in keeping patients comfortable during works.
• Local anesthetics used in this procedure block pain sensation for hours after surgery.
• Painkillers taken after surgery help alleviate pain.
• Application of ice and physical therapy can further bring pain and discomfort.

Pretty much all the patients notice a steady diminishing in their pain within the first couple of weeks.

Physiotherapy After Shoulder Arthroscopy

Physical therapy is one of the most important elements of the recovery process.

Through a well-organized physiotherapy regimen, it is possible to:

• Get back a full range of shoulder movements
• Increase the joint’s flexibility
• Gain muscle strength
• Get rid of stiffness
• Lower pain levels
• Get back to playing sports without any risk

If you don’t do any physical therapy at all, your recovery process will very likely get slowed down.

Shoulder Arthroscopy Risks

Despite shoulder arthroscopy is one of the safest surgeries to be performed, it is important to remember that surgery in general carry some risks no matter what they are.

Here is a list of complications that may arise:

• Infections at the site of surgery
• Hemorrhaging
• Loss of shoulder movement
• Neurological injury
• Formation of blood clots (rarely)
• Pain that persists for a long time
• Re-tearing of repaired tendon(s)
• Inflammation

Going for a specialist who is well-trained in shoulder arthroscopy is the best way to minimize the risk of any of these unexpected situations occurring.

Reasons to Select Dr. Shekhar Srivastav for Shoulder Arthroscopy?

An experienced orthopedic surgeon is what you need most, while choosing an option for your shoulder surgery.

Dr. Shekhar Srivastav has:

• Long-standing knowledge and practice in the field of shoulder arthroscopy
• State-of-the-art minimally invasive surgery techniques
• Individualized treatment ways
• Full support in following a rehabilitation regimen that is effective
• Possibility to achieve fast recovery and better function through state-of-the-art techniques
• Patient-oriented treatment supported by latest medical discoveries

Based on the knowledge and skills which no doubt enables him to help a wide range of shoulder conditions including sports-related injuries, rotator cuff injuries, shoulder dislocations and other hard-to-treat shoulder problems, he is undoubtedly the first choice for patients who require excellent orthopedic services in Delhi.

Tips for Faster Recovery After Shoulder Arthroscopy

Implement these steps to get better faster:

• Using the sling at your convenience.
• Taking medications regularly.
• Going to all physiotherapy outpatient sessions.
• Not lifting any heavy objects during early healing.
• Doing only those exercises recommended by your surgeon.
• Choosing a protein-rich, nutritionally complete diet.
• Getting plenty of fluids.
• Keeping regular doctor visits.
• Immediately informing the doctor of any strange swelling, fever, or intense pain.

Can Shoulder Arthroscopy Prevent Future Shoulder Problems?

It is impossible to completely avoid that a future injury occurs through intervention, but shoulder arthroscopy can:

• Make shoulder stable again
• Decrease pain
• Increase range of motion
• Fix tears
• Offer a way to avoid repeat dislocations
• Allow a more confident return to sports and everyday activities if combined with proper rehab

Besides that, keeping strong in shoulder and doing preventive exercise helps keep the chances of re-injury low.

Final Thoughts

So, is shoulder arthroscopy a major surgery? For the majority of cases, no. This is a minimally invasive and highly reliable operation allowing for the treatment of lots of shoulder diseases with less pain, smaller cuts, and speedier recovery compared to the traditional open surgery.

Suppose you have constant shoulder pain, instability, or a sports injury that has not got better with conservative treatment, then the next thing is to check with the shoulder doctor who is experienced. Diagnosing early and using an arthroscopic procedure at the right time will help you to get function, relief from pain, and your good quality of life back.

With the help of Dr. Shekhar Srivastav’s expert assessment and comprehensive shoulder arthroscopy treatments, patients are able to return to their normal activities safely and with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is shoulder arthroscopy a major surgery?

It’s not. In fact, it is a minor operation done by making tiny cuts in the skin. So, compared with an open surgery, you recover faster and have less pain after surgery.

2. How long does shoulder arthroscopy take?

Depending on the complexity of the case, the procedure usually takes between 45 minutes and 2 hours.

3. Will I need to stay in the hospital?

Many patients go home the same day after surgery, but some situations might call for a night in the hospital.

4. Is shoulder arthroscopy painful?

The pain can usually be controlled with anesthesia, nerve blocking, medication, and therapy.

5. How long will I wear a sling?

Usually 2-6 weeks, depending on the surgical repair and the guidance of your doctor.

6. When can I return to work?

Return to a desk job can be within 1-3 weeks after the surgery whereas a job requiring heavy physical work might have a return time of a few months.

7. Can shoulder arthroscopy repair rotator cuff tears?

Yes. It is considered the most popular and efficient method among the surgical procedures for repairing rotator cuff injuries.

8. Is physiotherapy necessary after surgery?

Absolutely! Without a doubt, rehabilitation must be considered as it helps a lot in gaining strength, improving flexibility, and function of the shoulder.

9. What is the success rate of shoulder arthroscopy?

If performed by qualified experts and coupled with a proper rehabilitation program, the success rate can be very high.

10. Can athletes undergo shoulder arthroscopy?

Of course. After athletes undergo a proper rehabilitation and recovery program, many do return to their sports.

11. What are the risks of shoulder arthroscopy?

Among the potential risks are: infection, stiffness, bleeding, nerve injury, and re-tear of the tendon but these are only very rarely seen.

12. How soon can I drive after surgery?

Typically, driving may be resumed after 4-6 weeks depending largely on your recovery rate and the doctor’s advice.

13. Will I have large scars?

On the contrary. In shoulder arthroscopy, tiny, keyhole incisions are used which normally only yield very small scars.

14. Can shoulder arthroscopy treat recurrent dislocations?

It is one option for treatment. Arthroscopic stabilization surgeries have shown great results in taking care of recurrent shoulder instability.

15. Who is the best doctor for shoulder arthroscopy in Delhi?

If you are interested in getting the latest minimally invasive shoulder treatment, then Dr. Shekhar Srivastav is the shoulder arthroscopy specialist with whom you should most probably get in touch. He is proficient in treating rotator cuff tears, shoulder instability, sports injuries, and other quite difficult shoulder conditions.