Advantages of Shoulder Arthroscopy
Anyone who has ever experienced shoulder pain can confirm how much it affects their daily life. Work, exercise, and even simple everyday movements such as combing your hair can be affected. 70% of people will experience shoulder pain at some point during their lifetime, regardless of gender or age.
In the not-so-distant past, traditional open surgery was the main surgical option for the definitive treatment of shoulder pain. Open surgery is performed through a large incision, causes trauma to the soft tissues and muscles, and requires a longer recovery period. Shoulder arthroscopy is the most modern and minimally invasive method and can achieve better results without large incisions.
What is shoulder arthroscopy?
Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used for the diagnosis and treatment of shoulder conditions. Through a 5 mm opening, a camera – the arthroscope – is inserted into the shoulder so that the orthopaedic surgeon can carefully examine the joint. If a lesion is identified, the appropriate surgical instruments are inserted through two 5 mm openings and the lesion is repaired.
What are the advantages of shoulder arthroscopy?
Below you can find the main advantages of shoulder arthroscopy.
Small Incision
The typical incision required for shoulder arthroscopy is approximately 5 mm, and up to three incisions may be needed. The incisions are usually made at the front and back of the shoulder joint. Postoperatively, no sutures are required.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Many Shoulder Conditions
Conditions that can be treated with shoulder arthroscopy include:
- Tendinitis – Impingement Syndrome
- Shoulder Tendon Tear (Rotator Cuff Tear)
- Frozen Shoulder
- Shoulder Dislocation – Instability
- Early Osteoarthritis
- Biceps Tendon Conditions
- SLAP Lesion
- Calcific Tendinitis
In the hands of a specialised orthopaedic surgeon, shoulder arthroscopy can treat the majority of shoulder conditions.
Rapid Recovery
The greatest advantage of shoulder arthroscopy is the rapid return to daily activities. Immediately after surgery, the patient is transferred to the recovery room and later the same day returns home. At the end of the procedure, the patient wears a sling and follows a personalised physiotherapy programme provided by our team’s physiotherapist. Most patients can fully return to sports within a few months, and physiotherapy helps restore movement and strength in the shoulder.
Minimally Invasive Technique
Shoulder arthroscopy offers all the traditional benefits associated with minimally invasive surgery, such as:
- Less tissue damage
- Reduced pain
- Lower risk of infection
- Less blood loss
- Faster recovery time
The risk of complications and postoperative infections is very low.
To learn more about shoulder arthroscopy, book your appointment with shoulder orthopaedic surgeon Andreas Leonidou. The doctor has 14 years of continuous experience abroad and specialises in shoulder arthroscopy.
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