Shoulder Arthroscopy Specialist

What is shoulder arthroscopy?

Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that diagnoses and treats shoulder pain and other related issues. During treatment, your Bluewater Orthopedics provider inserts a thin, tube-like instrument with a camera on the end, called an arthroscope, into your shoulder joint.

The camera sends real-time images of your shoulder joint to a television monitor in the operating suite. Your provider uses the monitor and small, specialized instruments to make repairs or to diagnose a particular issue.

Why would I need shoulder arthroscopy?

At Bluewater Orthopedics, the team uses shoulder arthroscopy to diagnose and treat shoulder pain that doesn’t respond to conservative at-home treatments like ice, rest, or over-the-counter medication.

Common causes of shoulder pain include age, general wear-and-tear, and overuse. Shoulder arthroscopy can pinpoint the source of your discomfort and assist your provider in designing a custom treatment plan.

What procedures are performed with shoulder arthroscopy?

The team at Bluewater Orthopedics uses shoulder arthroscopy to perform various surgical procedures, including:

• Rotator cuff repair
• Removal or repair of the labrum
• Repair of the ligaments
• Removal of inflamed tissue
• Removal of loose or damaged cartilage
• Repair for frequent shoulder dislocation

In some instances, the team also uses shoulder arthroscopy for fracture repair or nerve release. 

What does shoulder arthroscopy involve?

Bluewater Orthopedics provides shoulder arthroscopy on an outpatient basis, meaning you don’t have to spend the night in the hospital. On the day of your arthroscopic procedure, you change into a hospital gown and lie down on an operating table. Then, your surgeon administers local or general anesthesia to ensure your comfort.

After the anesthesia kicks in, your surgeon makes several small incisions near your shoulder joint. They insert the arthroscope and a number of small, specialized instruments into the joint and make the necessary repairs.

Most shoulder arthroscopy procedures take less than an hour. Following the operation, you’re moved to a recovery suite for observation. When the anesthesia wears off, a friend or family member picks you up and drives you home.

What is recovery like following shoulder arthroscopy?

Recovery following shoulder arthroscopy takes anywhere between a few weeks to a few months. During the first week after the procedure, it’s normal to experience shoulder pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Follow your provider’s instructions carefully, take any medication as prescribed, and attend each subsequent checkup. 

Depending on the issue treated, the team might recommend physical therapy, at-home stretches, or strengthening exercises to speed up your recovery.

To explore the benefits of shoulder arthroscopy, make an appointment at Bluewater Orthopedics by calling the nearest office or by clicking the online booking tool today.