Arthroscopy is an orthopedic procedure surgeons use to inspect, diagnose, and treat problems inside a joint. The word arthroscopy originates from the Greek word “arthro” (joint) and “skopein” (to look). When our surgeons perform a shoulder arthroscopy on Long Island, a small incision is made in the shoulder to insert an arthroscope, a small camera. The camera allows for images to be displayed on a monitor and helps the surgeon guide miniature surgical instruments during shoulder surgery. At Dines Orthopedics, we have a team of orthopedic surgeons that can address shoulder conditions with shoulder arthroscopy.
The Shoulder Anatomy
The shoulder is a complex joint capable of the most motion than any other joint in the body. It consists of the upper arm bone (humerus), the shoulder blade (scapula), and the collarbone (clavicle). The parts of the shoulder include the following:
- Ball and socket- The head of the upper arm bone fits into a rounded socket, called the glenoid, located in your shoulder blade. Articular cartilage, a slippery tissue, covers the ball’s surface and socket. The slippery tissue creates a smooth surface to allow the bones to glide easily across each other.
- Shoulder capsule- The shoulder joint is surrounded by ligaments, which are bands of tissue. The ligaments form a capsule that holds the joint together.
- Rotator cuff- Four tendons surround the shoulder capsule. They help keep your arm bone centered in the shoulder socket. The four tendons make up the rotator cuff, which covers the head of the humerus bone and attaches it to your shoulder blade.
- Bursa- The bursa is a lubricating sac between the rotator cuff and the bone on top of your shoulder. The bursa helps tendons in the rotator cuff to glide smoothly.
Nonsurgical Treatment for Shoulder Conditions
Inflammation is the body’s natural reaction to injury or disease. Inflammation can result in swelling, pain, or stiffness. You can use nonsurgical treatment options such as rest, physical therapy, medication, or injections to reduce inflammation in the shoulder and promote healing. If you have a painful shoulder condition that does not respond to nonsurgical treatment, our orthopedic surgeons can perform a shoulder arthroscopy on Long Island.
Common Shoulder Arthroscopy Procedures
Injury, overuse, and age-related wear are common causes of shoulder problems. Shoulder arthroscopy can relieve many shoulder problems and the symptoms associated with them. Common arthroscopic procedures include:
- Rotator cuff repair
- Removal of the labrum
- Repair of the ligaments
- Removal of inflamed tissue or loose cartilage
- Repair for recurrent shoulder dislocation
Less common procedures arthroscopic surgery can address include:
- Nerve release
- Fracture repair
- Cyst Excision
The Arthroscopic Procedure
When you go in for shoulder arthroscopy, you will be positioned so that the surgeon can easily adjust the arthroscope when viewing inside the shoulder. You can be placed in a beach chair position, similar to sitting in a reclining chair, or a lateral decubitus position, where the patient lies on their side. The first step of a shoulder arthroscopy includes the surgeon injecting fluid into the shoulder to inflate the joint. Inflating the joint makes it easier to see all the shoulder structures through the arthroscopy.
Next, the surgeon will make a small incision in the shoulder to insert the arthroscope. Fluid will continuously flow through the arthroscope to clear the view and control bleeding. While the arthroscope is inside the shoulder, images will be projected onto a monitor. Once the problem is located in the shoulder, the surgeon will insert other instruments into the shoulder to treat it. After the procedure is finished, the incision is closed with stitches or steri-strips.
Rehabilitation After the Procedure
After a shoulder arthroscopy, our surgeon will work with you to develop a rehabilitation plan. A rehabilitation plan aims to get you back to daily activities. Depending on the severity of the surgery, physical therapy or an exercise program can be implemented to help regain strength and mobility in the shoulder.
Contact Our Team For Shoulder Arthroscopy on Long Island
A shoulder arthroscopy makes the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery from surgery easier because the surgeon can get a detailed image of the inside of the shoulder. A shoulder arthroscopy on Long Island can be beneficial to various shoulder conditions. If you have a shoulder injury and require treatment, our orthopedic surgeons at Dines Orthopedics can help. Contact us today!