Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery

Dr. Bertrand Perey

MD, FSRC

Orthopaedic Surgeon

New Westminster, BC

Dr. Jordan Leith

MD, MHSc, FRCSC

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Vancouver, BC

Dr. Brian Kwon

MD, PhD, FRCSC

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Vancouver, BC

Shoulder arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that involves the use of a small camera called an arthroscope to visualize and treat problems within or around the shoulder joint. The arthroscope is inserted into the shoulder joint through a small incision in the skin. It allows the surgeon to assess the condition of the shoulder structures, such as the cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and muscles, and perform necessary repairs or interventions.

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<p> Orthopedic Surgeon, discusses arthroscopic shoulder surgery</p>

Orthopedic Surgeon, discusses arthroscopic shoulder surgery

Knowledge is Power.

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True/False - Quiz: Do You Understand Shoulder Surgery?

Quiz: Do You Understand Shoulder Surgery?

Test your knowledge by answering the following questions:

Questions

True

False

The usual treatment for shoulder injuries is surgical options.

Explanation:

The usual treatment for shoulder injuries is non-surgical options such as medications, bracing and physiotherapy. Shoulder surgery is generally only explored if the non-operative options fail.

Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is often performed to repair soft tissue injuries.

Explanation:

Arthroscopic shoulder surgery (otherwise known as keyhole surgery) can be a good option for some patients. It is often performed to repair soft tissue injuries, and enables surgeons to introduce a fiber optic camera through a two- to three- millimeter incision.

For more severe shoulder injuries, surgeons may recommend a reverse shoulder replacement surgery.

Explanation:

For more severe shoulder injuries, surgeons may recommend a reverse shoulder replacement surgery. It is often done to repair rotator cuff tendons that have been damaged, often by arthritis.

Patients with recurrent shoulder dislocations may won't benefit from surgical reconstruction, only from non-surgical options.

Explanation:

Patients with recurrent shoulder dislocations may benefit from surgical reconstruction of the damaged tissues in the shoulder joint. This usually involves an arthroscopic day procedure, where the surgeon identifies the torn labrum or ligaments that have occurred with each shoulder dislocation.

Following shoulder surgery, most patients will benefit from physiotherapy.

Explanation:

Following shoulder surgery, most patients will benefit from physiotherapy to get their range of motion back, decrease pain and increase strength.

Treatment of Shoulder Pain

The patient should exhaust all non-operative type options such as medications, anti-inflammatory medication, analgesic medication, physiotherapy to keep the joints supple, stretching to keep the joints supple.