Your shoulder remains one of the most mobile joints in your body, a characteristic that makes it vulnerable to several injuries. Your provider can use arthroscopic shoulder surgery West Chester to detect the cause of your pain and correct it during the same procedure.

An overview of shoulder arthroscopy

Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure medical experts use to diagnose and treat shoulder injuries. Like other minimally invasive procedures, this surgery enables you to recover with fewer complications and minimal scarring than open surgery. During the surgery, your provider inserts a small camera known as an arthroscope through the small incision on your skin. The camera provides clear pictures of your shoulder joint, which enable your physician to identify the location and severity of your injury.

If you require shoulder repair, the team uses their advanced surgical tools to restore optimal functioning in your shoulder. Shoulder arthroscopy can eliminate inflamed tissues and treat several medical conditions like osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tendinitis, frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tears, bone spurs, and shoulder impingement syndrome.

How doctors prepare for arthroscopic surgery

During your Beacon Orthopedics & Sports Medicine appointment, the team discusses your symptoms, reviews your medical history, and conducts a thorough physical exam. Before the procedure, you may need to avoid some of your medications for a few days. Your physician will tell you how to prepare for the surgery, including when you should eat. The team may take a chest X-ray, blood tests, or an electrocardiogram to obtain more details about your health. Shoulder arthroscopy often lasts for less than an hour. Before surgery, your provider may inject nerve blocks into your shoulder or neck to help with the pain ad discomfort. In some cases, they may administer general anesthesia, which will cause you to lose consciousness.

During the procedure, the specialists may shave some of your arm hair (if necessary) and use antiseptic to clean your skin. They may inject a special solution in your shoulder to inflate it, making it easier for your doctor to see. Your doctor then creates a small hole in your skin and inserts the small camera to enable them to detect the problem in your shoulder. After surgery, the team closes the incisions and bandages them to prevent infection.

What to expect after shoulder arthroscopy

The Beacon Orthopedics & Sports Medicine team offers shoulder arthroscopy as an outpatient procedure. You may need to remain at the hospital for about two hours before your doctor discharges you. You may receive pain medications if necessary. You may also have to arrange for a loved one to keep you company for the rest of the day. As with all surgeries, you may experience pain when recovering from shoulder arthroscopy. The team may prescribe pain medications to make your recovery easier and less painful.

All surgeries come with potential complications, and shoulder arthroscopy is no exception. Risks associated with this procedure include infection, blood clots, and excessive bleeding.

Call the practice or book an appointment online for more information about shoulder arthroscopy.