A Comprehensive Guide to Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery: 

Advancements in Minimally Invasive Joint Care

Whether you’re seeking relief from shoulder pain, addressing a sports-related injury, or exploring treatment options, arthroscopic shoulder surgery is one procedure you should not overlook! In this blog, we will discuss arthroscopic surgery as it’s used for repairing shoulder issues and injuries. From what it is to why it’s helpful and what you can expect with this treatment option, we’ve got you covered with all your arthroscopic shoulder surgery need-to-know facts.

What is Shoulder Arthroscopy? 

Arthroscopy is a minimally-invasive procedure often used by orthopedic surgeons to repair joint issues using a small camera called an arthroscope. The arthroscope allows orthopedic doctors to see inside a patient’s joint during surgery so the incision can be quite small and thus enable faster healing for patients. 

Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is a procedure that allows orthopedic surgeons to diagnose and treat a range of shoulder conditions using a minimally-invasive technique. This technique allows surgeons to visualize the inside of the shoulder joint with precision, enabling accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment.

Benefits of Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery

The ability to utilize smaller incisions and instruments to repair joint issues with arthroscopic surgery results in a number of benefits to patients receiving this treatment option. These are outlined below:

Minimally Invasive: With smaller incisions that allow orthopedic surgeons to get straight to the heart of what is causing pain, patients experience reduced tissue trauma. In traditional open surgery, larger incisions required to see into the joint meant that even healthy tissue and skin had to be cut, repaired, and healed.

Accurate Diagnosis: Even before surgery is begun, the arthroscope can provide a clear view of the shoulder joint, which allows for precise diagnosis of the underlying condition.

Quicker Recovery: With less trauma and smaller incisions, arthroscopic surgery often leads to a quicker recovery and faster return to daily activities and sports. 

Reduced Postoperative Pain: The minimally-invasive nature of arthroscopy generally results in less post-operative pain and discomfort. 

Conditions Treated with Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery

Most shoulder conditions that previously required open surgery can be repaired arthroscopically. Below is a list of some common shoulder injuries that Dr. Goradia of G2 Orthopedics and Sports Medicine regularly repairs using arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

Rotator Cuff Tears: Arthroscopic surgery is commonly used to repair torn rotator cuffs. While partial tears are often performed arthroscopically, some surgeons are unable to repair larger rotator cuff tears this way. However, Dr. Goradia at G2 Orthopedics is often able to repair even massive rotator cuff tears using arthroscopic surgery.  

Labral Tears: Though there are several types of labral tears, arthroscopy can be used to repair any type of labral tear to restabilize the shoulder joint.

Shoulder Dislocations: Although treatment depends on a patient’s age and activity level when it comes to shoulder dislocations, arthroscopic techniques are often used when surgery is required for shoulder dislocations. 

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: Arthroscopic techniques can effectively address shoulder  impingement that has not improved with a regimen of shoulder exercises. 

How The Procedure Works

During arthroscopic shoulder surgery, patients are placed under anesthesia and small incisions are made to access the injury or area causing pain. During the operation, the orthopedic surgeon performs the necessary repairs depending on the condition being treated. This may include removing damaged tissues, stabilizing the joint, or placing sutures. Once all repairs have been made, the surgeon closes the incisions and patients are monitored during recovery, at which point pain medications often move to over the counter pain medications like ibuprofen. 

Shoulder Surgery Recovery

As mentioned previously, patients who have arthroscopic surgery often experience shorter recovery times. However, the recovery period still includes a regimen of physical therapy to ensure patients get back to their full range of motion. Dr. Goradia at G2 Orthopedics and Sports Medicine works with local Richmond Physical Therapists to ensure his patients receive the best recovery plan and guidance so they can get back to doing the things they love. Patients will also visit with their orthopedic surgeon for post-op visits to ensure that the injury and wounds are healing as they should. 

Try G2 Orthopedics and Sports Medicine for Safe, Effective, and Minimally-Invasive Shoulder Care

At G2 Orthopedics, we specialize in providing comprehensive orthopedic solutions, including arthroscopic shoulder surgery, to help you regain shoulder function. If you’re considering shoulder surgery or need a second opinion on your joint pain, contact us at (804) 678-9000 or complete the form and we will be in touch with you!