Shoulder Arthroscopy
Shoulder arthroscopy, sometimes called a shoulder scope, may be used to examine and treat problems inside and around the shoulder joint through small incisions.
Keyhole Shoulder Surgery in Brisbane
Shoulder pain can make simple movements frustrating. Reaching overhead, pulling on a shirt, lifting at work or finding a comfortable sleeping position may become difficult. Pain, weakness or instability can also keep you away from the gym, the field or the activities you enjoy.
At Ortho ARC, Dr Blake Fidock and Dr Mirun Thayaparan provide specialist orthopaedic assessment and treatment across Brisbane. Your care begins with understanding the cause of your symptoms and how they are affecting your movement, work and daily life.
What Is Shoulder Arthroscopy?
Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows your surgeon to see inside the shoulder using a small camera called an arthroscope.
The camera is inserted through a small incision and displays a magnified view of the joint on a monitor. Small surgical instruments can then be introduced through other incisions to assess or treat damaged tissue.
The procedure can be used to examine the:
- Rotator cuff tendons
- Labrum around the shoulder socket
- Joint cartilage
- Biceps tendon
- Joint capsule
- Bursa and tissues above the rotator cuff
Shoulder arthroscopy may allow diagnosis and treatment during the same operation.
Meet our Orthopaedic Specialists
Dr Blake Fidock and Dr Mirun Thayaparan provide assessment and treatment for a range of orthopaedic conditions across Brisbane.
Benefits of Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery
A Detailed View of the Shoulder
The arthroscope provides a magnified view of structures inside the shoulder. This helps your surgeon assess damage to the tendons, cartilage, labrum and other soft tissues.
Targeted Treatment
Small instruments allow your surgeon to treat the identified problem. Treatment may include repairing torn tissue, removing loose fragments or addressing inflamed and damaged tissue.
Smaller Incisions
Shoulder arthroscopy uses smaller incisions than open shoulder surgery and may reduce disruption to surrounding tissue. It is commonly performed as day surgery, based on the procedure and your health.
Conditions Treated with Shoulder Arthroscopy
The Arthroscopic Procedure at Ortho ARC
Shoulder arthroscopy generally includes:
- Pre-operative assessment: Your surgeon reviews your symptoms, examination findings, medical history and imaging.
- Anaesthesia: The procedure is commonly performed under general anaesthesia. A regional nerve block may also be used.
- Arthroscopic examination: The camera is inserted through a small incision to examine the shoulder joint and surrounding structures.
- Treatment: Small instruments are used to repair or remove damaged tissue.
- Closure and support: The incisions are closed and covered with dressings. A sling may be fitted to protect the shoulder.
The operation performed is shaped by the shoulder problem and the treatment plan discussed before surgery.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery after shoulder arthroscopy varies with the procedure. A diagnostic examination or simple removal of inflamed tissue generally has a shorter rehabilitation period than a rotator cuff or labral repair.
During the early stages, you may be advised to:
- Use ice to manage pain and swelling
- Take prescribed pain relief
- Keep the wounds clean and dry
- Wear a sling for support
- Move your hand, wrist and elbow as directed
- Begin shoulder exercises at the recommended time
A sling may be needed for a short period or several weeks. Repair procedures usually require more protection to give the tissue time to heal.
Physiotherapy may be used to restore shoulder movement before gradually rebuilding strength and control. Returning to lifting, manual work, driving, gym training and sport can take weeks or several months, based on the procedure and your progress.
When to Consider Shoulder Arthroscopy
Shoulder arthroscopy may be discussed when:
- Pain continues despite physiotherapy, medication or activity changes
- Weakness is affecting lifting or overhead movement
- The shoulder repeatedly dislocates or feels unstable
- Catching, locking or stiffness is limiting movement
- Symptoms are disturbing sleep or affecting work and sport
- Imaging shows a tendon, labral, cartilage or other structural injury
Not all shoulder pain requires surgery. Your Ortho ARC surgeon will assess the source of your symptoms and explain the treatment options available.
Making an Informed Decision
Shoulder arthroscopy may reduce pain and improve movement or stability when it is used to treat a suitable structural problem. The expected recovery and result vary with the injury and procedure.
Potential risks include infection, stiffness, blood clots, nerve or blood vessel injury, ongoing pain and the need for further treatment. Repairs can also fail to heal or may be injured again. Your surgeon will explain the risks that relate to your proposed operation.
About Dr Blake Fidock
MBBS (Hons. 1), MTrauma (Ortho), FRACS (Ortho), FAOrthA
Orthopaedic Surgeon