Contents
In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
Shoulder arthroscopy is a medical procedure that allows the inside of the shoulder joint to be assessed. It involves a doctor making a small incision and then inserting a specialized endoscope. This makes it possible to find the cause of the shoulder joint problem. The arthroscopy of the shoulder joint does not require a long recovery process as it is not a highly invasive procedure.
Shoulder joint is a spherical joint, it connects the shoulder girdle with the upper limb. Like any other pond, so do i shoulder joint consists of an articular head and a acetabulum. The joint head shoulder joint is the head of the humerus, while the acetabulum – the articular labrum of the scapula and the articular cavity. Moreover shoulder joint it is surrounded by muscles, ligaments and tendons that are designed to protect the joint and increase the plane of movement. The shoulder joint allows extension and adduction movements, but also rotational movements of the arm to the outside and inside. Shoulder joint allows abduction and flexion movements only in the horizontal plane.
The limitation in the ability to perform the above-mentioned movements is most often caused by pain and inflammation of the shoulder joint. It is a very bothersome ailment that significantly lowers the mood, and thus – the quality of life of patients. However, the cause of such a state of affairs is usually unknown, and therefore it is performed to establish it shoulder arthroscopy.
Shoulder arthroscopy – what is the procedure?
During the execution of the shoulder arthroscopy the anaesthesiologist usually treats the patient with a local anesthetic, however, if necessary, he may also use general anesthesia. The decision of the patient is of great importance here, as well as possible allergy to anesthetics, which the doctor learns about during the previous medical interview.
During the procedure shoulder arthroscopy the doctor makes a small incision in the skin, about 5 mm wide, and then introduces a special fluid into the shoulder joint, which is to stretch the joint capsule to better visualize the inside of the joint. The doctor introduces a tool that allows you to obtain information about the appearance of the internal shoulder joint. Shoulder arthroscopy allows you to examine many structures of the shoulder joint, including the tendons of the rotator cuff (consisting of a group of four muscles), cartilage, labrum and tendons.
What is important, bar arthroscopy is a procedure that enables not only diagnostics of the shoulder jointbut also, if necessary, to perform the procedure and remove the cause of the pain. During the procedure shoulder arthroscopy the doctor is able to repair damaged structures. Commonly performed activities include smoothing the deformed elements of the articular cartilage, removing the pathologically hypertrophied synovial membrane.
An undoubted advantage shoulder arthroscopy is that it is not an invasive procedure and after it is performed, only a small scar remains (the doctor sutures the skin using single sutures, and applies a dressing to it). Additionally, it usually doesn’t require a long recovery process, which makes it easier to return to your daily life. This distinguishes it from other, more invasive procedures, such as arthrotomy.
Shoulder arthroscopy – how to prepare for it?
A must before performing the procedure shoulder arthroscopy you have previously been vaccinated against hepatitis B (hepatitis B) in order to protect against an infection that may be contracted during the procedure. Even though there is really little chance of getting sick. Of course before arthroscopic surgery it is also important to perform basic diagnostic tests, such as blood count, blood group determination, urinalysis, glucose measurement, liver tests, ECG or chest X-ray. Patients who suffer from other illnesses, such as those affecting the kidneys, lungs, liver or nervous system, should inform their doctor, who will likely order additional tests before being performed. shoulder arthroscopy.
Shoulder arthroscopy – what are the possible complications?
Complications after shoulder arthroscopy are rare. However, there are cases of the emergence of some symptomsThese include bleeding around the shoulder joint due to damage to the blood vessels. After shoulder arthroscopy you may experience an increase in body temperature above 38 degrees, vomiting, nausea, redness and swelling in the area of the treatment site. If this happens, see a doctor.
Shoulder arthroscopy – convalescence
Return to daily activities after shoulder arthroscopy depends largely on what was actually the subject of the procedure. Full recovery usually takes no more than a few weeks, during which time it is necessary to immobilize the shoulder joint, usually by wearing a sling.