Arthroscopic shoulder surgery at OSMI Fort Worth is performed under general anesthesia and with the use of regional nerve blocks to control postoperative pain. Nerve blocks are often combined with a light general anesthetic or sedation to ensure comfort during the procedure. Shoulder arthroscopy generally lasts less than an hour, however more complex repairs may take longer.
Common patient positions during shoulder arthroscopy are:
- Lateral decubitius position: Patient lays on his/her side on the operating table
- Beach chair position: Patient is in a semi-seated position similar to reclining
Once you are prepared for arthroscopic shoulder surgery, fluid is injected into the shoulder. This inflates the joint and allows it to be better visualized through the arthroscope, which is inserted through a small incision in the shoulder. Your surgeon can identify the problem by viewing the shoulder structures seen by the arthroscope and projected onto a monitor. Small, specialized instruments are inserted into additional tiny incisions to repair the problem.
Depending on the diagnosis, shoulder repairs may include:
- Cutting shoulder tissue
- Shaving bone
- Placing anchors in bone
- Suturing tears
- Removing inflamed tissue or debris
Once shoulder repairs are completed, the incisions are sutured and covered with steri-strips and a larger bandage.
Postoperative Shoulder Arthroscopic Surgery
After shoulder arthroscopy, most patients are discharged after being monitored for 1-2 hours. Pain medication will be administered as needed. Someone should drive you home upon release and remain with you for at least one night.
Recovering from your shoulder procedure can take several weeks and will depend on the complexity of the shoulder repair required. During the first week, some pain and discomfort is normal. Your surgeon may give you a prescription for pain medication, as well as advise you on an icing schedule to reduce swelling. Some patients find sleeping in a recliner or propped up in bed to be more comfortable than lying flat.
The large bandage covering the incision site can usually be replaced with Band-Aids within a few days. Showering can be resumed once the wounds have stopped draining, however, it is best not to scrub or soak the incision site.
Rehabilitation will play an important part in the success of your shoulder surgery. Following your surgeon’s instructions and keeping to your rehabilitation plan, including physical therapy, will help ensure an optimal outcome.
Complications from shoulder arthroscopy are rare and usually minor and treatable when they occur.
Possible Complications of Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Damage to nerves or blood vessels
If you are experiencing shoulder pain or have shoulder problems which have been unresponsive to non-surgical treatments, contact our office to see if shoulder arthroscopy is an option for you.
Our goal at OSMI is to provide our patients quality, cutting-edge orthopedic treatments, both surgical and non-surgical. Dr. Michael Boothby, having performed hundreds of successful arthroscopic surgeries, is consistently rated as one of The Top Orthopedic Surgeons in the Fort Worth area. If you have questions or concerns about joint pain, or for more information about arthroscopic surgery, please submit an online appointment request or contact our office at 817-529-1900.
