Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that doctors can use to treat arthritis and other shoulder conditions. Arthroscopic shoulder surgery West Chester offers an alternative to open shoulder surgery, which can be quite painful. The procedure involves using an arthroscope, a telescope-like device that allows surgeons to view the inside of the shoulder joint. That allows them to remove damaged cartilage or bone, repair ligaments, and tendons, and even remove tumors within a joint.
Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is an excellent option for patients with pain and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint. Doctors can also use it to address other conditions, such as bursitis and rotator cuff tears. The advantages of arthroscopic surgery are:
Minimal damage to surrounding tissues
Arthroscopic surgery does not require cutting or breaking the skin, which means there is less risk of damage to surrounding tissues or nerves. The surgeon performs a small incision hidden under the skin and uses special equipment to remove fluid and debris inside the joint. That makes it possible for them to perform arthroscopic surgery without causing any damage to other tissues, including joints, muscles, and tendons.
Minimal scarring
There is minimal incisional wound, which is less painful and heals faster than standard surgical procedures. The incisions are tiny, and there is very little swelling after surgery. The incisions can be hidden inside the AC joint capsule and thus look almost invisible. In addition, there is a lower risk of infection than traditional open surgery, resulting in less post-operative pain and recovery time.
Lower rate of infection
The risk of infection is one of the main benefits of arthroscopic surgery. Compared to open surgery, which involves more blood loss and scarring, arthroscopic surgery has a lower risk of infection because less tissue is removed during the procedure. Also, there is little chance that bacteria will enter through a damaged joint or tendon.
Better visualization
Arthroscopes allow surgeons to see more clearly what they are working on inside your joints than could be done through open surgery; this helps them diagnose problems quickly and determine if you need additional procedures or not.
Faster recovery
The recovery time is much faster with an arthroscopic shoulder surgery than with open surgery, where the patient must wait months before moving on to rehabilitation. Arthroscopic shoulder surgery allows doctors to perform the procedure without disturbing tendons and ligaments in the shoulder joint, which reduces pain and inflammation after surgery.
It addresses the underlying problem rather than just treating symptoms
Arthroscopic surgery can be used to treat other conditions and pain associated with an injury to the shoulder joint. For example, suppose there is significant arthritis present in the shoulder joint. In that case, doctors may perform arthroscopic surgery on this area alone to improve function in this joint and relieve pain caused by inflammation elsewhere in the body (such as arthritis elsewhere).
The decision to have arthroscopic surgery for shoulder pain depends on the severity and location of your pain. If you are experiencing severe pain, it may be best to see an orthopedic surgeon immediately. That is especially true if you have experienced recent trauma or physical abuse. You should also see an orthopedic surgeon if you have had an injury that has resulted in chronic pain. Contact Beacon Orthopedics & Sports Medicine to schedule a consultation with an orthopedic surgeon to learn more about arthroscopic shoulder surgery.
