Precision Care For Your Shoulder
Shoulder Arthroscopy in Rochester, NY
Greater Rochester Orthopaedics offers a minimally invasive procedure that allows for the comprehensive examination, diagnosis, and treatment of issues within the shoulder joint. The use of an arthroscope, a specialized camera, enables surgeons to perform these procedures through small incisions, leading to faster recovery times and minimizing discomfort for patients.
In Pain after a Shoulder Injury?
What is Shoulder Arthroscopy?
Shoulder arthroscopy utilizes advanced imaging technology to inspect, diagnose, and often treat disorders affecting the shoulder. By creating small openings, surgeons insert the arthroscope to visualize the shoulder structure on a screen, enabling precise surgical repairs when necessary.
Common Conditions Treated
- Cartilage or ligaments that have been torn or damaged
- Shoulders with instability where a shoulder joint is loose and/or the shoulder dislocates and slips out of the ball and socket joint, becoming dislocated
- Biceps tendon that is torn or damaged
- Torn rotator cuff
- Bone spurs or inflammation around the rotator cuff
- Joint inflammation or damage caused by an illness such as arthritis
- Loose tissue that interferes with movement and has to be removed
- Shoulder impingement where movement is impaired
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Critical to the shoulder’s function, rotator cuff injuries can significantly impair the ability to lift the arm or perform overhead activities.
Shoulder Impingement
This condition is caused by the shoulder muscles rubbing excessively against the top part of the shoulder blade, leading to pain and inflammation.
Shoulder Instability
This occurs when the shoulder joint is forced out of its normal position, leading to dislocation and pain upon arm elevation.
Preparing for Shoulder Arthroscopy
Before undergoing shoulder arthroscopy, we advise patients to pause consumption of certain medications, such as aspirin-based products and anti-inflammatories. Patients should also disclose any medical conditions to the surgeon and abstain from smoking, as it can impede the healing process.
Postoperative Recovery
The recovery period can range from one to six months, depending on the specifics of the surgery. Pain management, the use of a sling, and physical therapy are all important aspects of the recovery process, contributing to the successful restoration of shoulder function.
Expected Outcomes
Shoulder arthroscopy is associated with less pain, reduced stiffness, and often a swifter return to daily activities. While most outcomes are successful, the level of pain relief and range of motion achieved can vary depending on the individual and the condition treated.
For more information, contact 585-295-5476. To schedule an appointment, call 585-295-5350.