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Arthroscopic reconstructive surgery of the shoulder joint

Duration of healing : 3-6 months

When is arthroscopic reconstructive surgery of the shoulder joint necessary?

The shoulder joint is one of the most mobile and sensitive joints in the human body. This is due to anatomical features: this joint is loose, the amplitude of movements is very large, so the probability of injuries - usually dislocations - is higher. With repeated injuries and inadequate tissue healing, the joint becomes unstable and dislocates more and more often. In this case, in order to restore the joy of movement, arthroscopic reconstructive surgery of the shoulder joint is performed.

Probably the first signal that the shoulder joint is not ailing is pain and constant discomfort when moving. The patient's piercing pain begins to torment him every day, and it gets worse at night. Not only unpleasant sensations, but also limited hand movements can indicate joint diseases.

Joint pains, an unpleasant feeling of stretching are felt in several cases. First of all, these are injuries that are often experienced during sports and active leisure time. Other pain-related joint pathologies usually afflict elderly patients. Sometimes conservative treatment is enough, but in the case of more serious tendon ruptures, articular cartilage damage or repeated dislocations of the humerus, surgical treatment of the joint becomes inevitable.

How to prepare for surgery?

This is a surgical procedure that usually involves the use of local anesthesia. Before the operation, it is recommended to give up bad habits, because alcohol and tobacco can affect the body's recovery and healing. Targeted consultation of a rehabilitator or physiotherapist regarding physical preparation before and after surgery. General health examinations are recommended before surgery.

How is arthroscopic reconstructive surgery of the shoulder joint performed?

Just as knee, elbow, wrist and other joint operations are performed using the most modern methods, the shoulder joint is no exception. Reconstruction of the shoulder joint is performed in a minimally invasive arthroscopic way, using general or regional anesthesia.

Several 0.5-1 cm incisions are made during the operation. An optical device - an arthroscope - is inserted through one of them, and the instruments required for the operation are inserted through the other. With the arthroscope, the joint is accessible and the doctor can accurately see joint damage on the screen and repair it.

This treatment method is superior to open shoulder surgery because the incisions are much smaller and the surrounding tissues are less damaged. You can usually go home the next day after this operation.

Postoperative period and healing

Special care

In the first days after surgery, it is especially important to reduce swelling. Swelling of the operated area is effectively suppressed by the use of ice (it cannot be applied directly to the skin, the ice should be wrapped in a clean cloth and bag so that the condensate does not wet the postoperative wounds) and the use of anti-inflammatory medications.

Use all these procedures only after consulting your doctor.

Healing

Since this operation is minimally invasive, it will be possible to start light rehabilitation exercises selected by specialists the very next day. Also, don't forget to bandage the wound regularly.

A full recovery will require approximately 6 months of physical rehabilitation.

Scarring

During shoulder joint arthroscopy, the arthroscopic technology used allows to operate with minimal damage to the tissues, so the scars remain small, they quickly fade and become practically invisible.