shoulder arthroscopy in Tunisia

How is shoulder arthroscopy performed?

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and their tendons that form a cuff over the shoulder joint. These muscles and tendons hold the arm in the shoulder joint. This also helps the shoulder move in different directions. Rotator cuff tendons can tear when overused or injured.
You will likely receive general anesthesia for this surgery. This means you will be asleep and unable to feel pain. Or, you may have regional anesthesia. Your arm and shoulders will be numb, so you won't feel any pain. If you receive regional anesthesia, you will also receive medication to make you very drowsy during the operation.During the procedure, the surgeon:
Inserts the arthroscope into your shoulder through a small incision. The scope is connected to a video monitor in the operating room.
Inspects all the tissues in your shoulder joint and the area above the joint. These tissues include cartilage, bones, tendons, and ligaments.
Repairs any damaged tissues. To do this, your surgeon makes 1 to 3 additional small incisions and inserts other instruments through them. A tear in a muscle, tendon, or cartilage is fixed. Any damaged tissue is removed.
Your surgeon may perform one or more of these procedures during your surgery.
Rotator cuff repair:
The edges of the tendon are brought together. The tendon is attached to the bone with sutures.
Small rivets (called suture anchors) are often used to help attach the tendon to the bone.
The anchors can be metal or plastic. They do not need to be removed after surgery.
Impingement syndrome surgery:
Damaged or inflamed tissues are cleaned in the area above the shoulder joint.
A ligament called the coracoacromial ligament may be cut.
The underside of a bone called the acromion may be shaved. A bone growth (spur) on the underside of the acromion often causes impingement syndrome. The spur can cause shoulder inflammation and pain.
Surgery for shoulder instability:
If you have a torn labrum, the surgeon will repair it. The labrum is the cartilage that lines the edge of the shoulder joint.
The ligaments that attach to this area will also be repaired.
A Bankart lesion is a tear of the labrum in the lower part of the shoulder joint.
A SLAP lesion involves the ligament on the upper part of the shoulder joint.
At the end of the surgery, the incisions will be closed with stitches and covered with a dressing (bandage). Most surgeons take pictures from the video monitor during the procedure to show you what they found and the repairs that were made. Your surgeon may need to perform open surgery if there is extensive damage. Open surgery means you will have a large incision so the surgeon can directly access your bones and tissues.

What results can be expected from shoulder arthroscopy?

Because patients have varying health conditions, full recovery time is different for everyone. If you had minor repair, you may not need a sling and your strength may return after a short rehabilitation period. You may be able to return to work or school a few days after your procedure. More complicated procedures take longer to recover from. Although the incisions are small in arthroscopy, significant damage within the joint can be repaired with the procedure. Full recovery may take several months. Although it can be a slow process, it is essential to follow your surgeon's rehabilitation plan for success.

What are the most common complications of shoulder arthroscopy?

Most patients do not experience complications related to shoulder arthroscopy. As with any surgery, however, there are some risks. These are generally minor and treatable. Potential problems related to arthroscopy include infection, excessive bleeding, blood clots, and damage to blood vessels or nerves. Your surgeon will discuss possible complications with you before your surgery.

Rehabilitation after shoulder arthroscopy

Rehabilitation plays an important role in getting you back to your daily activities. An exercise program will help you regain shoulder strength and movement. Your surgeon will develop a rehabilitation plan based on the surgical procedures you need. If you have undergone more complicated surgical repair, your surgeon may recommend a physical therapist to supervise your exercise program. It is important that you make a strong rehabilitation effort for your surgery to be successful.