Shoulder Arthroscopy

What is shoulder arthroscopy?

A commonly utilized surgical approach in diagnosing and treating various shoulder joint conditions is known as shoulder arthroscopy. This diagnostic treatment measure involves a small camera (arthroscope) and specialized surgical instruments to evaluate and repair damaged structures within and surrounding the shoulder joint. Shoulder arthroscopies are typically preferred by both patients and doctors alike as the minimally invasive nature reduces the risk of blood loss and infection during the procedure, and patients experience less pain and inflammation following the procedure. Dr. Joseph D. Lamplot, orthopedic shoulder doctor, treats patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL, who are in need of shoulder arthroscopy.

What happens during a shoulder arthroscopy?

Dr. Lamplot performs arthroscopic shoulder surgery as an outpatient procedure since an overnight hospital stay is generally not necessary. Prior to the procedure, the patient is situated in a beach chair position and placed under anesthesia. A number of small incisions are created surrounding the injured portion of the shoulder. The arthroscope (small camera) is then inserted through a portal for Dr. Lamplot to methodically analyze the bones, ligaments, muscles, and tendons of the shoulder joint. To enhance the visualization of these structures, a sterile saline solution is continuously circulated through the shoulder joint. Specialized surgical instruments are then introduced to make the necessary corrections based on Dr. Lamplot’s intra-operative findings. Once the revisions have been completed, the arthroscope and surgical instruments are removed and the incisions are closed with steri-strips or small sutures.

What types of shoulder injuries can be repaired arthroscopically?

There are a number of shoulder joint injuries and conditions that can be treated using shoulder arthroscopy. These include:

• Shoulder Arthritis
• Shoulder Instability
• Dislocated Shoulder
• Shoulder Impingement
• Biceps Tendon Injuries
• Rotator Cuff Injuries
• AC Joint Injuries
• Labral and SLAP Tears

What is the recovery period like after arthroscopic shoulder surgery?

Although shoulder arthroscopy and other minimally invasive procedures have shown a reduction in recovery times, the bones, ligaments, and tendons still take the same amount of time to heal. The patient’s ability and willingness to follow the post-operative care instructions set forth by Dr. Lamplot can greatly affect the recovery process. In general, patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL can expect the following:

• If a nerve block was administered before the surgery, the repaired shoulder and upper arm may remain numb for several hours after surgery.
• It is normal to experience pain, swelling, bruising, and general discomfort during the first week after arthroscopic shoulder surgery and potentially longer depending on the procedure performed. Applying ice in regular intervals is important during the first 48 hours, although a majority of patients often continue with ice application.
• Rest and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), in addition to ice, can minimize any post-operative pain and inflammation.
• A successful recovery following arthroscopic shoulder surgery is determined by the patient’s active participation and completion of the physical rehabilitation program. This program is tailored to the patient’s specific injury; therefore, the timing of physical therapy and when the patient can anticipate returning to normal daily activities is contingent upon Dr. Lamplot’s intra-operative findings.

Shoulder Arthroscopy Surgeon