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Shoulder Arthroscopy services offered in Burlingame, CA
A shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to help diagnose and treat injuries and chronic conditions. If you have shoulder pain or have been diagnosed with shoulder issues, Richard Han, MD, and the team at Burlingame Orthopedics, located in Burlingame, California, can evaluate you to determine if shoulder arthroscopy is right for you. To learn more about shoulder arthroscopy, call the office or request a consultation online today.
Shoulder Arthroscopy Q & A
Why do I need a shoulder arthroscopy?
A shoulder arthroscopy is a modern solution for traditional open surgeries, which would otherwise leave you with a gaping scar and even lengthen your healing period. This minimally invasive surgery can be used to treat:
- Inflamed or loose cartilage
- Shoulder dislocation
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Pinched nerves
- Ligament tears
- Labrum tears
- Bone spurs
- Fractures
- Arthritis
Your orthopedic surgeon may also recommend diagnostic shoulder arthroscopy if you’re experiencing pain or range of motion issues and imaging tests, like an X-ray or MRI, aren’t providing clear results. In some cases, your surgeon can make repairs during a diagnostic shoulder arthroscopy, so you only have to undergo a single procedure.
What happens during a shoulder arthroscopy?
Shoulder arthroscopy can be performed under general or local anesthesia. Your practitioner at Burlingame Orthopedics may also perform a nerve block, which minimizes discomfort after surgery. Once you’re in the operating room, your orthopedic surgeon injects fluid into your shoulder joint to inflate it and allow for clearer imaging.
They make an incision to insert the arthroscope, as well as one or more incisions to insert surgical tools. The arthroscope projects live images onto a screen so your orthopedic surgeon can clearly see the inside of your shoulder joint and make more precise repairs.
Since a shoulder arthroscopy involves making just a few small incisions, your surgeon places stitches into each one to help you heal. You’re then moved into a recovery room. After you recover from anesthesia, you can usually have someone drive you home. An overnight hospital stay is rarely needed.
How long does it take to recover from a shoulder arthroscopy?
It’s important to have someone stay with you for at least a couple of days after a shoulder arthroscopy as you continue to recover from anesthesia. Pain and discomfort can last about a week or more, although pain relievers can help minimize any soreness you feel.
You can return to some of your usual activities roughly a week after shoulder arthroscopy. However, you’ll likely need to be in a sling with limited arm use for several weeks.
To learn more about shoulder arthroscopy, call Burlingame Orthopedics or request an appointment online today.