The shoulder is the most flexible of the joints in your body. It has a structure that allows the arm to move in almost any direction. But this flexibility can cause problems. Because of this feature, the shoulder is very prone to injury and damage.
What is Arthroscopy?
If there is a problem in the shoulder, it can be solved by a surgical procedure called arthroscopy.
Bones form the basis of the shoulder joint. The bones are connected to each other in such a way that the arm can move freely.
Muscles, tendons and ligaments are soft tissue. These are the ones that connect the shoulder bones to each other, keep them strong and give movement to the joint.
Can I Visualize the Intra-articular With Arthroscopy?
Bones form the basis of the shoulder joint. The bones are connected to each other in such a way that the arm can move freely.
Muscles, tendons and ligaments are soft tissue. These are the ones that connect the shoulder bones to each other, keep them firm and give movement to the joint.
By making small incisions with the arthroscopy method, you can see the inside of your shoulder joint and operate here. A thin, long and illuminated device called an Arthroscope is used for this procedure. During surgery, the Arthroscope sends live video images from inside the joint to the monitor. Thanks to these images, the problem in your shoulder can be identified and treated. Since very small incisions are made in the arthroscopy method, the recovery period is much shorter and less painful compared to open surgeries.
How is the Treatment with Arthroscopy?
Impingement
Prolonged use of the arm at overhead levels may cause problems with the Rotator Cuff and Bursa. In this case, some arm movements begin to be painful and problematic. As a result of compression, bursitis or tendinitis may also occur. If the bursa is swollen and thickened, it can be removed during surgery and the acromion protrusion, if any, can be shaved. The coracoacromial ligament may also be cut. As these measures will provide more comfort, the pressure is reduced and the arm can move more easily.
Rotator Cuff Tear
Rotator cuff can be torn as a result of a sudden injury or overuse. This can lead to pain, weakness in the arm, and loss of normal shoulder movements. During surgery, torn rotator cuff tendons, torn area may be abbreviated. The beams are then reattached to the humerus. Sutures, anchors or surgical screws are used for this.
Capsule Stretch
A stretched capsule is loosened. A loose capsule cannot hold the joint firmly in place. The bones in the joint feel as if they are moving more than necessary. During arthroscopy, the stretched capsule is folded inwards and secured in place with sutures (this is done from the inside of the capsule). Thus, the capsule is stretched again and the shoulder joint is strengthened.
Tear of the Labrum
The labrum can be torn from the edge of the glenoid socket. In this case, the joint may become stuck or a feeling of dislocation is experienced. There may even be dislocation of the shoulder. The torn labrum can be repaired by reattaching the glenoid. Special anchors attached to the glenoid bone are usually used for this. The sutures at the end of the anchors are also tied and the labrum is fixed. After this procedure, the joint will be more robust.
Arthritis and Free Bodies
The damage to the cartilage in the joint as a result of age and use is called arthritis. This condition can also occur due to injuries or rheumatic diseases. Some loose bodies or bony prominences, such as pieces of bone or cartilage, may also be seen inside the joint due to wear. During the surgery, bone protrusions are cleaned. The rough places of the joint are smoothed. Free bodies, if any, are also cleared from the joint. It is also possible to scrape or file bone to stimulate new cartilage growth.
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