Shoulder arthroscopy
Shoulder arthroscopy is a form of keyhole surgery, in which the surgeon can examine the shoulder joint through a very small incision with a scope. Shoulder arthroscopy can be diagnostic or therapeutic. The surgeon makes a number of small incisions to insert the lens and other instruments. The shoulder arthroscopy operation is less traumatic, the scars are much smaller and the recovery is much faster.
The shoulder arthroscopy is normally done under general anaesthetic, if necessary supplemented by a local anaesthetic (plexus), with or without a catheter. Exploratory and working instruments are inserted into the shoulder through 2 or 3 small incisions. The shoulder joint and the subacromial space can then be examined, such that a diagnosis can be made or treatment given.
The commonest shoulder arthroscopy treatments are:
- Impingement syndrome
- Shoulder instability
- Rotator cuff tear
- Frozen shoulder
- Calcifications
- Biceps pathology