WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What do I need to know about a shoulder arthroscopy? A shoulder arthroscopy is a procedure to look inside your shoulder with an arthroscope. An arthroscope is a thin tube with a light and camera on the end. During a shoulder arthroscopy your healthcare provider may fix problems in your joint. Problems may include a torn rotator cuff, swollen tissue, or bone spurs. How do I prepare for a shoulder arthroscopy? - Your healthcare provider will talk to you about how to prepare for your procedure. You may need an x-ray, ultrasound, or MRI before your procedure. These tests will take pictures of your joint and help your healthcare provider plan for your surgery. Arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
- Your healthcare provider may tell you not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your procedure. He will tell you what medicines to take or not take on the day of your procedure. You may be given an antibiotic through your IV to help prevent a bacterial infection.
What will happen during a shoulder arthroscopy? - You may be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep and free from pain during surgery. You may instead be given local anesthesia to numb the surgery area. With local anesthesia, you may still feel pressure or pushing during surgery, but you should not feel any pain. Your healthcare provider will inject fluid into your shoulder. This will help him see inside your joint more clearly. It will also decrease bleeding.
- Your healthcare provider will make a small incision in your shoulder and insert the arthroscope. He will look inside your shoulder joint for problems. He may insert tools through 2 to 3 other small incisions in different places on your shoulder. The tools may be used to repair a torn rotator cuff, ligament, or dislocation. Tools may also be used to remove swollen tissue, cartilage, or a bone spur. Your healthcare provider may close your incisions with stitches or medical tape and cover them with a small bandage.
What will happen after a shoulder arthroscopy? Healthcare providers will monitor you until you are awake. You may need an x-ray to look at your shoulder joint and monitor for complications. Do not move your shoulder until your healthcare provider says it is okay. You may be given instructions on what movements to avoid. You may able to go home when your pain is controlled or you may need to spend a night in the hospital. What are the risks of a shoulder arthroscopy? You may bleed more than expected or get an infection. Nerves, ligaments, tendons, or blood vessels may be damaged during your procedure. You may get a blood clot in your arm or have trouble moving your shoulder. |