Shoulder Arthroscopy
Are you an athlete who participates in sports that involve throwing overhead? If so, you may be at risk of developing a shoulder injury. Shoulder arthroscopy is an important surgical technique designed to treat an extensive array of shoulder injuries in a minimally invasive way with limited soft tissue damage. Shoulder surgeon, Dr. Nikhil Verma performs shoulder arthroscopy for patients in Chicago who have sustained a shoulder injury that requires surgery. Contact Dr. Verma’s team today!
Shoulder Arthroscopy Overview
Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is a widely used surgical procedure effective at treating a number of shoulder injuries. Shoulder arthroscopy utilizes a tiny camera, an arthroscope, and thin surgical instruments to examine and repair the tissues around and inside the shoulder joint. With the help of the camera and instruments, Chicago, Westchester, Oak Brook and Hinsdale, Illinois area shoulder surgeon, Dr. Nikhil Verma can use very small incisions to treat a shoulder injury with less pain and a quicker recovery.
Using an arthroscopic shoulder surgery technique, Dr. Verma is able to use tiny holes to enter the shoulder and inspect the joint area with the arthroscope. After viewing the damage, he will use the special surgical instruments to manipulate and repair the joint in an extremely accurate technique.
Dr. Verma and his orthopedic team perform the majority of shoulder arthroscopy procedures on an out-patient basis under either regional or general anesthesia. Most arthroscopic procedures take less than an hour, but each case is different based on extent of damage in and around the shoulder joint.
Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is used to treat a number of shoulder injuries, including:
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Shoulder fractures
- Dislocated shoulder and shoulder instability
- Labral and SLAP tears
- Frozen shoulder
- AC joint injuries/arthritis
- Shoulder impingement
Recovery and Rehabilitation after Shoulder Arthroscopy
Even though recovery from shoulder arthroscopy is often quicker than an open surgery procedure, it still may take a few weeks for the joint to recover. During this time, it is critical to follow post-operative and rehabilitation protocols provided by Dr. Verma at the time of surgery.
Patients can expect pain, swelling and discomfort in the shoulder following the arthroscopic procedure. It is commonly recommended to apply ice packs or a cooling pad to the affected area to help alleviate pain and swelling which are provided on the day of surgery. If pain medication is prescribed, a patient is expected to follow usage instructions. Many patients plan to take a few days off work and other activities to aid in recovery.
Patients are encouraged to begin their daily rehabilitation right away as directed, the first day of surgery in many cases. The rehabilitation process between the patient and physician is a key to success following shoulder arthroscopy. Dr. Verma and his team will provide all patients with a detailed outline of the rehabilitation protocol to help strengthen the shoulder and increase range of motion.
For more resources on arthroscopic shoulder surgery, or to determine if you are a candidate for shoulder arthroscopy, please contact the office of Dr. Nikhil Verma, shoulder surgeon treating patients living in the Chicago, Westchester, Oak Brook and Hinsdale, Illinois communities.
