Shoulder Arthroscopy
Shoulder Arthroscopy in Colorado Springs, CO
If shoulder pain, stiffness, instability, or an injury is affecting your ability to work, exercise, or participate in sports, John C. Redfern, M.D. provides orthopaedic and sports medicine care for patients in Colorado Springs, CO. Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows an orthopaedic surgeon to evaluate and treat problems involving the shoulder joint through small incisions.
Dr. Redfern's practice includes shoulder conditions, sports medicine, and arthroscopic surgery, making shoulder arthroscopy an important treatment option for appropriately selected patients. Depending on the underlying condition, arthroscopy may be used to address problems such as rotator cuff tears, shoulder impingement, instability, damaged cartilage, biceps injuries, and other conditions affecting the shoulder.
When nonsurgical treatments such as activity modification, medication, or physical therapy do not provide adequate relief, an orthopaedic evaluation can help determine whether shoulder arthroscopy may be appropriate. Patients seeking shoulder arthroscopy in Colorado Springs can receive an individualized assessment based on their symptoms, diagnosis, activity level, and treatment goals.
What is Shoulder Anatomy?
The shoulder joint is made up of a ball and socket joint, where the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) articulates with the socket of the scapula (shoulder blade), which is called the glenoid. The two articulating surfaces of the bones are covered with cartilage, which prevents friction between the moving bones, enabling smooth movement. Tendons and ligaments around the shoulder joint provide strength and stability to the joint.
What is Shoulder Arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic and surgical procedure performed for joint problems. Shoulder arthroscopy is performed using a pencil-sized instrument called an arthroscope. The arthroscope consists of a light system and camera that projects images of the surgical site onto a computer screen for your doctor to clearly view. Arthroscopy is used to treat disease conditions and injuries involving the bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and muscles of the shoulder joint.
What are the Indications for Shoulder Arthroscopy?
Shoulder arthroscopy is indicated to treat the following shoulder conditions when conservative treatment such as medication and therapy fail to relieve pain and disability:
- Shoulder impingement
- Rotator cuff tear
- Frozen shoulder or stiffness of the shoulder joint
- Shoulder instability
- Biceps rupture
- Damaged cartilage or ligaments
- Bone spurs or bony projections
- Arthritis of the collarbone
What is the Procedure for Shoulder Arthroscopy?
Your surgeon performs shoulder arthroscopy under general or regional anesthesia. You may be positioned lying down on your side with your arm propped up or sitting in a semi-seated position. Sterile fluid is injected into the shoulder joint to expand the surgical area, so your surgeon has a clear view of the damage and room to work. A button-sized hole is made in the shoulder and the arthroscope is inserted. Your surgeon can view images captured by the camera in the arthroscope on a large monitor. Surgical instruments are introduced into the joint through separate small holes to remove and repair the damage to the joint. After surgery, the instruments are removed, and the incisions are closed with stitches or small sterile bandage strips.
What Does Postoperative Care for Shoulder Arthroscopy Involve?
After the surgery, the small surgical wounds take a few days to heal and the surgical dressing is replaced by simple Band-Aids. The recovery time depends on the type and extent of the problem for which the procedure was performed. Pain medications are prescribed to keep you comfortable. The arm of the affected shoulder is placed in a sling for a short period. Physical therapy is advised to improve shoulder mobility and strength after the surgery.
What are the Advantages of Shoulder Arthroscopy?
The advantages of arthroscopy compared to open surgery with a large incision include:
- Less pain
- Fewer complications
- Shorter hospital stays
- Faster recovery
What are the Risks and Complications of Shoulder Arthroscopy?
Complications of shoulder arthroscopy include infection, bleeding, damage to nearby nerves or blood vessels, or delayed healing after the surgery. In certain cases, stiffness of the shoulder joint may occur after the surgery. It is important to participate actively in your physical therapy to prevent this from occurring.
Why Choose Dr. John C. Redfern for Shoulder Arthroscopy in Colorado Springs?
Choosing an experienced orthopaedic surgeon is an important step when shoulder pain or an injury continues to limit your daily activities. Dr. John C. Redfern provides orthopaedic and sports medicine care in Colorado Springs, CO, with expertise that includes shoulder conditions and arthroscopic surgery.
Shoulder problems can have different causes, including sports injuries, repetitive use, instability, tendon injuries, cartilage damage, and degenerative changes. Dr. Redfern can evaluate your symptoms and review relevant diagnostic imaging to help identify the underlying problem and determine an appropriate treatment plan.
For patients who may benefit from minimally invasive treatment, shoulder arthroscopy uses a small camera and specialized instruments to allow the surgeon to examine and treat structures within the shoulder. Depending on the diagnosis, arthroscopic treatment may be used for conditions such as rotator cuff tears, shoulder impingement, instability, biceps injuries, and other shoulder problems.
As a sports medicine and orthopaedic specialist serving Colorado Springs, Dr. Redfern works with patients seeking to reduce shoulder pain, restore function, and return to their desired activities when appropriate.
Shoulder Arthroscopy FAQs
Schedule a Shoulder Arthroscopy Evaluation in Colorado Springs
Persistent shoulder pain can make everyday activities, exercise, work, and sports more difficult. Dr. John C. Redfern provides orthopaedic and sports medicine care for patients in Colorado Springs, CO, including evaluation and treatment of conditions affecting the shoulder.
If you have ongoing shoulder pain, stiffness, weakness, or instability despite conservative care, schedule an evaluation to discuss your symptoms and treatment options. If shoulder arthroscopy is appropriate for your condition, Dr. Redfern can discuss the procedure, expected recovery, and other relevant treatment considerations.
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