Shoulder arthroscopy

CHECK-UPI damaged my rotator cuff in a fall, and I need a procedure called an arthroscopy. What will this involve?

The rotator cuff is the group of muscles and tendons that cover the shoulder joint. They hold the arm in the shoulder joint, allowing the shoulder to move in different directions.

As in your case, the tendons in the rotator cuff can easily be damaged due to overuse or injury. Arthroscopy is a type of surgery that utilises a small camera – an arthroscope – to examine or repair the tissues inside or around a joint. It is used as an alternative to open surgery, and can result in less pain and stiffness, fewer complications and shorter hospital stays.

Using this technique, your surgeon will insert the arthroscope into your shoulder through a small incision. The arthroscope is connected to a video monitor. Once the camera is in place, the surgeon will be able to inspect all the tissues in and around the shoulder joint, including the cartilage, bones, tendons and ligaments, and will be able to repair any damaged tissues located. To carry out the repair, a number of additional small incisions may have to be made and other instruments inserted through them.

Can I have a general anaesthetic or will I be awake?

A general anaesthetic may be used. Alternatively, regional anaesthesia may be used to numb the arm and shoulder area, along with medications to make you very sleepy during the operation.

In a rotator cuff repair, the edges of the muscles are brought together. The tendon is then attached to the bone with sutures, or small rivets may be used to help attach it. These rivets are made of metal or plastic, and don’t need to be removed after surgery.

At the end of the surgery, the incisions will be closed with stitches and covered with a dressing. Recovery can take up to six months, depending on the extent of the original damage and the amount of repair possible.

You will probably have to wear a sling for the first week. Pain medication is usually required until the shoulder starts to recover. Physiotherapy may help you regain motion and strength in your shoulder. Using arthroscopy for rotator cuff repairs or tendonitis usually relieves the pain, but you may not regain all of your strength.