If the shoulder joint suffers from inflammation accompanied by severe pain, swelling, and stiffness. In cases of severe or moderate shoulder joint injuries.
Shoulder arthroscopy is used to unblock certain tendons and treat specific types of shoulder bone fractures, as well as for arthroscopy in treating shoulder nerves and removing cysts that are discovered.
It is used in cases of recurrent shoulder dislocation, alongside the installation of medical hooks for unstable shoulders. Advancing age and the stage of senility often come with wear in the shoulder joint, which hinders the patient’s freedom of movement and causes a lot of pain, necessitating immediate surgical intervention.
Shoulder arthroscopy is used in cases requiring the removal of loose bodies from their natural position in the shoulder, and also for treating ligament problems.
It is used to treat conditions accompanying shoulder tendon injuries and the damage they suffer, where symptoms are severe, helping to expedite healing and recovery, and treating surrounding tissues and cartilage.
Shoulder arthroscopy is a surgical procedure used for repairing damaged tissues in the shoulder joint. It may be resorted to for treating severe rotator cuff tendon tears.
Shoulder arthroscopy treatment is sought for treating inflammation of the biceps tendon in the shoulder.
Many doctors perform shoulder arthroscopy to treat rotator cuff tendon tears, one of the most sought-after treatment procedures. Chronic shoulder dislocation may lead to therapeutic shoulder arthroscopy.
Procedures of Shoulder Arthroscopy
Regarding shoulder arthroscopy, it is one of the important operations that necessitate a series of its unique procedures, where an arthroscope is used to repair tissues around or inside the shoulder joint. During it, a set of basic steps and fixed procedures are undertaken, as follows:
General anesthesia is administered, and the doctor makes small incisions in the shoulder to insert the arthroscope and surgical tools, as we will show you later.
The patient lies on one side or sits in a beach chair position.
The nurse prepares the shoulder by shaving hair if present and cleaning the skin at the surgical site with a disinfectant solution. Sometimes, the doctor or consultant may place the arm in a holding device to ensure its stability during the operation.
The doctor might inject fluid into the shoulder, enlarging the shoulder joint for easier visualization by the surgeon.
The surgeon makes a small hole in the shoulder, as previously mentioned, ensuring a suitable place for the camera.
The surgeon inserts the precise camera of the joint arthroscope into this small incision in the shoulder.
The camera displays images of the patient’s shoulder on a video screen, which the surgeon uses to locate the shoulder problem.
The surgeon makes other small incisions in the shoulder and inserts small tools through them. During this time, discovered damages are repaired using these tools.
Once the doctor completes the operation, they close the incisions made previously during the procedure. This will leave stitches or sutures in the patient, and a large bandage will be placed over the operation area.
Duration of Shoulder Arthroscopy
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In most cases, shoulder arthroscopy does not take more than two hours, especially in complex cases that require additional procedures in the operating room. The arthroscope needs time to examine the condition of the shoulder and its joints and then treat the injury as seen by the doctor.
What are the Benefits of Joint Arthroscopy?
Joint arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that allows the doctor to see and treat joint problems using a small camera. During this procedure, a small camera is inserted through small skin incisions, offering several distinct benefits, including:
- More accurate diagnosis of joint conditions like arthritis or cartilage tears, and treating them before they worsen. For more information on knee cartilage tears, read the following article.
- Faster, less painful treatment with reduced bleeding and infection risk compared to open surgery, being one of the most important and notable treatments possible.
- Quicker restoration of joint movement and function significantly, being one of the key treatments leading to this significant difference.
- Avoiding major surgeries in some cases, achieving the best results without exposing the patient to the risks of major operations.
- Less chance of infection and associated post-surgical problems compared to major surgeries that an individual might undergo.
- One of the most important benefits of this procedure is the possibility of returning home on the same day of the procedure.
- The ability to return to normal activities in a shorter time than major surgeries, which require a lot of time for full recovery.
Post Shoulder Arthroscopy Surgery
After the doctor completes the shoulder arthroscopy, the patient is transferred to the recovery room until they fully regain consciousness. Then, they are moved to another room where the doctor decides whether the patient should stay in the hospital or leave, depending on their condition and health status. During the hospital stay, the patient will receive high-quality medical care, appropriate pain medication, and continuous monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, and other vital signs. It is preferable for the patient to leave the hospital accompanied by someone who can also assist them at home during the first few days post-operation.
Complications of Shoulder Arthroscopy
Like any surgery, there are several complications that can arise from shoulder arthroscopy. The most important and notable of these complications include:
- As with any surgical procedure, one of the primary complications of shoulder arthroscopy is the risk of infection.
- There is a possibility of excessive bleeding during or after the surgery.
- The formation of blood clots is one of the significant and notable side effects or complications that may occur.
- Damage to blood vessels or nerves is among the major issues that can arise post-surgery.
Physical Therapy after Shoulder Arthroscopy
Physical therapy is a crucial step after undergoing shoulder arthroscopy for the following reasons:
- After undergoing shoulder arthroscopy, the patient may experience some joint pain, which physical therapy exercises can help alleviate.
- The patient might be unable to perform basic tasks such as dressing or bathing, so rehabilitation exercises enable them to do these tasks as soon as possible.
- The shoulder may remain immobile for a while after the surgery to protect it, potentially leading to weakened shoulder muscles. The patient may need specific exercises to regain the strength and flexibility of the shoulder muscles.
- It is normal for the patient to resume their daily activities post-surgery; hence, a rehabilitation program is tailored for each patient according to the type of surgery and their specific needs.
Shoulder Pain after Arthroscopy
It is normal for the patient to experience some pain after undergoing shoulder arthroscopy. The pain can be quite severe immediately after the surgery, so the patient is given various painkillers. Once the patient goes home, the medication is taken as needed; the more the pain increases, the more painkillers are taken. However, if the pain increases post-surgery and does not gradually decrease, this might be abnormal and could indicate complications, necessitating immediate consultation with the doctor.
Important Guidelines and Directions after the Surgery
After undergoing shoulder arthroscopy, it is important to follow the treating doctor’s instructions to ensure a successful recovery process and minimize any potential complications. Here are some general guidelines that can be helpful after the surgery:
- Adequate rest is needed in the first few days after the surgery. Using a shoulder support can help reduce unwanted movement and provide support to the joint. After a short period, you can start light exercises to help restore range of motion and strengthen the muscles around the joint.
- It is usually advised to follow up with a physical therapy specialist who can teach you exercises and techniques to enhance recovery and improve muscle flexibility and strength.
- The doctor may prescribe medications to relieve pain and inflammation post-surgery. Make sure to follow the dosage schedule and instructions carefully.
- It’s important to keep the wound clean and follow the surgeon’s instructions regarding changing dressings and wound care to keep the surgical area clean and infection-free.
- You may experience some swelling around the operated area. Using ice packs can help reduce swelling, but avoid placing ice directly on the skin.
- Adhering to dietary and hydration guidelines is crucial, as eating healthily and drinking enough water plays an important role in the recovery process.
- It is important to attend scheduled appointments to monitor recovery progress with your doctor and physical therapist.
- If you are a smoker, it may be beneficial to quit smoking, as smoking can hinder the recovery process.
- The time to return to daily and sports activities depends on the type of surgery and recovery progress. Consult your doctor before resuming any intense activities.
- As an individual, your recovery period and experience may differ from others. Monitor your progress and do not hesitate to contact your doctor if you have any concerns.
Complications of Shoulder Arthroscopy
It should be taken into account that the more skilled and professional the doctor performing the procedure, the rarer the complications arising from the operation. Let us clarify the main complications that may result from the procedure, which include:
- The possibility of bleeding, which can be serious in certain cases depending on the type and intensity.
- The patient may experience persistent pain varying in intensity and strength, and some cases may suffer from temporary or chronic stiffness.
- Infections in the surgical incision, whether internal or external, which may be accompanied by pus, discharge, and fluid accumulation.
- Damage to nerves, tissues, and possibly blood vessels and arteries in the shoulder area.
- Continuous tingling sensation in the arm along with a general feeling of fatigue and discomfort.
If you are interested in learning more about the major complications resulting from shoulder arthroscopy, we recommend the following article for further information.

Is Shoulder Arthroscopy Dangerous?
It’s important for you, dear reader, to know that shoulder arthroscopy aims to diagnose and treat problems of the shoulder joint, such as tendon tears, fluid accumulation, cartilage damage, joint diseases, and shoulder inflammations. Generally, shoulder arthroscopy is a common surgical procedure and is considered safe. However, like any surgery, there may be potential risks. Some of the risks associated with shoulder arthroscopy include:
- There is a possibility of infection following the operation, but measures are taken to prevent it.
- There may be light or moderate bleeding after surgery, and in rare cases, additional procedures may be needed to control the bleeding.
- There is a rare possibility of blood clots forming, but doctors take measures to prevent them.
- Damage to nerves surrounding the joint may occur during surgery, but this is rare.
- Some people may have allergic reactions to the medications used during surgery.
It is important to discuss the risks and potential benefits of shoulder arthroscopy with your doctor before deciding to undergo the procedure. The assessment of the operation’s risk depends on the person’s overall health and the specifics of the medical condition.
Cost of Shoulder Arthroscopy
The cost of shoulder arthroscopy in Egypt ranges from 50,000 to 100,000 Egyptian Pounds, and the cost depends on several factors, including:
- The fee required by the doctor.
- The level of the hospital where the patient undergoes the surgery, its degree of sterilization and cleanliness, and its adherence to various quality standards.
- The tools used by the doctor in the procedure, such as hooks.
- The type of operation performed by the doctor, whether it is exploratory or therapeutic.
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