Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery

Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is an outpatient surgical procedure that can effectively address a wide range of shoulder conditions using the least invasive methods possible. Best of all, you get to go home the same day as your surgery!

During an arthroscopy, your orthopedic surgeon uses an arthroscope, a thin tube with a camera and other miniature instruments to perform repairs. The tiny size of the instruments allow access to the joint via just a small incision in your skin. Because arthroscopy allows a clear look inside your shoulder joint (displayed in real time on a TV monitor during the surgery), it is conveniently used for both diagnosis and treatment.

An orthopedic surgeon who specializes in shoulder arthroscopy – someone like Dr. David Hovis at The Shoulder Institute at ORTHOKnox – has the skill, knowledge, and experience to expertly navigate within the shoulder joint area to identify and address shoulder problems on the spot. For example, if Dr. Hovis discovers bursitis or tendonitis in the area, these issues may be addressed at the same time as any debridement or other actions aimed at alleviating your shoulder pain or other symptoms.

Benefits of Shoulder Arthroscopy

An arthroscopic approach uses tiny incisions, sparing the bulk of surrounding healthy tissue. This results in less post-op scarring, pain, and a faster recovery time. It’s no wonder patients and doctors prefer arthroscopic procedures when surgery is required. In fact, arthroscopic treatment of your shoulder condition can dramatically improve your quality of life. That’s true for older adults as much as it is for young athletes.

When arthroscopic shoulder surgery is followed by physical therapy and lifestyle changes to help prevent future injury as well as combat the progression of common problems like degenerative osteoarthritis, this same-day procedure can help you avoid or significantly delay a more intensive shoulder surgery.

Shoulder Arthritis: A Common Reason for Shoulder Surgery

Arthritis causes the cushioning cartilage at the ends of bones to wear away over time. Eventually, this leads to bone-on-bone friction, which causes pain, inflammation, and joint stiffness. It is a very common cause of shoulder pain.

Even worse, by the time you notice symptoms of shoulder arthritis, you may already be suffering from complications of the disease, including the growth of bone spurs that may be impinging upon nearby tissue, or a tightened joint capsule, which surrounds the shoulder joint and may be restricting its movement.

There is no cure for arthritis, but an arthroscopic shoulder surgery can relieve moderate to severe arthritis symptoms, especially when it is done before there is significant cartilage erosion in the area. If your shoulder arthritis is advanced or severe, you may require a shoulder replacement surgery.

What Can Be Treated With Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery?

Shoulder conditions that can be treated arthroscopically include:

• Arthritis
• Bankart lesions
• Bicep tear
• Bursitis
• Impingement
• Labral tears that can lead to shoulder instability and dislocations
• Rotator cuff tears and other injuries
• Shoulder pain
• SLAP tears
• Tendonitis
• Throwing injuries

There are numerous surgical actions that may be performed in an arthroscopic procedure, including:

• Debridement of damaged tissue
• Shaving or removal of bone spurs that may be impinging on nearby tissue
• Release of tight joint capsule tissue to restore mobility
• Contouring of any structural abnormalities for pain-free function

Minimally Invasive Shoulder Surgery in Knoxville and Athens, TN

Have you been told you may need shoulder surgery? Are you aware that many procedures used to treat shoulder conditions can be done arthroscopically? This same-day, outpatient technique allows you to heal faster, with less pain and scarring.

Discover what arthroscopic shoulder surgery specialist Dr. David Hovis at The Shoulder Institute at ORTHOKnox can do for you by calling (865) 251-3030. This minimally invasive surgery may effectively relieve your symptoms – and help you avoid a shoulder replacement surgery if it’s done in time.