Knee Arthroscopy

Shoulder Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure where an instrument called an arthroscope is inserted through a tiny incision in the body. The device is fitted with a camera at the end that will let the surgeon view the area of surgery on a television screen. Shoulder arthroscopy as the name suggests is an arthroscopic procedure performed on the shoulder.

The Rotator Cuff

There is a group of muscles and tendons that hold together the shoulder joint called the rotator cuff. They hold the ball and socket joint in the shoulder and aid in proper movement. However, the tendons can tear due to overuse or accident. This is very common among sports persons as they are involved in rigorous physical activities.

The Anaesthesia

The anaesthesia in arthroscopic surgery depends on the patient and is decided by the anaesthesiologist. Most people are put under general anaesthesia but in some cases regional anaesthesia is also used. People who are put on local anaesthesia are also given medicine to make them very sleepy during the procedure.

Our Services

• Anesthesiology
• Critical Care Medicine
• Emergency Medicine
• Endocrinology
• ENT
• General Surgery
• Infectious Diseases

The Procedure

As mentioned before, the procedure involves the use of an arthroscope. In the beginning the surgeon will make one or more incisions in the shoulder and insert the arthroscope through the incision. The surgeon will then inspect the tissues in the joint, the bones, cartilage, tendons and ligaments. More than one incision is made to insert surgical instruments. These instruments are used to repair the damaged tissues. Removing damaged tissue is also possible in this method. To elaborate on the procedure, the surgeon can do any of the following on the shoulder:

Repairing the Rotator Cuff – In this process, the surgeon will bring the edges of the muscles together. Sometimes rivets known as suture anchors are also used to help with attaching the tendons to the bone. The suture anchors come in either plastic and metal form and need not be removed post surgery.

Impingement Syndrome Surgery – This is a process where the tissue that has been inflamed or damaged is cleaned out of the area above the shoulder joint. The under side of the bone called acromion can be shaved off and specific ligament called coracoacromial ligament can be cut.

Shoulder Instability Surgery – The surgeon can repair the torn labrum, which is the rim of the shoulder joint. The surgeon can also repair the ligaments that are attached to this area. There is a form of tear called the Bankart Lesion on the labrum in the lower part of the joint. Yet another lesion that occurs with the labrum and the supportive ligaments is called SLAP, which stands for Superior Labral tear from Anterior to Posterior