Arthroscopic surgery has quickly become the preferred method of treatment for sports injuries, especially those to the shoulder and knee. Arthroscopy is less invasive than traditional methods and can help your body heal faster after surgery.
At The Institute for Arthroscopy & Sports Medicine (IASM) in San Francisco, California, Dr. Jeffrey Halbrecht, a shoulder surgeon in San Francisco, and his experienced team can evaluate your shoulder injury and determine if arthroscopic surgery can benefit you long-term.
Like most joints in your body, your shoulder is a complex system of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The ball of your upper arm bone (humerus) fits into the glenoid, a shallow socket supported by muscles and tendons known as the rotator cuff.
Once your shoulder has been dislocated for the first time, you become vulnerable to future dislocations. This instability can cause the ball to slip out of the socket repeatedly, known as chronic shoulder instability.
Arthroscopy is used to treat and diagnose various injuries. Arthroscopes are flexible, narrow tubes equipped with cameras and flashlights. During the procedure, your surgeon makes an incision and inserts the arthroscope into your body. This scope allows him to see inside your body and guide the procedure from the outside.
Almost all types of shoulder instability can be treated using arthroscopic techniques, as long as your surgeon is capable and experienced, like San Francisco orthopedic surgeon Dr. Halbrecht. Arthroscopic surgery comes with many benefits, including:
Arthroscopic shoulder surgery has a high success rate; 90% of patients never experience redislocation, and most are able to successfully return to sports.
If you’re scheduled for an arthroscopic shoulder surgery, you might feel anxious about the procedure and recovery. Make sure you have a ride home from your surgery, and clear your schedule for a week following the procedure.
You can expect drainage from the incisions, and you will need to wear a sling until your shoulder has healed enough to begin physical therapy. It’s your responsibility to manage your pain using ice packs and the medication prescribed to you. Don’t return to work, drink alcohol, sign important papers, or operate heavy machinery for at least 24 hours after your surgery.
If you’re experiencing chronic shoulder instability, schedule a consultation with Dr. Halbrecht and his team of shoulder doctors in San Francisco to learn more about your options. To get in touch, call 415-233-7996, or book an appointment online.
