Why Should I Choose Shoulder Arthroscopy?

Are you or someone you know considering shoulder arthroscopy and require orthopedic surgery New York? Contact our team at NYSMI today to learn more. 

Considering Shoulder Surgery

The shoulder is one of the most frequently injured parts of the body. From rotator cuff tears to general instability, there are plenty of injuries that can cause great discomfort and are caused by years of wear and tear and progressive decline. Many of these injuries do not respond to conventional physical therapy and therefore require a surgical procedure.  Fortunately, a shoulder arthroscopy can remedy many problems in the shoulder with a simple procedure that has been done since the 1970s. 

The procedure is so simple and common that it is performed over one million times per year.  If you are dealing with shoulder problems and are seeking orthopedic surgery New York, look no further than the New York Sports Medicine Institute. Our talented duo of surgeons are experts in their field and will do whatever it takes to ensure your health is the top priority. 

What is a Shoulder Arthroscopy?

Shoulder Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure in which a tiny camera (called an arthroscope) can either examine or repair damaged tissue around the shoulder joint. One must first heed the advice the surgeon gives before surgery to ensure the procedure goes off without a hitch. When the procedure starts, a local anesthetic is provided to numb the shoulder and arm. The camera is then inserted through a small incision and is attached to a tube that can travel through the area, repairing all tissue, tendons, and ligaments as needed. At the end of the procedure, the incision is stitched up and bandaged. The camera also takes pictures of the surgery site so the patient can be shown what exactly is wrong. The arthroscope also allows the surgeon better vision during the procedure itself. 

Orthopedic Surgery New York For The Shoulder

The procedure typically takes less than an hour and does not require you to stay a night at the hospital, although you will need someone to drive you home because of the use of an anesthetic.  Depending on the severity of your initial injuries may take up to several months to fully recover from the procedure, but many find that the long-term results are well worth the extended recovery time. More severe injuries may also require physical therapy following surgery. For those who undergo a smaller procedure, you can expect to return to work within a few days and be fully healed much quicker. 

A major aspect of recovery from shoulder arthroscopy is what you do at home. Your arm will likely be in a sling for at least a week, and you should stay away from activities that could reinjure the shoulder before it is fully recovered. You will also need to do exercises at home (or with a physical therapist) to regain strength and a full range of motion in your shoulder. Like any other injury, it is important not to rush yourself back too soon, as pushing your limits could end up being counterproductive to the healing process. 

How is Shoulder Arthroscopy Different and what can it Fix?

The major difference between shoulder arthroscopy and more conventional surgery is that other surgeries tend to make large incisions that completely expose the shoulder joint. This procedure creates a much smaller incision and as a result, takes much less time to recover from. The beauty of shoulder arthroscopy is that the same basic procedure can be used to fix several different problems in the shoulder. Some of the injuries that can be repaired using this procedure are:

• Torn rotator cuff
• Impingement syndrome
• Inflammation or damaged lining of a joint
• Shoulder instability
• Torn labrum

Why Should I Get Orthopedic Surgery New York?

Shoulder arthroscopy is recommended if your injury does not respond to more conventional non-surgical options like physical therapy, medication, or injections. Those who get the surgery report not only tremendous long term results including less pain and a return to full function, but that it allows them to recover much faster than other procedures. If you are dealing with any of the injuries listed above (or another one) and are looking for a place to trust with your shoulder arthroscopy or other orthopedic surgery New York, NYSMI is the best destination. If you’re not sure, please read some of our patient testimonials! To make an appointment, contact us using this link!