Have you ever heard of an operation? Shoulder speculum or Shoulder arthroscopy? In this article, do you know everything that interests you about this process and why it is being performed? And what you should expect from it.

What is shoulder arthroscopy?

Shoulder arthroscopy or the endoscope operation is a surgical procedure that is performed through small holes that replace the routine wound, and in which special tools are used that enter the joint in addition to the endoscope itself to perform some surgical procedures such as restoration or cleaning. This technique can be used in many joints of the body, but the most common joints are the knee and shoulder.

The surgery lasts from half an hour to three hours sometimes, depending on the need and the purpose of the operation. There is a mandatory rest period after the operation that the patient needs to spend in the center. Patients often go home the same day if the surgery was light or the next day for complex surgeries.

When do we resort to shoulder arthroscopy?

Shoulder problems are among the most frustrating symptoms of limiting movement, and often we don’t know how important this movement is and only realize it when we lose it. The shoulder is involved in most daily activities, whether normal or sports.

This movement is affected when the shoulder is injured, whether by simple shoulder inflammation or more complex problems that may sometimes lead to complete stiffness of the shoulder. Some shoulder problems are improved by using traditional methods of treatment such as medication and physical therapy. However, for other problems that do not respond to these treatments, shoulder arthroscopy is often recommended.

How is the decision made about treatment?

We perform shoulder arthroscopy for a variety of problems, as the arthroscopy allows us to examine the entire shoulder and the surrounding areas with high efficiency. When non-surgical treatments fail to control the symptoms, we resort to arthroscopy in the following cases:

• Biceps tendon rupture
• The cartilaginous ring is ruptured or damaged
• Clavicle arthritis
• frozen shoulder
• Shoulder dislocation and instability
• Rotator cuff tear

It is not necessary that every patient suffering from one of these problems needs arthroscopy, and there may also be other problems that are not listed that require arthroscopy for treatment, as each patient is evaluated individually and the method is determined according to the treatment needs that may differ from one patient to another. The clinical examination plays a prominent role in making the decision about treatment.

What are the benefits of shoulder arthroscopy?

In the past, open surgery was the only way to reach and treat infected tissues. Arthroscopy has represented a quantum leap in this field and has many benefits compared to traditional surgery, the most important of which are:

• smaller wound
• faster recovery
• Easier qualification
• Less scarring

Endoscopic surgery was sometimes not possible due to some medical contraindications or in the shoulders that have a lot of damage and that need open surgery, but whenever it is appropriate, we turn to endoscopic surgery.

How to perform shoulder arthroscopy

Before shoulder arthroscopy

Before the decision to perform shoulder arthroscopy, you must undergo several examinations, the most important of which is a clinical examination that identifies the real problem you are suffering from, then a blood test to ensure that there are no contraindications to performing the surgery, then x-rays or magnetic resonance imaging, which in turn confirm the diagnosis and help to develop the final plan for surgical work.

Medicines and nutritional supplements

Sometimes, you need to stop taking certain medications before surgery, especially those related to blood thinners. We advise you to follow the instructions of the anesthesiologist or cardiologist in charge of laboratory tests that are conducted before surgery.

We also recommend following a good diet and adding a multivitamin before surgery to help speed rehabilitation and recovery.

Prepare for surgery

One of the most important factors for the success of surgery is good preparation. This includes:

• Prepare the place in your home for the postoperative period, by placing the tools you use close to you and within reach for easy access.
• Remove all obstacles that may affect your movement, such as wires and moving carpets.
• Preparing the sleeping place, which requires a special arrangement to ensure safety first and then relative comfort.

surgery day

There are special instructions to follow on the day of surgery, including not eating and drinking. Sleep early so that your body is not exhausted the next day, arrive early at the operation center to finish the procedures and then rest before heading to the operating room.

Post shoulder arthroscopy

You will be provided with all the instructions that you need after the completion of the surgery, and these instructions include the dos and don’ts in the first postoperative period in terms of physical activity. Follow-up visits will also be scheduled for suture removal and periodic evaluation.

It is normal for a slight swelling to appear in the shoulder as a result of the surgery, but it begins to gradually recede within a week. To help this swelling to recover, it is recommended to place cold compresses on the area for a quarter of an hour, three or four times a day.

Recovering from shoulder arthroscopy

Recovery from shoulder arthroscopy depends on the patient himself, his structure, his activity, and then the amount of damage that has been repaired. Some patients feel ready to resume their activities after a month of surgery, while others need a longer period of up to six months.

How do I sleep after shoulder arthroscopy?

One of the most common questions we receive from shoulder arthroscopy patients is: How should I sleep after the procedure?

Sleep is one of the issues that most affect the general condition of the patient. Since the inability to get what the body needs from sleep can lead to fatigue and exhaustion, and thus exacerbate the feeling of pain and delay the recovery process.

Therefore, there are some tips that we give the patient to help him sleep better and with less pain, as follows:

• Not sleeping in a lying position.
• In the first period after surgery, which may be up to six weeks, it is recommended to sleep at a 45-degree slope, either by raising the head of the bed or placing pillows behind the lower and middle of the back and head.
• This inclined position helps relieve pain by reducing tension and pressure on the shoulder tissues.

Apply cold compresses

Cold compresses play a prominent role in the post-shoulder surgery stage, as ice contributes to reducing inflammation and anesthetizing the area it is placed on, thus providing temporary relief. healing.

Take medicines on time

Especially pain medications prescribed before bed, which help to reduce the level of pain and help to fall asleep.

Shoulder fixation

The use of a shoulder immobilizer in the early stages after surgery is very necessary to protect the shoulder from external injuries and sudden movements, especially when sleeping.