The shoulder is involved in many of the complex motions a person makes on a daily basis. In fact, the shoulder is the most flexible joint in the body. Unfortunately, if the shoulder is injured, it can have a big impact on a person’s ability to move and perform basic functions.
The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint that relies on stability from surrounding soft tissues and tendons. All of the components of the shoulder work together to maintain comfortable and smooth motions. If any one part is damaged, it will affect the whole.
Shoulder surgery addresses damage of the tissues and tendons in the shoulder to alleviate pain and improve a patient’s range of motion. At Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin, Dr. Edward Seade performs shoulder arthroscopy. Shoulder arthroscopy offers our Austin, TX patients a minimally invasive solution for shoulder damage.
Candidates
At our practice, we treat shoulder injuries through the least invasive measures possible. Prior to considering surgery, we will try other treatment techniques, such as physical therapy, medication, and injections. Anyone who is suffering from a shoulder injury that has not responded to these less aggressive treatment methods may be ideal candidates for shoulder arthroscopy.
Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that can repair damage to restore comfort and motion to the shoulder joint. Dr. Seade will use this minimally invasive surgical technique whenever possible.
While arthroscopy candidacy will depend on the specific details of each case, this procedure may be able to address any of the following types of injuries:
- Separated shoulder
- Bursitis
- Frozen shoulder
- General instability
- Shoulder arthritis
- Impingement
- Rotator cuff tears
Arthroscopy Technique
Arthroscopy can actually be used to diagnose and treat many types of shoulder injuries. Arthroscopy employs the use of narrow surgical tools that have a small camera attached to the end. Because the tools used in arthroscopy are so small, the procedure only requires a small incision.
After making the incision, a narrow tube containing a camera is inserted into the shoulder area. This camera allows Dr. Seade to see directly into the shoulder without the use of large incisions. These images can be used to make injury diagnoses, or to guide necessary shoulder repairs. After any repairs have been made, the surgical tools will be removed and the incision will be closed.
Benefits of Shoulder Arthroscopy
Although not all shoulder surgeries can be performed arthroscopically, Dr. Seade will employ this technique whenever possible because of the many benefits that it offers patients. Some of the most notable advantages of the arthroscopic technique include:
- Shoulder arthroscopy requires a shorter recovery period than traditional shoulder surgeries
- The arthroscopic technique reduces bleeding
- Shoulder arthroscopy has a reduced risk of complications
- Because an arthroscopy incision is so small, there will be virtually no scarring after the incision has healed
Learn More
At Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin, we offer a number of treatments to repair should injuries, eliminate pain, and restore a full range of motion to the shoulder joint. If you have questions about shoulder arthroscopy or would like to learn more about our other treatment methods, contact us at your earliest convenience.