Shoulder pain can sideline even the most active individuals, from athletes on the court to those navigating daily routines. With advancements in minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques, many shoulder conditions can be effectively treated, reducing pain and restoring mobility. Discover how these innovative procedures help you get back to doing what you love, whether it's shooting hoops or managing everyday tasks.
Rotator Cuff Repair: Restoring Strength and Function
A torn rotator cuff can lead to weakness, pain, and limited range of motion. Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair involves using a tiny camera (arthroscope) and specialized tools to reattach the torn tendon to the bone through small incisions. This minimally invasive approach reduces scarring, shortens recovery time, and preserves surrounding tissues.
Labral Repair: Fixing Shoulder Instability
The labrum is the cartilage rim that helps stabilize the shoulder joint. Tears to the labrum, often caused by trauma or repetitive motion, can result in pain and instability. Arthroscopic labral repair involves trimming damaged tissue and anchoring the torn labrum back to the bone, effectively restoring stability with minimal tissue disruption.
Subacromial Decompression: Relieving Impingement Pain
Shoulder impingement occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff are compressed between the shoulder blade and humeral head. Arthroscopic subacromial decompression removes inflamed tissue and reshapes the acromion (shoulder blade) to create more space, alleviating pain and preventing further damage.
Biceps Tenodesis: Addressing Biceps Tendon Injuries
Pain originating from the biceps tendon is often due to inflammation or tears. Arthroscopic biceps tenodesis repositions the damaged biceps tendon by securing it to the humerus, reducing pain and preserving shoulder function. This procedure is especially beneficial for active individuals seeking to maintain strength and mobility.
Capsular Release: Treating Frozen Shoulder
Adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder, can severely limit motion due to thickened joint tissue. Arthroscopic capsular release involves carefully cutting the tight capsule to restore movement. This minimally invasive method is highly effective in improving mobility and reducing stiffness.
Arthroscopic Debridement: Cleaning Up Damaged Tissue
For conditions like arthritis or chronic shoulder pain, arthroscopic debridement removes loose fragments, inflamed tissue, or bone spurs from the joint. This approach provides relief from pain and inflammation while improving joint function.
Arthroscopic procedures are revolutionizing shoulder care with precision, minimal downtime, and quicker recovery.
AUTHOR: Dr. Anup Shah is a board-certified, fellowship-trained Sports Medicine Orthopedic surgeon specializing in Knee and Shoulder Surgery in Phoenix, Arizona at Banner Health. Dr. Shah uses a patient-centric and evidence-based approach to help his patients achieve their desired goals.
