What is an Arthroscope

An arthroscope is a small instrument with a camera attached to the end that can be inserted through a small incision so the surgeon can see inside and around the shoulder joint. Using an arthroscope, your surgeon will be able to look on a screen at the joint and surgical instruments so that the procedure can be conducted without any large incisions.

When Procedure is Used

The rotator cuff is part of a group of muscles and tendons in the shoulder that keeps your arm in the joint and helps everything in the shoulder move. An injury or overuse can cause the rotator cuff to become weakened or torn to the point that you will feel pain and your shoulder will not function the way it is supposed to. If rest and physical therapy don’t allow the cuff to heal properly, surgery is an option.

During Surgery

A general anesthetic is given to relax your muscles, prevent pain, and help you fall asleep, and you will also have a nerve block to prevent you from experiencing as much pain after the anesthesia has worn off. For an open repair, your surgeon will make a larger incision of 2.5 to 4 inches, will move the deltoid muscle aside, and will then reattach the rotator cuff tendon. For an arthroscopic repair, your surgeon will make a small incision for the arthroscope and take a look at the joint. Other instruments are then inserted through additional small incisions to reattach the tendon.

Risks

The risk of complications is very low. However, potential risks might include

• allergic reactions to medications
• further injury to part of the shoulder
• bleeding or blood clots
• infection
• nerve damage

Benefits

• elimination or decrease of pain
• improvement in shoulder function
• increase in strength