Arthroscopy of the shoulder is a surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat a variety of problems in the shoulder joint. The procedure is performed using a small, flexible instrument called an endoscope, which is inserted through a small incision in the skin.
The general steps of shoulder arthroscopy include:
- Anesthesia: Before starting the operation, the patient is given appropriate anesthesia. Local anesthesia or general anesthesia may be used as recommended by the surgeon.
- Insertion of the arthroscope: The arthroscope is inserted through a small incision in the skin near the shoulder joint. Air is used to expand the joint and improve the surgeon’s vision.
- Joint examination: An arthroscope is used to examine the components of the shoulder joint, such as cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. Pictures are taken directly from the joint using a small camera attached to the arthroscope.
- Repair or treatment procedure: If any problems such as damaged tissue or torn tendons are detected, appropriate treatment can be performed during the same surgery. Special small instruments attached to the arthroscope are used to repair tissue or stabilize tendons.
- Closing the incision: After the procedure is completed, the small surgical incision is closed using stitches or tape.
Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery, and recovery is usually faster less painful, and less damaging to surrounding tissues than traditional surgery. However, the patient may need a recovery period and physical therapy sessions to fully regain strength and movement of the shoulder. The patient should consult his physician for specific guidance based on his condition.
Here is some additional information about shoulder arthroscopy:
Benefits of the procedure: Shoulder arthroscopic surgery provides many benefits, including:
- Less surgical intervention: The procedure is performed through a small incision in the skin, which reduces the pain, swelling and scars associated with traditional surgeries.
- Accurate diagnosis: The arthroscopy allows the surgeon to examine the shoulder joint directly and in detail, which helps him accurately identify the problem and take appropriate treatment action.
- Effective repair and treatment: The surgeon can use arthroscopic-related instruments to repair damaged tissue, perform stabilizations of torn tendons, or remove bulges or small tumors.
- Fast recovery time: Since the procedure requires small cuts in the skin and less intervention, the recovery time is usually shorter compared to traditional surgeries. There may also be a reduction in pain after the procedure.
- Conditions that can be treated: Shoulder arthroscopy can be used to diagnose and treat many problems in the shoulder joint, including:
- Shoulder infections.
- Damaged or torn tissues such as tendons and ligaments.
- Impingement syndrome.
- Arthritis (shoulder arthritis).
- Fluid accumulation in the joint (shoulder joint accumulation).
- Small tumors in the shoulder.
Surgery recovery: After shoulder arthroscopic surgery, the patient may need a recovery and rehabilitation period. This usually involves working to regain range of motion, muscle strength, and pain relief. The patient may be directed to physical therapy sessions to facilitate the recovery process.
It is important to consult your physician for specific information about shoulder arthroscopy, including the potential risks, benefits, and expectations for your case. The doctor should be able to guide you and provide necessary complementary advice based on his assessment of your condition and medical history.
Shoulder arthroscopy surgery price
The price of the shoulder arthroscopic procedure is estimated at 60 thousand Egyptian pounds and varies based on several factors, including the geographical location, the hospital, the surgeon, the complexity of the case, and the type of hooks used in the operation. The total price of the operation may include:
- Hospital fees: These include hospital stay fees and the use of medical facilities, and they are one of the important factors that determine the price of the shoulder arthroscopy procedure
- Surgeon’s Fee: The surgeon’s fee includes the skills and experience provided by the surgeon.
- Anesthesia: Fees include anesthesia and related medications.
- Endoscope and instrument costs: This includes the costs of the endoscope itself and the instruments and devices used during the procedure.
- Post-operative follow-up costs: These may include post-operative follow-up visits and any physical therapy sessions that may be necessary for recovery, which are added to the price of the shoulder arthroscopy procedure.
