Shoulder arthroscopy

• Impingement

Impingement occurs when the inflamed bursa and/or the rotator cuff tendon become trapped between the humeral head and the undersurface of the acromion. It may be recommended if the symptoms persist despite conservative treatment.

• Calcific tendinitis

Calcific tendinitis is a common condition marked by accumulated basic calcium phosphate crystals within the rotator cuff tendons. Initial treatment typically involves nonoperative measures such as anti-inflammatory medication given orally or administered by injection, physical therapy, and, above all, extracorporeal shockwave therapy. If these methods prove ineffective, arthroscopic surgery would be recommended.

• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)

While a full recovery can take weeks, months, or even years, the frozen shoulder is curable even without surgery. Arthroscopic surgery is considered for patients severely affected by stiffness or pain and unable to wait for the shoulder to resolve naturally.

• Anterior and posterior instability

If conservative treatment options fail to alleviate shoulder instability, shoulder stabilization surgery may be recommended. This procedure enhances joint function and stability while preventing recurrent dislocations. The advancement of arthroscopic equipment has facilitated the investigation and diagnosis of shoulder instability. At the same time, fixation techniques have progressed, elevating arthroscopy from an experimental approach to a primary mainstream treatment option.

• Tendinitis of the long head of the biceps tendon

Conditions affecting the long head of the biceps often accompany other shoulder issues. Diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation involving patient history, physical examination, and radiographic assessment. Surgical intervention becomes necessary for those with persisting or severe disease. Arthroscopic surgery involves a small arthroscope camera and specialized surgical instruments to precisely remove or reconstruct damaged soft tissue and remove disturbing bone spurs within or surrounding the shoulder joint.

• Rotator cuff tears

Consisting of muscles and tendons, the rotator cuff is vital for shoulder stability and arm mobility, enabling lifting and reaching movements. Injuries to the rotator cuff (e.g., tears) can occur suddenly or develop gradually due to repetitive activities. Aging can contribute to degeneration and tears in the rotator cuff. An arthroscopic repair can be conducted through small keyhole incisions, utilizing state-of-the-art technology and surgical instruments. This results in a minimally invasive approach and reduced soft tissue trauma, reduced recovery pain, and faster healing time than traditional open surgeries.

• Cartilage damage, osteoarthritis

Although cartilage is resilient and can resist heavy loads over time, it is vulnerable to damage from injury or overuse. Arthroscopy is a valuable tool for assessing the severity of cartilage damage, and it is commonly used for most cases of cartilage damage. This approach is also suitable for individuals with early-stage arthritis and some remaining cartilage. While this procedure does not cure arthritis or stop its progression, it can relieve pain and decelerate the degenerative process.