Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery Recovery

Arthroscopy is a shoulder and joint related surgery. This article will help you understand more about arthroscopic shoulder surgery recovery. Read on...

The procedure of diagnosing and treating joint concerns in the body is known as arthroscopy. In this procedure, a tiny fiber optic camera (arthroscope) is inserted via an incision in the skin, to assess and examine the damaged tissue around the shoulder joint. Before we understand more on arthroscopic shoulder surgery recovery, it is important to know the reasons behind this surgery. So let's understand the cause first and then try to figure out the arthroscopic shoulder surgery recovery time.

Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery Causes

An arthroscopy is recommended for the list of shoulder problems as listed below:

Torn cartilage in shoulder

Damaged cartilage or a torn ligament

Loose shoulder joints, where the ball could slip out of the shoulder socket

A damaged biceps tendon

Inflammation of shoulder bone

Damaged lining of the joint (as in rheumatoid arthritis)

Shoulder impingement syndrome

Arthritis in collarbone (clavicle)

Rotator cuff tear

Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery Recovery and Exercises

Before the surgery, the doctor may ask the person to adhere to certain regulations, like stopping certain medications, and eating soft and liquid food. On the day of surgery, the person is advised against eating or drinking anything 6 - 12 hours prior to surgery. Usually, small incisions are made in the affected region of the shoulder and using an arthroscope, the surgeon identifies the torn ligament or a damaged tissue. In case of tear, the repair is done. However, if there is a damaged tissue, it is removed.

Once the surgery is over, the incisions are stitched and bandaged. It usually takes several weeks for the incisions to heal completely, despite the fact, that the puncture wounds are small and the pain felt during the surgery is minimal. Apparently, a arthroscopic shoulder surgery recovery time ranges between 1 - 6 months. In the first week, the patient has to wear a sling for protection. It however depends on the kind of surgery that is performed. If it is an open surgery, the recovery time can extend further, as open surgeries are complicated.

En route to recovery, the patient is advised to adhere to certain shoulder stabilization procedures for a few months. Strong antibiotics and pain relieving medications like morphine or demerol are prescribed to palliate the shoulder pain caused by the swelling, post surgery. Anti inflammatory medicines like Hydrocodone or Tylenol with codeine are also prescribed. Although one should remember, too many drugs can cause extreme drowsiness, slowness in breathing, irregular bowel movements and allergic reactions. So it is important to take extra care when consuming prescription drugs and pain pumps, which are used for lessening the discomfort in the shoulder. Besides, movement of the shoulder is restricted to limited exercises of wrist, elbow and shoulder. Here are some effective shoulder exercises advised for people recovering post arthroscopy. Remember the below shoulder exercises for physical therapy that should be followed about 3 - 4 weeks, post surgery, once the shoulder attains flexibility.

Bend over at the waist and loosen up the affected arm by your side.

Move your arm in clockwise and anticlockwise circle.

Stand sideways alongside a wall. Place your elbow at 90 degree. Now, place your forearm against the wall and hold for 5 seconds.

Repeat the same procedure by turning 180 degrees, for 5 times.

When lying down, try supporting the elbow from behind. Use one or two pillows for supporting the elbow.

So, this was all about arthroscopic shoulder surgery recovery. An average shoulder surgery cost ranges between USD 10,000 - 17450. People recovering from this surgery should practice mild shoulder strengthening exercises regularly for a faster healing. A balanced diet is mandatory post any surgery to help the body regain its normal routine. And yes, avoid alcohol and smoking during the recovery period. Hope, this article has helped you understand the recovery process of the above stated shoulder surgery.