Arthroscopic surgery for shoulder instability repairs a shoulder that is unstable and slips in and out of its socket. This can cause pain. It can also limit how well you can move your shoulder.
To do the surgery, the doctor puts a lighted tube through small cuts (incisions) in your shoulder. The tube is called an arthroscope or scope. Next, the doctor puts some surgical tools in the scope to help make needed repairs. Then the incisions are closed. You will have scars, but they usually fade with time.
Most people go home the same day of the surgery. You will wear a sling for a few weeks.
You may be able to do easy daily activities in 2 to 3 weeks. Just don't use your affected arm. Most people who work at desk jobs can go back to work at this time. But if you lift, push, or pull at work, you will probably need 3 to 4 months off.
Most people can start to do activities that have a low risk of shoulder injury in about 3 months. Jogging is one example. If you play sports, training may also start at this time. Most baseball or softball players can start to toss a ball lightly. But it may take about 6 months to return to normal throwing. How long it takes depends on how damaged your shoulder was. It also depends on how well your rehabilitation (rehab) program goes.
Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.
Arthroscopy is a way to find problems and do surgery inside a joint without making a large cut (incision). Your doctor put a lighted tube with a tiny camera—called an arthroscope, or scope—and surgical tools through small incisions in your shoulder.
You will feel tired for several days. Your shoulder will be swollen. And you may notice that your skin is a different color near the cuts the doctor made (incisions). Your hand and arm may also be swollen. This is normal and will go away in a few days. Depending on the medicine you had during the surgery, your entire arm may feel numb or like you can't move it. This goes away in 12 to 24 hours.
You will have sutures (stitches) and a bandage on your shoulder. You may be able to take off the bandage in about 3 days, or when your doctor tells you. Your arm will also be in a sling for at least 1 week and maybe as long as 6 weeks. You may take the sling off when you dress or wash and during rehabilitation (rehab). If the sutures are not the type that dissolve, your doctor will take them out 7 to 10 days after your surgery.
You will need rehab. This will probably start 1 to 2 weeks after your surgery and last for 4 to 6 months.
You may be able to do easier daily activities in 2 to 3 weeks. Most people who work at desk jobs can go back to work at this time. If you lift, push, or pull at work, you will probably need 3 to 4 months off.
Most people can start activities with low risk of shoulder injury in about 3 months. This includes jogging and lifting light weights. If you play sports, then training may also start at this time. Most baseball or softball players can start a program to toss a ball lightly. It may take about 6 months to return to normal throwing. How long it takes depends on how damaged your shoulder was and how well your rehab goes.
©2011-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated