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scars from rotator cuff surgery

“Currently, almost all shoulder conditions can be treated using shoulder arthroscopy, it has truly revolutionised treatment, reducing the recovery period enormously.”

The shoulder is a complex joint which provides us with extensive movement of the arm, enabling normal day-to-day function as well as the ability to work and enjoy taking part in sport, the arts and much more. As a result, any abnormality has significant repercussions on our daily livesa.

What is shoulder arthroscopy?

It is a procedure performed using a small camera, called an arthroscope, to examine and repair tissue in or around the shoulder joint. The arthroscope is inserted through a small skin incision.

What conditions can be treated with shoulder arthroscopy?

The great majority of injuries affecting the shoulder joint can be treated using arthroscopy. The advantage of arthroscopy over classic open surgery is the much shorter recovery period, it being a much less aggressive procedure. Surgery is performed under general anaesthetic and lasts between 30 minutes and two hours, depending on the condition being treated.

Shoulder conditions most commonly treated using arthroscopy are:

  • Shoulder Impingement Syndrome, an injury caused by excessive use of the shoulder resulting in pain at the front or side of the shoulder. The pain is felt most when raising the arm or lifting it out to the side. Also knows as rotator cuff tendonitis or shoulder bursitis, it is very common in swimmers and athletes who play baseball, tennis and volleyball. It can also present in weightlifters, gymnasts, divers and rowers.

Acromioclavicular osteoarthritis Rotator cuff tears Shoulder instability Acromioclavicular dislocation

What risks does shoulder arthroscopy involve?

The risks and complications involved in shoulder arthroscopy can be classified into three sections:

  • Anaesthetic: patients are assessed by specialists who decide on the best anaesthetic technique, it is no different from other surgical procedures and the surgery is not a lengthy one.

Preoperative Postoperative

Shoulder arthroscopy: recovery

Recovery following shoulder arthroscopy depends on the injury treated and on the patient’s activity level. For this reason, individual protocols are always developed.

The recovery period varies between one to two weeks for surgeries not involving rotator cuff injuries, and up to two or three months if the rotator cuff has been repaired. It may take 4 to 6 months in the case of athletes practising sports involving throwing, or who take part in contact sports.

Once the surgical wound has healed, all patients can perform activities such as eating normally and attending to personal hygiene from 7 to 10 days afterwards, despite wearing a shoulder immobiliser.

Is there scarring?

Our orthopaedic shoulder specialist does not use external sutures, the scars are therefore almost invisible.

All these conditions can be treated arthrosocopically in our hospital by Dr. Marius Negru, orthopaedic and trauma surgeon and HC Marbella’s shoulder and elbow specialist.

If you live outside Spain and are considering shoulder surgery, at HC Marbella we take care of every last detail, from organising your journey and accommodation until your return home. We offer a complete package in a restful environment so you can feel safe, calm and relaxed.

Sources: MedlinePlus.com/ Spanish Society of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (Sociedad Española de Cirugía Hombro y Codo – SECHC)

July 30, 2019

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This post was last modified on December 9, 2024 7:09 pm