Shoulder Arthroscopy Surgery: Eligibility, Procedure, Cost and Downtime

MediBuddy
MediBuddy
shoulder anthroscopy surgery

Shoulder arthroscopy surgery is performed to rectify and treat the issues related to your shoulder, especially the rotator cuff. An expert surgeon performs it by making tiny incisions on the treatment site. This shoulder surgery is specifically created as an outpatient procedure to treat torn rotator cuff issues with very little recovery time. Though complete shoulder surgery recovery time might range from a few weeks to months, physical therapy and at-home exercises can pace up the healing process.

What Is a Shoulder Arthroscopy Surgery?

A shoulder arthroscopy surgery is a minimally invasive procedure useful for treating or diagnosing shoulder issues. Unlike traditional surgery with an open approach, this procedure is performed by making a couple of incisions measuring 2 or 3 mm in diameter. A specialized surgical device called an arthroscope, which is a slender tube having a tiny torch and camera attachment, is introduced through the incisions. The video monitor connected to the arthroscope will help the surgeon assess and inspect the joints, tissues, ligaments, tendons, bones, and cartilage.

This arthroscopy procedure is useful for removing the damaged tissue and fixing any tears in your cartilage, tendon, or muscle. It is an outpatient procedure, which might need hospitalization overnight. Your doctor might suggest shoulder surgery if you have severe pain or symptoms that don’t improve with medications or a few months of physical therapy. Your surgeon will perform this surgery to repair rotator cuff issues, shoulder impingement syndrome, and shoulder instability conditions with compact surgical instruments. Based on the severity of the shoulder issue, you will be administered regional anesthesia or general anesthesia to ensure you don’t feel any pain during the surgery. The shoulder surgery recovery time can take a couple of weeks to months, based on the severity of the condition.

Who Might Need the Arthroscopy Surgery?

You can opt for a shoulder arthroscopy procedure if you are facing one or more of the following issues.

1. SLAP Tear

SLAP or Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior tear refers to the damage to the back or front part of your shoulder cartilage called the labrum. With the non-invasive shoulder surgery, the SLAP tear issue can be rectified effectively.

2. Instability of Shoulder Joints

If you are facing shoulder instability when using your arms, then it indicates that your ligaments, muscles, or joints are damaged or a joint fracture. Opting for a shoulder arthroscopy procedure will be beneficial to use your arms like before without experiencing any discomfort in your shoulders.

3. Shoulder Impingement

This painful condition can restrict your everyday activities when the various parts of your shoulder rub against each other, causing friction. Sometimes, your shoulder joints might also get compressed due to repetition of movement in your occupation. You will experience a dull ache developing into consistent pain while rotating your arms during a workout or when reaching out to grab something at a height. Shoulder arthroscopy is an effective choice to treat shoulder impingement issues with minimal incision and a quick recovery period.

4. Rotator Cuff Tear

The rotator cuff in your shoulder comprises four tendons that perform together to keep your arm well-aligned with the shoulder. Any tears in your rotator cuff will develop due to overuse of joints due to the nature of the job or due to an injury. Your surgeon will identify the extent of the tear using an arthroscope and suggest the right treatment to prevent it from aggravating further.

How Much Is The Cost of Shoulder Arthroscopy Surgery?

  • In India, the overall range of shoulder arthroscopy cost is from a minimum of Rs. 90,000 to a maximum of Rs.1,50,000.
  • The average shoulder arthroscopy cost in India is estimated to be around Rs. 1,20,000.
  • The shoulder arthroscopy cost is influenced by several factors, such as:
  • Admission expenses
  • Surgeon fee
  • Patient age
  • Type of shoulder arthroscopy surgery
  • Patient’s medical condition
  • Post-surgical complications handling
  • Rent for admission room
  • Lab tests and examination tests like ECG or X-rays

How to Find the Right Doctor for Shoulder Arthroscopy?

When it is about shoulder arthroscopy surgery, choosing the perfect surgeon will make a positive impact on your well-being and overall health. It is essential to consider several factors while choosing the best surgeon to perform shoulder surgery to get the desired outcome quickly. They are:

Look for Surgeon’s Expertise

If you are looking forward to having a shoulder arthroscopy surgery, then ensuring that the surgeon has several years of experience in handling such arthroscopic procedures is important. With the right set of qualifications, certifications, training, and expertise, your surgeon will be able to diagnose and treat shoulder issues aptly. It is also essential to know that the surgeon you opt for is not only board-certified but also a specialist in the field of shoulder arthroscopy. Also, check whether the doctor is a member of the respective subspecialty organization.

Years of Experience

Your surgeon's experience plays a vital role in determining the rate of success in performing arthroscopy surgeries. Check the years of experience a surgeon has in performing procedures with arthroscopy and decades of experience collectively. Choosing a surgeon with immense experience indicates well-refined techniques when performing surgical procedures, lower risks like complications, and excellent patient outcomes.

Surgeon’s Treatment Approach

Arthroscopic surgeons follow varying approaches for treating shoulder issues, such as non-surgical conservative options and techniques to perform minimally invasive procedures. Gain insight into your surgeon’s treatment approach, as it will help determine your course of treatment and shoulder surgery recovery time.

Patient Satisfaction and Reviews

Reading patient reviews and level of satisfaction helps you get an idea about your surgeon’s quality of care. Check out the online reviews and testimonials of the patients to know about their experience. Pay attention to the aspects of feedback and rating for parameters like communication, rate of satisfaction, outcome of surgery, and more. Choosing a surgeon having a patient-centered approach will help you stay assured of getting treated in a compassionate and supportive environment.