Shoulder Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a procedure that Orthopedic Surgeons use to inspect, diagnose, and repair problems inside a joint. The word Arthroscopy comes from two Greek words, “arthro” (joint) and “skopein” (to look). The term literally means “to look within the joint.” During Shoulder Arthroscopy, your surgeon inserts a small camera, called an Arthroscope, into your shoulder joint. The camera displays pictures on a television screen, and your surgeon uses these images to guide miniature surgical instruments.
Because the Arthroscope and surgical instruments are thin, your surgeon can use very small incisions (cuts), rather than the larger incision needed for standard, open surgery. This results in less pain for patients and shortens the time it takes to recover and return to favourite activities.
Shoulder Arthroscopy has been performed since the 1970s. It has made diagnosis, treatment, and recovery from surgery easier and faster than was once thought possible. Improvements to Shoulder Arthroscopy occur every year as new instruments and techniques are developed.
Your shoulder is a complex joint that is capable of more motion than any other joint in your body. It is made up of three bones: your upper arm bone (homers), your shoulder blade (scapula), and your collarbone (clavicle).
