Regain Your Active Lifestyle

Regain Active Lifestyle

It’s a beautiful Saturday afternoon, and your friends ask you to join them at the park for a game of volleyball. Though the invitation is enticing, you also begin to worry about the pain you’re certain to feel in your shoulder when you return home that evening. Lately, it seems that almost everything you do, even reaching for a glass in the cupboard, causes you to feel pain in your shoulder.

Being physically active brings energy, enthusiasm, and balance to your life. Arthroscopic, or minimally invasive shoulder surgery, can help get you back in the game. Using advanced medical technology, Dr. Rogerson can assess what’s causing your pain and, through arthroscopic surgery, may be able to repair your injury. Compared to traditional shoulder surgery, arthroscopic surgery results in smaller scars, less postoperative pain, and a faster return to the physical activities you love.

To learn more about shoulder arthroscopy, please visit the sections below. If you think you may be a candidate for arthroscopic shoulder surgery, please contact our office.

1. What is Shoulder Arthroscopy?
2. Who is a Candidate for Shoulder Arthroscopy?
3. Shoulder Anatomy and Function
4. Diseases of the Shoulder
5. Non-Surgical Options
6. Reasons for Shoulder Arthroscopy
7. Preparing for Shoulder Arthroscopy
8. Shoulder Arthroscopy Surgery Day
9. Shoulder Arthroscopy Procedures
10. Shoulder Arthroscopy Post-Op and Rehabilitation

What is Shoulder Arthroscopy?

Arthroscopes are used to inspect the joint and locate the source of your pain

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, arthroscopic surgery became popular, especially in the sports world, as fiber-optic technology enabled surgeons to see inside the body using a small telescope, called an “arthroscope,” which projects an image to a television monitor. Thanks to ongoing improvements made by technology, arthroscopic surgery is now accessible to more people than just professional athletes. In fact, active patients all over the world have experienced the benefits of minimally invasive surgical procedures.

Through an incision the width of a straw tip, Dr. Rogerson is able to insert an arthroscope that allows him to inspect your joint and locate the source of your pain. The arthroscope can also help identify tears or other damage that may have been missed by an X-ray or MRI. The surgeon will then make one or more small incisions to accommodate the instruments used to repair the shoulder. These instruments can shave, trim, cut, stitch, or smooth the damaged areas.

Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is often performed in an outpatient surgery center, which means no overnight hospital stay is required. You report to Meriter Hospital in the morning, undergo the procedure, and following a recovery period under the care of medical professionals, return home later in the day.

Who is a Candidate for Shoulder Arthroscopy?

Shoulder Pain?

Patients with shoulder pain or limited shoulder function may be candidates for arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Most people who suffer from a shoulder injury and who have not found the relief they need through non-operative treatments may benefit from a minimally invasive surgical procedure. This information will help you better understand the anatomy and function of the shoulder, as well as the effects on the shoulder of a rotator cuff tear or the condition known as “shoulder instability.” In addition, it will guide you through the steps of arthroscopic shoulder surgery for the treatment of these conditions.

Shoulder Anatomy and Function

Shoulder Anatomy

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint and has the greatest range of motion of any joint in the body. Because of this mobility, it is at risk for injury or degenerative problems. The bones of the shoulder are the humerus (upper arm bone), clavicle (collar bone), and scapula (shoulder blade). The head of the humerus bone (the ball) is lined with cartilage that glides over the shoulder socket (also known as the “glenoid cavity”). The clavicle attaches the shoulder to the rib cage and holds the shoulder out from the body. The scapula is a large triangular bone located on the back side of the upper body, and it is connected to the clavicle through the acromioclavicular (AC) joint.

In the shoulder socket, the humerus sits like a golf ball on a tee, supported by a complicated arrangement of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The rotator cuff is a group of tendons that attaches four shoulder muscles to the upper arm. These tendons help keep the humerus bone in place within its shallow socket and ensure that the arm moves freely within the joint.

Diseases of the Shoulder

Rotator Cuff Tear
Age plays an important role in the development of rotator cuff tears. As we age, so does the rotator cuff, and weakening of the tendons increases the chances of a tear occurring. For this reason, tears are most common in adults over the age of 40. However, repeated use of the hands in the overhead position often accelerates weakening of the cuff. Individuals who perform common overhead activities, such as painters and sheetrock workers, frequently develop tendonitis, and this tendonitis may eventually progress to a complete tear in one of the tendons.

Tears are also common in certain athletes who use repetitive overhead motions, such as baseball pitchers, swimmers, and tennis players. In some cases, a tear can be sustained from a direct blow, a fall from a bicycle, for example.

With a rotator cuff tear, you may experience pain primarily on top and in the front of your shoulder. Sometimes, pain may occur at the side of your shoulder, and it is usually worse with any activity that forces you to reach above the level of your shoulder. You may also experience weakness and stiffness, and it may be difficult to perform simple overhead activities like placing dishes in the cupboard. Some people with tears can’t lift their arm to comb their hair. Stiffness may result from the inability to move your shoulder, and this stiffness may become progressive.

Often with a rotator cuff tear, bursitis (inflammation of the bursa, the small sac of fluid that surrounds the joint) will occur, which may cause a mild popping or crackling sensation in the shoulder. The tear itself may rub and cause this sensation. You may also have difficulty sleeping on the shoulder at night.

When a rotator cuff tear begins to interfere with normal activities, arthroscopic (minimally invasive) shoulder surgery may be necessary to restore your shoulder’s full functional abilities. Then you can get back to the activities you love, or simply enjoy a good night’s rest.

Shoulder Instability

Diseases of the Shoulder

Shoulder instability occurs when the structures that surround the shoulder joint loosen and cannot maintain the ball within its shallow socket. If the joint is too loose, it may slide partially out of place, a condition known as “shoulder subluxation.”
When the joint comes completely out of place, also called “shoulder dislocation,” the ligaments that support the shoulder are torn. Normally, this injury does not heal tightly, making the shoulder prone to repeat dislocation and additional episodes of instability.
With shoulder instability, some activities can create sudden pain, a sense of arm deadness, or the feeling of your shoulder slipping out and back into the joint. If you experience complete dislocation, you may have severe pain along with the inability to “reset” the joint.
Some shoulder instability can be treated with rest followed by rehabilitation. However, in certain instances, Dr. Rogerson may recommend surgery – these include more complicated injuries, cases of recurrent instability, and first-time dislocations in younger patients who have a high risk of recurrence, further damage, or limited activity.

Non-Surgical Options

There are some non-operative, conservative options to consider for the treatment of a rotator cuff tear or shoulder instability:

• Ice Packs: Reduce swelling while resting the arm.
• Anti-inflammatory Medications: Decrease swelling in the joint and provide temporary pain relief. Please note, however, that all medications have risks and should only be taken under the direction of Dr. Rogerson.
• Physical Therapy: Helps shoulder to regain normal motion and strengthens muscles.

Reasons for Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery

Reason for Surgery

Minimally invasive shoulder surgery is considered when all other conservative measures have failed. It is a positive measure to regain the active lifestyle that a painful shoulder is preventing.

Arthroscopic shoulder surgery can:

• Relieve pain.
• Improve joint stability.
• Repair tears and damage.
• Maximize quality of life.
• Optimize activities of daily living.

Preparing for Shoulder Arthroscopy

Preparation for your surgery begins weeks and sometimes months before the surgery date. Here are just a few events and considerations that you may experience:

Initial Surgical Consultation
Preoperative X-rays, a complete medical history, a complete surgical history, and a complete list of all medications (i.e., prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin supplements) and allergies will be reviewed.

Complete Physical Examination
Dr. Rogerson will ask you to have physical examination with your primary care physician for optimization of any medical conditions prior to the surgery. This will ensure that you are in the best physical condition possible on surgery day.

Physical Therapy
If deemed necessary, instruction in an exercise program to begin prior to surgery, as well as an overview of the rehabilitation process after surgery, will better prepare you for postoperative care.

Preparation for Surgery
Loose-fitting clothing is recommended. Please bring with you, to the hospital, the following three pieces of information:

1. Insurance
2. A list of all your medications and dosages
3. A list of all your drug allergies

You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home.

Evening Before Surgery
Do not eat or drink after midnight. You may be asked to take some of your routine prescription medications with a sip of water.

Day of Surgery

This is a brief overview of the activities that typically occur on your surgery day:

Day of Surgery

• You will be admitted to Meriter Hospital.
• Your vital signs, such as blood pressure and temperature, will be measured.
• A clean hospital gown will be provided.
• An IV will be started to give you fluids and medication during and after the procedure.
• You will be asked to put Dr. Rogerson’s initials (JSR) on the correct surgical shoulder.
• All jewelry, dentures, contact lenses, and nail polish must be removed.
• Your shoulder will be scrubbed and shaved in preparation for surgery.
• Renee Burke, PA-C, Joanna Hutchins, PA-C, Dr. Wackwitz or Dr. Rogerson will meet you before your surgery just to say “Hi” and to answer your last minute questions.
• An anesthesia provider will discuss the type of anesthesia that will be used

Minimally Invasive Shoulder Surgeries

Rotator Cuff Repair
In rotator cuff repair, Dr. Rogerson will begin by inspecting the shoulder joint. Then he will inspect the subacromial bursa, a small cushioning sac of fluid that surrounds the joint, followed by the rotator cuff itself.

Anchors used to attach tissue to bone

Arthroscopic shaver blades are used to clear away scar tissue, to shape the under side of the acromion (the bone at the top of the shoulder), and to smooth the edges of the cuff tear. Once the joint has been prepared, small anchors are attached to the bone. Sutures are passed through the edge of the tissue, and the anchors are used to hold the suture in place.

Shoulder Instability
For years, shoulder instability has been treated with open surgery to repair the torn lip of the glenoid socket, called the “labrum.” Many surgeons now believe that instability is associated with more than just labral tears. Using minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques, Dr. Rogerson will have access to the entire joint. As a result, he can examine all potential tears and will base the method of repair (arthroscopic and sometimes open) on this thorough inspection. The arthroscopic repair is done using small incisions, which typically means your recovery is quicker and less painful.

To repair shoulder instability, Dr. Rogerson will attach anchors to the bone, then will pass sutures through the tissue. The anchors hold the suture in place. In many cases, these anchors are bioabsorbable and are gradually absorbed in the body over time (within three to five years following the procedure), rather than permanently residing in the bone. The surgeon may tighten the joint capsule using suture.

Postoperative Care and Rehabilitation

Postoperative Care

Post Op and Rehab

After surgery, you will be transported to the recovery room for close observation of your vital signs and circulation. You may remain in the recovery room for a few hours.

When you leave the hospital, your arm will be in a sling. The sling should be worn for the amount of time recommended by Dr. Rogseron.

Rehabilitation
Steps for rehabilitation following rotator cuff surgery and instability repair vary depending on the surgery. Dr. Rogerson will inform you of the activities that will be involved in your own rehabilitation.