It’s scary when you can’t move your shoulder due to injury or other conditions. However, undergoing a knife is even scarier, especially because wounds after surgeries can take longer to heal.
Fortunately, minimally invasive surgeries for the shoulder offer quick recovery, smaller incisions, fewer complications, and minimal scarring. You can consult your orthopedic surgeon if minimally invasive shoulder surgery, also known as shoulder arthroscopy, is right for you.
Let’s talk about when a minimally invasive shoulder surgery is recommended and where you can go in Little Rock, AR, for outstanding orthopedic care.
You Have Not Found the Relief You Need Through Nonoperative Treatments
Like any other musculoskeletal injury or problem, an orthopedic doctor recommends a nonoperative way to treat your shoulder problem before considering surgery. Typically, they recommend RICE therapy (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) to treat shoulder problems, such as rotator cuff tendonitis.
When RICE therapy, along with pain-relieving medications, does not relieve your shoulder pain and discomfort, shoulder arthroscopy is recommended.
You Have Shoulder Problem That Can Be Treated with Shoulder Arthroscopy
If you have one of the following shoulder problems, minimally invasive shoulder surgery is right for you.
Rotator Cuff Injury
If you have a rotator cuff tear that either results from traumatic injury or degenerative disease (gradual wear and tear over time), minimally invasive shoulder surgery is best for you.
This surgery is especially suggested when the tear and associated painful symptoms stay for several months even after nonoperative treatment.
Shoulder Instability
Shoulder instability that may cause dislocation (partial or complete) can be repaired with minimally invasive shoulder surgery. During surgery, your surgeon will reattach and tighten loose ligaments, preventing your shoulder from dislocation in the future.
Biceps Tendon Injury
Having a torn or injured bicep tendon can be a significant source of pain and discomfort for you. In shoulder arthroscopy, the tendon is either repaired or moved out of the shoulder joint to prevent pain.
Bone Spur
A bone spur can cause pain and put you at the possibility of causing rotator cuff tear or tendonitis. Typically, bone spur develops when cartilage degenerates and bone-on-bone joint damages. Shoulder arthroscopy can remove a bone spur that alleviates pain and prevent future shoulder dislocations.
Inflamed Tissue or Loose Cartilage
Minimally invasive shoulder surgery can treat your inflamed tissues caused by traumatic injury or loose cartilage resulting from degenerative or acute cartilage-related injuries. This surgery is the best option when conservative treatments, such as medication and physical therapy, do not lessen symptoms of inflamed tissue or loose cartilage.
Labral Injury
Minimally invasive shoulder surgery can remove or repair your torn labral resulting from injury or aging. The repair may involve removing the torn section when the shoulder is stable or reattaching the tendon when the shoulder is unstable.
Minimally Invasive Surgery in Little Rock, AR
If you are a candidate for minimally invasive shoulder surgery, beyond the Bowen Hefley Orthopedics. Our highly skilled and experienced shoulder surgeon Dr. Hefley will look at your particular case and determine if you are the right candidate for shoulder arthroscopy. Before recommending minimally invasive shoulder surgery, Dr. Hefley will also consider your range of motion, lifestyle, and the result of imaging tests.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hefley, call us today at (800) 336-2412, or fill in our online appointment request form.
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