SHOULDER ARTHROSCOPY

Shoulder arthroscopy is a surgical procedure in which an arthroscope is inserted into the shoulder joint. The benefits of arthroscopy are smaller incisions, faster healing, a more rapid recovery, and less scarring. Arthroscopic surgical procedures are often performed on an outpatient basis and the patient is able to return home on the same day.

A nerve block can last for 2-36 hours or more depending on the medications used. Usually the weakness wears off first. The tingling and heaviness usually wear off next. Finally you may start to notice pain.

Shoulder and elbow joints that are affected by arthritis can become painful and difficult to move, but joint replacement surgery can help ease these symptoms. The operations (sometimes called arthroplasty)

What should I ask my hospital team ?
You might want to ask your hospital team the following questions :

  • • What can I expect from surgery?
  • • What can I expect if I don’t have surgery?
  • • What are the alternatives?
  • • What are the risks?
  • • How long will I be In hospital?
  • • When will I get back to my

Do I need a shoulder joint replacement ?
You may need a joint replacement if :

  • • your pain can’t be eased enough by other methods, such as drugs, injections or pjysiotherapy, and Is affecting your quality of life
  • • you can’t use your arm easily

What are the possible advantages?
Possible advantages can include:

  • • less or even no pain, especially at night and during activities
  • • Improved limb function

What are the possible disadvantages?
Possible disadvantages include :

  • • limited movement compared to a healthy natural joint
  • • pain management.

What are the possible complications ?
The main possible complications of surgery include:

  • • stiffness
  • • pain
  • • loosening of the replacement parts
  • • fracture of the bone during or after surgery
  • • poor healing of the wound
  • • wound haematoma (bleeding)
  • • damage to nearby nerves causing temporary or, rarely, permanent numbness or weakness.
  • • infection (less than 1-2%)

How long will my joint replacement last?
There's a very good chance that your shoulder or elbow joint replacement will last for 10 years. After this time it may loosen and wear out. A second joint replacement (revision surgery) may then be possible

Guide to daily activities In the first 4-6 weeks

Some difficulties are quite common, particularly in the early stages. The occupational therapist (O.T.) will help you to be as independent as possible during your rehabilitation. Special equipments can be borrowed from the O.T. department. Everyone is different so your individual needs will be assessed. We appreciate that you may have been having many of these problems before your operation. Please discuss your difficulties with the occupational therapist.

1 ) Getting on and off seats. Raising the height can help. e.g. extra cushion, raised toilet seat, chair or bed blocks.

2 ) Getting in and out of the bath. Using bath boards may help. (Initially you may prefer to strip wash.)

3 ) Hair care and washing yourself. Long handled combs, brushes and sponges can help to stop you twisting your arm out to the side.

4 ) Dressing. Wearing loose clothing, either with front fastening or which you can slip over your head. For ease also remember to dress your operated arm first and undress your operated arm last. In addition dressing sticks, long handled shoe horns, elastic shoe laces, sock aids and a ‘helping hand’ can help.

5 ) Eating. Use your operated arm as soon as you feel able for cutting up food and holding a cup. Non slip mats and other simple aids can help.

6 ) Household tasks/cooking. Do light tasks as soon as you feel able e.g. lift kettle with small amount of water, light dusting, ironing, rolling pastry. Various gadgets can help you with other tasks.

7 ) Sleeping. If you are lying on your back to sleep you may find placing a pillow or folded towel under your upper arm to be comfortable.