You need a good, working shoulder joint to be able to move your arm freely through its full range of motion. Any limitations due to factors such as pain, inflammation, and stiffness can make even the simplest things difficult. It is often when you’ve developed shoulder limitations that you realize how heavily dependent you are on your shoulders.
In some cases, shoulder surgery becomes necessary to treat underlying issues that continue to cause pain in patients. Minimally invasive shoulder surgery is increasingly being used to treat a wide range of conditions affecting the shoulder joint and bring patients back to their normal lives.
If you are considering shoulder surgery for relief, it helps to know about what you can expect from it. In this blog, we will discuss minimally invasive shoulder surgery, its known benefits, and some things you should consider.
What Is the Purpose of Shoulder Surgery? What Problems Can It Address?
Shoulder surgery may be needed to address problems with the rotator cuff and shoulder joint.
An orthopedic surgeon may recommend surgery if you have the following symptoms:
- Intense pain, even when not moving; shoulder pain that keeps you up at night
- Pain that spreads from your shoulder down into your arms and hands
- Difficulty in raising your arm or reaching overhead
- Hearing popping or snapping sounds coming from your shoulder
- Severe limitations in day-to-day activities
The specifics of the surgery depends on the type of shoulder issue, but it generally involves the repair or replacement of damaged tissue, as well as the removal of inflamed tissue.
Minimally invasive shoulder surgery can be used to do the following:
- Repair tears in the rotator cuff
- Repair or remove the labrum
- Remove bone spurs
- Ligament repair
- Address chronic shoulder dislocation
- Remove inflamed tissue or loose cartilage
What Are the Benefits and Advantages of Minimally Invasive Shoulder Surgery?
Minimally invasive shoulder surgery offers several benefits over traditional open surgery techniques:
- With smaller incisions, there is less tissue and muscle damage, resulting in a quicker recovery time and less pain overall.
- Patients experience less scarring and a reduced risk of infection and other complications.
- Some types of minimally invasive procedures can be performed in an outpatient setting, allowing patients to return home the same day as their surgery.
What Are Some Considerations Before Minimally Invasive Shoulder Surgery?
Before undergoing any surgery, it’s important to have a comprehensive understanding of the risks and benefits involved.
Some important considerations are:
- Minimally invasive procedures may not be suitable for everyone. Factors such as age, overall health, and underlying medical conditions are assessed before undergoing surgery.
- It is important to have a thorough discussion with a qualified hand surgeon about the risks and benefits of minimally invasive shoulder surgery.
- Another consideration is the experience and expertise of the surgeon. Minimally invasive surgery requires specialized techniques and specific training, so it’s essential to select an orthopedic surgeon with advanced training in upper extremity surgery.
- The orthopedic surgeon’s experience level and skill can significantly impact the outcome of the surgery and overall recovery. This is why it is essential to select a highly experienced and qualified orthopedic surgeon.
- Patients usually need physical therapy after shoulder surgery to aid in recovery and for a successful outcomes from the procedure. It’s important to follow all post-operative instructions and commit to your rehabilitation program.
Top Orthopedic Hand Surgeon in Lutherville, Maryland
Our orthopedic surgeons at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder are board-certified and fellowship trained in hand surgery. We combine our skill and experience to bring you the highest quality shoulder treatments. Our doctors will determine if shoulder surgery is appropriate and whether a minimally invasive approach can be used in your case.
You can trust us with the health of your shoulders; we have dedicated our lives to upper extremity care. To schedule an appointment with a top hand and shoulder doctor in Maryland, call (410) 296-6232 or use our online form. Our friendly staff looks forward to helping you with your needs!
