Shoulder Surgery

Arthroscopy is a diagnostic procedure for joint problems performed by the orthopedic surgeons at MetroSouth Medical Center. During the procedure, the surgeon examines and often repairs diseased joints with the aid of a tiny device called an arthroscope. The arthroscope allows the surgeon to see inside the joint and consists of a lens, light source and fiber optics encased in a tube with a video camera attached.

Common advanced arthroscopic surgery treatments for the shoulder include:

• Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair:
  This approach begins with the examination of the inside of the shoulder using an arthroscope (camera) that is inserted through a small incision that is usually about 3 to 4 centimeters long. Then, using tiny instruments, the surgeon will make repairs to soft tissue in the rotator cuff. This technique can also be used to remove scar tissue.
   
• Arthroscopic subacromial decompression for rotator cuff tendonitis:
  When one or more rotator cuff tendons in the shoulder are pinched between bones, arthroscopic surgery can be performed to correct the problem. Through small incisions, doctors insert an endoscope and specialized instruments to make repairs so the tendons can glide freely, without catching on the bone.
   
• Arthroscopic bicipital tenodesis:
  The biceps tendon connects the biceps muscle to the bone. The tendon passes from the muscle, through the rotator cuff, into the shoulder joint, and attaches to the socket of the shoulder joint. This surgical procedure can be performed to repair bicep tendonitis, but it is often performed as part of a larger surgery such as rotator cuff repair.
   
• Arthroscopic Labral Repair and capsular reconstruction:
  The labrum is a rim of soft fibrous tissue or cartilage that surrounds the socket of the shoulder joint. The labrum gives the shoulder socket more depth and therefore more stability. The labrum also serves at the attachment of a major tendon in the shoulder, the biceps tendon. Treatment of labrum tears depends upon the severity and location of the tear. Common labrum tears include Bankhart lesions and SLAP tears. The surgery involves removing any damage to the labrum and trimming it down to healthy tissue. Then, small anchors are inserted into the glenoid to re-attach the labrum to the bone.

To schedule an appointment for a surgical evaluation or second opinion with an orthopedic surgeon from MetroSouth Medical Center, call 708-489-7925.