What is Shoulder Arthroscopic
Release?
Shoulder Arthroscopic Release for frozen shoulder is to cut the
tight structures within the shoulder affected by the condition.
This not only restores movement but also can quite dramatically
relieve pain. The operation is suitable for people who have failed
to respond to non-operative measures such as injections and in whom
the symptoms are making life very difficult.
Overall, the chances of the operation providing a good result
are around four out of five.
What does this involve?
Shoulder Arthroscopic Release is performed under general
anaesthetic and takes around one hour. Local anaesthetic is
also used as part of the pain relieving technique either by direct
injection into the site of the surgery or by numbing the nerves to
the whole arm using a technique called a regional block. This is
similar to the idea of an epidural anaesthetic frequently used in
childbirth and can have benefits in not only providing excellent
postoperative pain relief but also in reducing postoperative
sickness and nausea.
The first step is to insert the telescope in to the shoulder
through small incisions and inspect the whole of the inside of the
shoulder joint and the tendons. The diagnosis is then confirmed and
any additional problems with the cartilage or tendons can be
identified. The tight layer in the shoulder is then released, using
a telescopic instrument a little like a laser and movement is
restored to the shoulder on the operating table.
Once the operation is complete, the small incisions are closed
with single stitches that are removed after a week and covered with
waterproof dressings.
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When will I recover?
The operation generally requires a one night stay in hospital
and your arm is placed into a special shoulder sling which is
primarily for comfort and support. Exercises and physiotherapy
start on the day of surgery and patients are your physiotherapist
will teach you all you need to know for the first couple of weeks
after discharge from hospital.
As a general guideline the sling is worn for two weeks but it is
not compulsory. Most people can start driving a car at about
two weeks and have regained good ordinary use of the shoulder by
four to six weeks.
There are no specific restrictions on the use of your arm
afterwards but taking painkillers when needed and being sensible
about physically demanding activities are clearly important.
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What risks should I know about?
Shoulder Arthroscopic Release is a very successful operation but
there are some potential complications you should be aware of even
though they are uncommon such as infection although infection
rates are less than 1%.
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Circle care
Shoulder surgery is carried out in our specialist area at
CircleBath where our specialist shoulder surgeons are available and
have the expertise to get the best possible results. You can
be sure of state of the art facilities and the best possible care
to get you back to normal as soon as possible.
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