The solution to shoulder pain: Let's learn about Shoulder Arthroscopy surgery in simple terms!

Are you also suffering from persistent shoulder pain? Maybe you have difficulty raising your arm. Maybe you can't even turn to one side when you sleep at night. You may have taken medicine for this, applied various ointments, and undergone physiotherapy. But if the pain is still the same, your doctor may have told you about a surgery called "Shoulder Arthroscopy". Don't be afraid when you hear this name. Simply put, this is "keyhole surgery". Today we will talk about this very simply, in a way that you can understand.

What is Shoulder Arthroscopy?

Simply put, Shoulder Arthroscopy is a minor surgery used to diagnose and treat problems inside the shoulder joint. It's not like regular open surgery. There's no big cut. Instead, several small buttonhole-sized incisions are made in the skin of your shoulder.

Then, the surgeon inserts a small camera through this small hole. We call this camera an arthroscope. This camera clearly shows everything inside the shoulder joint on a video screen. It's like looking inside. By looking in this way, the doctor can find the exact cause of your shoulder pain. Then, he inserts small surgical instruments through another small hole and makes the necessary repairs.

Why do you need to have this kind of surgery?

Surgery is not usually performed immediately after shoulder pain occurs. Your doctor will first try to see if the condition can be treated without surgery. They may recommend the following:

• Resting
• Painkillers
• Physiotherapy
• Shoulder injections

However, if your pain does not subside after these treatments, it means the problem is a bit more serious. That's when the doctor will recommend a `Shoulder Arthroscopy` surgery to see exactly what's going on inside the shoulder and to treat it.

What shoulder problems can be treated with this surgery?

Shoulder Arthroscopy can treat a variety of shoulder disorders and conditions. See the table below for a list of what they are.

What happens before the surgery?

Once you have scheduled your surgery, your doctor and hospital will give you instructions. This is what usually happens:

• Doctor's visit: The doctor will ask about your complete health history. A complete list of all medications you are currently taking (even vitamins).You may be asked to stop taking certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) a few days before surgery.
• Stop eating and drinking: The hospital will tell you exactly how many hours before surgery you should stop eating and drinking. It is very important to follow these instructions exactly.
• Several tests: Several tests can be done to see if your physical health is in good condition.
• Blood tests
• Chest X-ray
• ECG test (Electrocardiogram)

What happens during the surgery?

Shoulder arthroscopy usually takes less than an hour to perform. It is a very routine procedure.

1. Positioning and Anesthesia: You will be placed on the operating table in a beach chair position or on your side. The anesthesiologist will then anesthetize you. Sometimes you will be put to sleep completely (general anesthesia). Or, a nerve block will be given to your neck or shoulder to numb only your shoulder and arm. This method can also help control pain after surgery.

2. Preparation: If there is hair in the area where the surgery will be performed, it is removed and thoroughly cleaned with an antiseptic solution. You may also hold your hand in a special device to keep it still.

3. Joint inflation: The doctor injects a saline-like fluid into the shoulder joint. This increases the space inside the joint, making everything visible on the camera.

4. Inserting the camera: Next, an incision is made, the size of a buttonhole, and the `Arthroscope` camera is inserted through it.

5. Examination and repair: The doctor uses the images from the camera on a video screen to confirm the exact problem in the shoulder. He then makes one or two more small incisions and inserts delicate surgical instruments through them to perform the necessary repair (e.g., stitching a torn tendon).

6. Finishing the surgery: After the repair is complete, the instruments are removed, the small incisions are closed with stitches or plaster bandages, and a large bandage is placed over them.

What happens after the surgery?

This is usually an outpatient procedure . That means you can go home the same day. You will need to stay in the hospital for about an hour or two after the surgery. If you have any pain, you will be given medication. Once everything is confirmed to be fine, you will be allowed to go home.

How long will it take to recover? What should I do at home?

It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months for your shoulder joint to fully heal, depending on the severity of your shoulder problem and the complexity of the surgery.

It's normal to have some pain and swelling in the first few weeks. The following things can help:

• Painkillers: Take the painkillers prescribed by your doctor on time.
• Ice: Applying an ice pack over the bandage can greatly reduce pain and swelling.
• Sleeping position: Sleeping in an armchair or bed with lots of pillows and slightly elevated can provide relief for the first few days.
• Sling: To protect your shoulder, your doctor may recommend that you use a sling. Wear it for as long as your doctor tells you to.
• Physiotherapy: This is the most important part of the recovery process. You should begin rehabilitation exercises under the guidance of your doctor and a qualified physiotherapist. These exercises will help restore your shoulder's range of motion and strength.

What are the special occasions when you should see the doctor?

When you go home after surgery, it is very important to be aware of any unusual symptoms. If you experience any of the symptoms below, call your doctor or go to the hospital immediately.