Shoulder Arthroscopy is routinely used to treat Impingement Syndrome of the shoulder. Shoulder Arthroscopy allows the surgeon to examine and treat the impingement through 3 small skin incisions approximately 3/8" long. Through these incisions, specialized instruments are placed into the shoulder to treat the problem.
After a thorough examination of the shoulder with the Arthroscope, a small shaving device is inserted into the shoulder (figure1). This shaver will eliminate swollen bursa and scar tissue to relieve symptoms and to enhance the surgeon's view in the shoulder . Next the surgeon will use a specialized laser or electro-cautery device to control bleeding and to remove the tissue covering the undersurface of the acromion (figure 2).
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| figure1 | figure 2 |
The surgeon then uses a small motorized burr to remove hooked acromions, or other bony ridges and to remove several millimeters of bone (figure 3). This removal of bone will allow the rotator cuff and its bursa to move freely without impinging upon the undersurface of the acromion. The final illustration (figure 4), shows that the space below the acromion has been increased and that the hook has been removed.
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| figure 3 | figure 4 |
This surgical procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and therefore does not require an overnight stay in a hospital. Physical therapy is required for several weeks following surgery.
