Shoulder Surgery

 

We rely heavily on our shoulders as we go about our daily lives. Whether throwing a ball, paddling a canoe, lifting a child or just pushing a lawn mower, our shoulders play a large part in our activities.

 

Because the ball of the upper arm is larger than the socket of the shoulder, it is easily susceptible to injury and discomfort.

 

Relieve shoulder pain and get back to your active life with a Mercy of Sacramento shoulder arthroscopy surgery or open shoulder surgery.

 

Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery  This procedure involves using a small camera to monitor the shoulder as surgery is being done. At Mercy of Sacramento, shoulder arthroscopy is often elected to repair impingement, torn rotator cuffs, stretched capsules and torn labrum. It can also provide relief to arthritis sufferers.

 

During your arthroscopic shoulder surgery, Mercy Sacramento's surgical team will make a small incision near the shoulder joint. A small camera attached to a video monitor will be inserted into the joint and saline solution will be pumped into the shoulder to expand it, aiding with visualization and controlling bleeding.

 

The surgeon will make one to three additional incisions to insert other instruments, which may include a blunt hook to pull on tissues, a shaver to remove damaged or unwanted tissues and a burr to remove bone. At the end of your arthroscopic shoulder surgery, the fluid is drained from the shoulder, the incisions are closed and a dressing is applied.

 

For this procedure, you will be put under general anesthesia. A nerve block may also be used to numb your shoulder and arm to help reduce pain after surgery.

 

 

 

Open Shoulder Surgery  Open surgery is used for partial or total shoulder replacement. During this procedure, your surgeon will replace the ball (partial replacement) or both the ball and the socket (total replacement).

 

An incision about six inches long is made from your collarbone to your arm. Once the new joint is in place, your surgeon will close the incision with surgical staples or sutures.

 

Shoulder Surgery Recovery and Risks  Recovery from open or arthroscopic shoulder surgery can take one to six months, depending on the extent of the surgery. You may be given medications to control the pain and will likely need a sling for the first few weeks. For many procedures, physical therapy may be needed to help you regain the full motion and strength of your shoulder.

 

Though there is minimal risk involved with shoulder surgery, there are some risks and possible complications as with any surgery. These include:

 

 

Get Started  If you're interested in open or arthroscopic shoulder surgery, Sacramento's Mercy Orthopedics can help. Call (916) 851-2110 to schedule a shoulder surgery consultation today or request an appointment online.