A shoulder or elbow arthroscopy is a safe way to assess any damage to the joint structures, while in many cases it is possible to treat the condition in the same procedure. It's a gentle procedure that accurately and effectively helps you get back to your previous level of activity.
Nationwide
Fast processing
Focus on you and your needs
High patient satisfaction
If it is not possible for the doctor to make a correct diagnosis after examining the elbow or shoulder and supplementing it with X-rays, ultrasound scans and possibly CT and MRI scans, a binocular examination may be performed. A binocular examination is also known as an arthroscopy. During a binocular examination of the elbow or shoulder, the doctor can often see what is wrong with the joint. It is often possible to repair the damage or clean the joint during the same procedure.
A shoulder arthroscopy is typically used when the patient has joint slips, tendon injuries (rotator cuff lesion) and entrapment syndrome in the shoulder. In the elbow, we often perform arthroscopic surgery for mouse elbow, pain and entrapment in the elbow joint and elbow osteoarthritis. For injuries to many of these structures, the surgeon can treat them in the same procedure with special instruments via one or more additional incisions. This can include, for example, cleaning out a joint capsule in case of shoulder stiffness, loosening the humeral tendon, polishing the lower edge of the shoulder socket and suturing ligaments. However, not all injuries can be treated via arthroscopy, so sometimes the surgeon will need to perform open surgery at a later date or possibly as an extension of the arthroscopic surgery.
During a shoulder arthroscopy, a movable telescope approximately 10 mm in diameter is inserted into the joint through a small hole in the skin so that the surgeon can examine the joint. Here, the surgeon will check for irritation or damage to the articular cartilage, ligaments or joint capsule.
In a shoulder or elbow arthroscopy, the surgeon makes 3-5 small holes in the skin around the shoulder. A scope and instruments can then be inserted to examine and possibly repair damage.
The surgery itself is an outpatient procedure and usually lasts only 20-60 minutes, but there is a lot of preparation before surgery and afterwards it takes some time to fully wake up. After the examination, the shoulder must be immobilized in an arm sling for a few days, after which the arm can be used again without restrictions.
How long does the surgery take?
The surgery itself usually lasts only 20-60 minutes, but there is a lot of preparation before surgery and afterwards it takes some time before you fully wake up. You will be informed before your surgery.
What type of anaesthetic is used?
Full anesthesia is usually used for arthroscopic shoulder surgery, often in combination with a pain-relieving blockade, a so-called Scaleneus blockade. A blockade is a local anesthetic that numbs the nerves in the arm, resulting in painlessness throughout the arm during surgery and often for several hours after surgery. In some cases, an elbow arthroscopy can be performed under local anesthesia. Our skilled surgeons will work with the surgeon to decide which anesthesia is best for you.
Our skilled medical secretaries are ready to help you.
Also find the address and opening hours of your local Capio branch.
