Shoulder Arthroscopy

Shoulder Arthroscopy Near You in New Jersey

Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that helps inspect, diagnose, and treat shoulder joint problems. If you need shoulder arthroscopy in central or northern New Jersey, turn to Interventional Spine & Surgery Group. We are a multidisciplinary practice that provides fast access to patient-centered care and treatments. Our medical team specializes in fast, accurate diagnosis and beginning treatment right away, so you don’t have to continue living in pain. Learn more about shoulder arthroscopy, how it works, and what to expect during your recovery.

Key Takeaways

Shoulder arthroscopy can help treat rotator cuff tears, shoulder instability, labral tears, frozen shoulder, and shoulder impingement.
The procedure uses a specialized tool, called an arthroscope, to improve visualization and reduce surgical trauma.
Interventional Spine & Surgery Group provides fast access to patient-centered care at locations throughout New Jersey.

Why Choose Shoulder Arthroscopy?

Shoulder arthroscopy is unique because it can both diagnose and treat conditions and injuries. It uses a specialized tool called an arthroscope, which is an instrument with a camera and light at the end, enabling the surgeon to directly visualize the area. Arthroscopy is minimally invasive and performed in an outpatient setting, which makes it a strong alternative to traditional open surgery. Shoulder arthroscopy is often chosen for patients with:

Rotator cuff tears
Labral tears
Impingement and inflammation
Recurrent dislocations
Loose bodies, such as stray cartilage or bone

Compared to open surgery, shoulder arthroscopy offers benefits such as reduced surgical trauma, a lower risk of complications, improved visualization, and faster healing.

What Should I Expect Before Shoulder Arthroscopy?

Before you are recommended for shoulder arthroscopy, you will get a full physical exam and medication review to ensure you’re a candidate. Once you’re confirmed to be a strong candidate, your surgeon will give you preparation advice to follow before the procedure. It typically includes:

Arranging for a ride home and for help around the house for the first few days after the operation
Gathering appropriate clothing for after the procedure, including button-down or zip-front shirts, as pullover shirts will be difficult to put on your healing shoulder
Ordering any medical equipment that your surgeon recommends, such as a shoulder immobilizer or ice therapy machine
Fasting after midnight the night before your procedure
Showering with a special antibacterial soap the night before your procedure to reduce the risk of infection

At your pre-operative appointment, be sure to ask your surgeons any questions you have on preparation, recovery, or the procedure itself.

How Is Shoulder Arthroscopy Performed?

Since shoulder arthroscopy is minimally invasive, it is typically performed as an outpatient procedure.
This means you can go home on the same day as the procedure. Dr. Sean Lager, a board-certified
orthopedic surgeon, performs shoulder arthroscopies at Interventional Spine & Surgery Group. The
process of shoulder arthroscopy typically takes one to two hours and goes as follows:

The anesthesiologist will use general anesthesia to put you asleep unless the doctor recommends a regional nerve block.
The surgeon will inject saline into the shoulder joint to expand it and provide sufficient room to work.
Once you’re sedated, the surgeon makes a small incision around the shoulder.
The surgeon inserts the arthroscope, a thin instrument with a camera and a light that provides a live video feed, into the incision.
Depending on the reason for the arthroscopy, the surgeon will either inspect the joint for diagnostic purposes or perform surgical repairs using the instruments and live video guidance.
If repairs are needed, the surgeon will make one to three more incisions to insert other specialized tools that help him work.
After the diagnosis or repairs are complete, the surgeon drains the saline and closes the incisions with stitches.
The surgeon will cover the incisions with a clean bandage.

Dr. Lager prefers to use minimally invasive methods like arthroscopy whenever suitable to reduce tissue
trauma, provide a lower risk of infection and complications, and promote a faster healing process.

What Should I Expect from Recovery After Shoulder Arthroscopy?

The recovery timeline for shoulder arthroscopy varies depending on the procedure you received and your overall health. However, it generally ranges from one to six months to return to daily activities, while full strength and mobility recovery can take six to 12 months. The surgeon will give you detailed post-op instructions that are imperative to follow to promote proper healing. They include:

Wearing a sling: For a week or more post-op, you’ll need to wear a sling or immobilizer at all times, including while sleeping. This helps allow the repaired tissue to heal and prevents re-injury.
Managing pain and swelling: Bruising and swelling are common after shoulder arthroscopy. You can take prescribed or over-the-counter medications and apply ice to help reduce the swelling and pain.
Caring for your wound: Make sure to keep your incisions clean and dry to prevent infection. Stitches are often removed around 10 to 14 days post-op.
Attending physical therapy: Physical therapy is a major part of recovery. You will attend sessions two to three times a week, where the therapist will gradually progress your exercises as you heal. This helps you improve your range of motion, rebuild strength, and prevent re-injury.

It’s essential to take your recovery instructions seriously and follow them as prescribed to help your joint heal.

What Follow-Up Care Is Needed After Shoulder Arthroscopy?

After shoulder arthroscopy surgery, many patients wonder when they’ll be able to return to working, driving, and other activities they enjoy. The timeline varies based on several factors, including the extent of the procedure, but most people can return to sedentary activities or desk jobs within a week if they aren’t taking heavy pain medications.

For driving, the patient must be off heavy pain medications and no longer wearing a sling to drive safely. Most patients can resume normal, non-strenuous activities by six weeks, while a return to sports or strenuous activities can take anywhere from four to six months up to a year.

Your surgeon and physical therapist will give you information about when you can return to different activities based on how your shoulder is healing. Be sure to attend your PT sessions and follow-up appointments, so your healing is supervised and you don’t attempt any activities before you’re ready.

Why Choose Interventional Spine & Surgery Group?

When you’re in pain or discomfort, fast access to patient-centered care is critical. At Interventional
Spine & Surgery Group, we prioritize prompt appointments and treatments to help our patients feel
better, faster. Our orthopedic surgeries are performed by Dr. Sean Lager, who has vast experience with
arthroscopic shoulder procedures and other minimally invasive procedures. Interventional Spine &
Surgery Group also offers several other benefits to our patients, including:

A multidisciplinary team that includes orthopedic surgeons, pain management specialists, chiropractors, physical therapists, and more
Nine conveniently located offices in central and northern New Jersey
Internal communication that allows for same-day or next-day care, even if a specific physician is unavailable
An end-to-end care model that removes the burden of coordination from patients
Experience with trauma, sports injuries, and complex cases

When you choose Interventional Spine & Surgery Group for your care, you’ll be in great hands. We can see you now, we care, and we’ll help you get better.

Find Expert Shoulder Care Near You in New Jersey

When you’re dealing with a shoulder injury and need shoulder arthroscopy, turn to Interventional Spine & Surgery Group for compassionate patient-centered care. With nine locations throughout Central and Northern New Jersey, we make finding care close to home easy. Contact us today to schedule an appointment near you in New Jersey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shoulder Arthroscopy

What conditions can be treated with shoulder arthroscopy?

Conditions that can be treated with shoulder arthroscopy include rotator cuff tears, shoulder instability, labral tears, frozen shoulder, and shoulder impingement.

How long does shoulder arthroscopy take?

Shoulder arthroscopy typically takes between one and two hours.

What are the risks of shoulder arthroscopy?

Shoulder arthroscopy is generally safe and effective, but there are still some risks. They include infection, stiffness, nerve or blood vessel damage, and the potential for a failed repair.

How soon can I return to work after shoulder arthroscopy?

It depends on your job. For sedentary or desk jobs, you can typically return within one to three weeks. For hard labor jobs, it can take anywhere from three to six months.

Will I need physical therapy after shoulder arthroscopy?

Yes, you’ll need physical therapy after shoulder arthroscopy to help rebuild strength, improve range of motion, and reduce the risk of re-injury.

How effective is shoulder arthroscopy for rotator cuff tears?

Shoulder arthroscopy is highly effective for rotator cuff tears, with success rates between 85% and 95% for pain relief and improved function.

How long does it take to recover from shoulder arthroscopy?

It varies depending on whether your arthroscopy was for diagnostic or treatment purposes. However, it typically ranges from one to six months for a return to daily activities, with the recovery of full strength and mobility requiring six to 12 months.

What happens if shoulder arthroscopy doesn’t work?

If a shoulder arthroscopy doesn’t provide effective symptom relief, doctors typically recommend trying non-surgical treatments like physical therapy or medication first. If they fail, a more complex revision surgery or a shoulder joint replacement may be necessary.