Arthroscopic shoulder surgery complications may arise sometimes but they are not very common. Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is basically the surgical method done to
repair damage in shoulder joints. In this method of surgery, a small fibre-optic scope is inserted into the joint through a small opening. This scope contains a video camera.
Another tiny opening is made adjacent to the earlier opening and slender instruments are slowly inserted into it. Through the video monitor, the surgeon watches and is guided through the repair work. This is typically a painless surgery and is generally done in out-patient setting because it does not take much time.
Arthroscopic surgery reduces the chances of scarring and the recovery time is very short. Unlike the open shoulder surgery, the arthroscopic surgery involves the exact area which require repair. However, during the open shoulder surgery connecting and the joint muscle tissue are often subjected to trauma and it becomes very painful and takes long time to heal.
Today arthroscopic surgery is performed for a wide range of diseases and injuries. It is frequently used for repairing dislocated shoulder and various other conditions resulting in the joint instability. Nevertheless, just as any other surgeries there are chances of Arthroscopic shoulder surgery complications. These complications may be seen in the following ways.
Common Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery Complications
Pain and Stiffness:
Although the incisions made by this surgery is small and does not disturb the muscles yet some people may experience pain and stiffness after this kind of shoulder surgery. In order to avoid such Arthroscopic shoulder surgery complications people should follow prescribed routine of strengthening and stretching exercise. This will offer relief and long-term results.
Damaged Blood Vessels or Nerves:
Arthroscopy uses a very small instrument and so patient suffering from blood vessel damage or nerve damage after surgery is very low. However, some may experience nerve damage signs such as tingling in the fingers or hands as well as prolonged or excessive bleeding.
Glenohumeral Chondrolysis:
This is one of the arthroscopic shoulder surgery complications where there is a disintegration of the cartilage around the particular shoulder joint. It has been noted that the frequency of this complication has increased since the arrival of shoulder arthroscopy. However, experts have been trying to find out the reason for this condition and soon you will get the answer.
Sometimes the surgeon may realize that the problem cannot be cured through arthroscopic surgery but will require traditional open surgery. This will lead to more complications. Further, the surgery is unique with each patient and their capacity to bear the pain during the surgery although it feels the least pain most of the time.
How To Avoid Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery Complications
Therefore, arthroscopy complications vary according to persons but the common problems include infection, accidental damage within the joint, unsuccessful surgery, reaction to anaesthesia etc. There are also factors that might add to the complications further such as; chronic or recent illness, alcohol or smoking, previous shoulder surgery and many others. Hence, to avoid arthroscopic shoulder surgery complications always inform complete details to the surgeon and follow the advice given.