Shoulder Arthroscopy
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Ashford Orthopedic Specialists
Orthopedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine Specialist located in Athens, GA also serving Oconee County and Clarke County
Prolonged or severe shoulder pain can indicate a shoulder injury or a degenerative condition affecting the joint. If you have shoulder pain, William Ashford, MD, at Ashford Orthopedic Specialists in Athens and Loganville, Georgia, prioritizes your diagnosis, treatment, and recovery with shoulder arthroscopy, a type of minimally invasive surgery. From your first visit onward, you’ll have direct access to Dr. Ashford. To schedule a shoulder arthroscopy consultation, call the office or book an appointment online today.
Shoulder Arthroscopy Q & A
What is shoulder arthroscopy?
Shoulder arthroscopy is one of several minimally invasive orthopedic surgeries available at Ashford Orthopedic Specialists. Like other forms of arthroscopy, shoulder arthroscopy is both a technique to diagnose issues and repair damages within the joint.
Unlike more invasive types of shoulder surgery, shoulder arthroscopy requires no large incisions. Instead, Dr. Ashford makes several small poke holes and inserts a slim camera called an arthroscope through one of them. The camera projects a real-time image of the inside of your shoulder on a nearby monitor.
If the purpose of your shoulder arthroscopy is to make repairs, Dr. Ashford inserts small tools through the other holes. He uses the monitor screen for guidance as he makes the necessary repairs. Because of the smaller holes, recovery is typically shorter and less painful after shoulder arthroscopy than after other forms of shoulder surgery.
What can shoulder arthroscopy diagnose and treat?
Dr. Ashford frequently uses shoulder arthroscopy to diagnose and treat numerous shoulder injuries and conditions affecting the structures within the shoulder. If you come to Ashford Orthopedic Specialists experiencing shoulder pain, it may be due to one of the following issues:
- Arthritis
- Rotator cuff tears
- Shoulder instability
- Shoulder labral tears
- Shoulder dislocation
- Loose cartilage
- Rotator cuff calcium deposits
- Bone fractures
A few reparative surgeries available as arthroscopic surgery include rotator cuff repairs, shoulder instability surgery, and shoulder labral tear surgery. Dr. Ashford explains your injury and the surgical repairs or treatments necessary.
How should I prepare for shoulder arthroscopy?
Before you undergo shoulder arthroscopy for either diagnosis or treatment, you must attend a planning appointment with Dr. Ashford. He might perform X-rays, blood tests, and other tests to ensure you don’t have any other conditions that could complicate your surgery. This appointment also includes a discussion of your options for anesthesia.
In the days or weeks leading up to the surgery, Dr. Ashford might advise you to:
- Stop taking certain medications
- Adjust your dosage of certain medications
- Avoid eating and drinking after midnight before your surgery
- Arrange for transportation immediately after surgery
You can ask Dr. Ashford relevant questions about the preparation, recovery, and surgery while planning your procedure. He makes sure you know what to expect so you can make necessary arrangements at home and work before you come in for your shoulder arthroscopy.
If you experience shoulder pain and want to book a consultation for shoulder arthroscopy, call Ashford Orthopedic Specialists or schedule an appointment online today.
We offer services such as shoulder replacement, shoulder surgery, and shoulder arthroscopy. Call us to book your appointment today.
