Shoulder impingement occurs when muscle, tendon and bursa are compressed between the acromion or the roof of the shoulder and the outer part of the humerus ball, called the greater tuberosity. The condition can be excruciating and can affect one's ability to perform everyday activities and exercises. Therefore, it is the most common shoulder complaint in my practice. Shoulder impingement can be treated by means of shoulder muscle rebalancing or in advanced longstanding cases with arthroscopic surgery, during which tiny surgical tools are inserted through small incisions in the shoulder. I will then remove damaged bone and soft tissue, along with parts of the acromion and bursal tissue in some cases.
Arthroscopy can also be performed in order to treat a rotator cuff tear, although the procedure will vary according to the nature of the tear. For example, a partial tear can be repaired with a debridement procedure where damaged tissue is trimmed. In the case of a full tear, the muscle is repaired back onto the bone with suture anchors.
I use a bendable surgical tool known as an arthroscope to look inside the shoulder joint and repair any damage in the area. Images of the surgical site are developed and produced on a monitor to see inside the area and operate where necessary without damaging any nearby tissue.
By operating through these tiny incisions, I can make the necessary repairs. Shoulder arthroscopic surgery has significant benefits, including much less pain and a much shorter hospital stay for those undergoing this procedure.
Biceps tendinitis, which refers to inflammation in the upper biceps tendon, can be treated with activity modification and physiotherapy and occasionally warrant surgical treatment. The surgery is performed arthroscopically, a minimally invasive technique that allows me to either tenotomise the tendon (sever it from its attachment) or perform a tenodesis where it is fixed back onto the bone.
The shoulder is a complex joint in the body that articulates in a range of motion and therefore requires great skill and technique to work on. Usually, patients require shoulder arthroscopy to remedy pain when non-surgical treatment does not relieve pain from shoulder impingement or an injury as a result of a fracture or bone disease (osteoporosis).
Frozen shoulder prevents you from turning your arm because of the pain, particularly in the evenings. While both conditions result in similar symptoms, shoulder impingement is due to an irritated rotator cuff, causing pain in a particular position.
Shoulder arthroscopy treats and repairs tissue lining the shoulder joint. Shoulder arthroscopy is also used to address:
Shoulder arthroscopy involves a much faster recovery than open surgery. Your recovery depends on your injury, but the time it takes to heal may last a few weeks or months.
Johannesburg Surgical Hospital, 219 Beyers Naude Drive,
Northcliff
Randburg
2195
