Latest Techniques in Shoulder Arthroscopy – Restoration Orthopaedics

June 28, 2018 New Jersey –

Shoulder Arthroscopy:

– Shoulder arthroscopy is minimally invasive shoulder surgery where small incisions are used to perform a number of functions. Typically, a small camera is inserted through one of these incisions. Other small incisions are made through which instruments such as shavers or probes or anchors can be placed. The instruments can be used to repair a torn tendon such as in a rotator cuff repair, to repair the labrum of the shoulder which can be torn after a shoulder dislocation, or to treat different bicep tendon injuries or other injured structures in the shoulder.

Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: Anchors Are Placed Into Bone, Sutures From Anchor And Are Used To Repair The Hole Or “Tear” In The Tendon

Shoulder Arthroscopy: Rotator Cuff Repair

Latest Indications for Shoulder Arthroscopy:

As arthroscopic techniques have advanced, we have been able to do more procedures using arthroscopy:

  • Shoulder arthroscopy can now be performed for revision shoulder surgery (such as revision rotator cuff repairs) using grafts. For massive rotator cuff tears, a new technique known as “superior capsular reconstruction” can be used to arthroscopically treat previously untreatable rotator cuff tears. With the superior capsular reconstruction, a soft tissue graft can be used to stabilize the ball and socket joint and restore strength and range of motion in some cases. Other cases may require an open shoulder surgery in the form of a reverse shoulder replacement to “replace the rotator cuff tear”. Their are many different options for the treatment of rotator cuff tears and these should all be discussed with your surgeon prior to undergoing a procedure.

Arthroscopic Superior Capsular Reconstruction

  • Shoulder arthroscopy can now be used to perform “biceps tenodesis“. The tendon of the long head of the biceps typically attaches to the superior aspect of the labrum, a sleeve of tissue that attaches to the glenoid, or socket of the shoulder. This attachment is the weakest point of the labrum and can be torn causing pain and inflammation along the labrum and the bicep tendon. In certain cases, the treatment can be to remove this tendon from the damaged insertion and re-insert it  in a different position, outside the shoulder. Whereas this was most frequently performed with an open incision in the front of the arm, this can now be performed through a smaller incision using arthroscopic techniques. There are advantages and disadvantages to the different biceps tenodesis techniques which should be discussed with your surgeon.
  • Similarly, shoulder arthroscopy can now be used to perform complex repairs after severe shoulder dislocations.

A Patient’s Experience – Arthroscopic Treatment For Shoulder Dislocation After Motorcycle Accident:

It’s not uncommon to tear a SMALL PORTION of the labrum OR rotator cuff after a shoulder dislocation.

When Matt was thrown from his motorcycle, the high energy injury resulted in a shoulder dislocation that tore his rotator cuff, ENTIRE labrum, biceps tendon AND fractured his proximal humerus. In addition, the accident caused a brachial plexus injury which made his arm numb and weak.

With his unique injury combination, he sought specialized care from the team at Restoration Orthopaedics. With Matt’s hard work and Restoration Orthopaedics’ care, he was able to get back to riding and back to being pain-free.

ABOUT Dr. Jesse Allert:

Dr. Jesse Allert joined Restoration Orthopaedics in 2016 with a speciality in the latest techniques in open and arthroscopic shoulder surgery. One of the few orthopedic surgeons in the area to have completed an extra year dedicated solely to shoulder and elbow surgery, he has quickly established himself as one of the go-to surgeons for shoulder arthroscopy and shoulder replacements.

Have Shoulder Pain? To inquire about having your shoulder pain evaluated by Dr. Allert, click here.

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