Defining shoulder arthroscopy

Many medical terms derive from the Greek language. A great example of this is the word ‘arthroscopy’. When you break this word down, you will see that the first half of the word, “arthro”, means ‘joint ‘, and the second half of the word “skopein” means ‘to look’. When we pair these two words together, we get a word that literally means ‘to look within the joint’. This is what exactly the process of an arthroscopy involves. 

So, if someone requires a ‘shoulder arthroscopy’, this basically means that the surgeon will be looking into the shoulder joint. This process is done by inserting a small camera, which is formally called an ‘arthroscope’, into your shoulder joint. The camera will display a video image of the internal of your shoulder joint onto a video monitor. These video images are then used to help your surgeon guide the surgical instruments used in the procedure.

Shoulder arthroscopies are commonly used for shoulder replacement procedures. Melbourne has many surgeons that are very competent and comfortable with performing these sorts of surgeries. 

Surgery is often performed as a last resort. Prior to opting for surgery, it is suggested that you speak with your doctor to review all possible avenues for recovery. Other avenues may include topical creams, medicines, stretches, and rehabilitation therapy. Your doctor will be able to best advise what path you should take. If you do opt for surgery, it is important to keep in mind that it can take many months for the shoulder to heal after the surgery. Regaining full strength and motion, however, can take up to twelve months.

After the surgery, there will be a bit of pain associated with the replacement but many patients do describe the pain to be quite manageable provided they do not overexert themselves with too much movement.