The scapula consists of a tendon and a ball joint. Basically, the shoulder, shoulder, and neck also play an intricate role in the overall shoulder complex. The ball at the top of the arm is inserted into the nerve of the shoulder and forms the shoulder joint, which is later surrounded by a limb of soft tissue. Cartilage at the head of the arm bone and a thin line of joint allows smooth movement of the shoulder. The collarbone of the scapula is joined by the AC joint. The other end is attached to the throat bone or sternum. The fibers surround the shoulder joint and allow a range of motion to provide more stability. A rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that connect the upper arm to the shoulder blade. The rotator cuff surrounds the joints and tissues around the joint. Muscles known as the rotator cuff allow you to lift, reach, throw, etc. The bursa or sac is a membrane between the rotator cuff and the shoulder pads and helps lubricate the two structures.
There are two types of surgical procedures that a doctor may suggest for shoulder problems, both depending on the type of surgery. However, the most common procedure performed on the shoulder is “Arthroscopy”, which allows the orthopedic surgeon to insert a machine with a small lens and light into small incisions to look inside the joint. The pictures are then shown to a monitor which allows the doctor to make a diagnosis. Other tools can then be inserted to make the necessary repairs, based on the problem. Arthroscopy is mostly an outpatient procedure and can be returned on the same day as surgery. Here is some additional information about arthroscopic care shoulder surgery.
1. Incision Care – The incisions are small, so they typically do not require stitches. Impositions are usually light and kept for a short time. They should be kept clean and dry. Something may happen on the first day and that’s fine, but call your doctor if you have anything. It is usually small and stops within a short time.
2 Shoulder mobility or lack of mobility – The movement allowed following surgery depends on the procedure being performed, and your doctor will teach you what you will or will not be able to do after surgery. Typically following rotator cuff surgery, movement of the shoulder will not be allowed for a period of time. The shoulder will be in some type of immobilization device following surgery to prevent this.
3. Ice – Some doctors will typically recommend ice to the shoulder to use pain and swelling. Excess swelling makes the pain worse and sometimes increases scarring, which causes stiffness in the shoulder joint. You will probably be instructed to apply ice about 3 times a day. Do not apply ice directly to the skin. You can use a wet towel over the skin with ice in a plastic bag directly over the towel, plus now they have ice bags that are covered in material.
4. Medication- Your doctor will prescribe something for the pain and typically this medication will be in pill form. If you stay in the hospital overnight, you will be given pain medication by infusion or through a pump in which you will take a controlled dose when needed, to the impact of the ball. Sometimes your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to ward off infection and help speed recovery.
5. Avoid cigarettes- Your doctor will also urge you not to smoke if your smoking interferes with this condition. healing) process.
Before leaving the hospital visit after surgery visit within one to two weeks to confirm your wounds are healing properly. Another visit will most likely be 4 weeks after that to show the progress of the treatment. Follow-up visits after this will be approximately three to six months in order for the doctor to check on your progress and take follow-up x-rays during the general healing process.
Complications following arthroscopy are almost unheard of, although contact your doctor if any of these problems arise.
More than one day, the cut after surgery or a foul smell from the wound.
The wound is red or swollen, or the extremity is large, especially if there are any striae.
Pain is not controlled with medicine doctor.
Your temperature rises to above 100 degrees, or if you see extreme heat on one side of the arm with swelling.
Any nausea or vomiting that occurs because the medication is prescribed. You can contact your doctor just in case you have a reaction.
After the surgery, the doctor will give you a list of instructions to follow and also instruct you to start a course of physical therapyphysical blood vessels. However, your doctor will advise you closely to minimize any problems that may arise. After surgery, it is common to have some pain and stiffness, however report any problems you have to your doctor immediately and have your doctor be there to answer any questions you may have before and after your surgery.
References to this article: Web MD and Orthopedics.about.com
