The shoulder surgery types mainly depend on the location and severity of the shoulder injury. Surgery is opted only when medication and other therapies fail to treat the injury…
The shoulder is a joint which connects the hand to the rest of the body. This flexible joint is formed of three bones, the clavicle, the humerus and the scapula. These bones are joined together with the help of muscles, also known as the rotator cuff muscles, and tendons. There are also several ligaments that assist in the free movement and flexing of the shoulder. Sometimes a faulty movement or a strain on the shoulder muscles can result in pain, which may go away after some time. But in some cases, the injury may be so severe that it can lead to dislocation in the shoulder joint, which may require surgery to correct it.
There are several shoulder surgery types that depend on the severity of the injury and address the problem. After undergoing surgical procedure on the shoulder, the doctor may suggest some shoulder exercises (under the guidance of a physiotherapist) for a quick recovery and restoration of the function of the shoulder. Here are a few types of shoulder surgery that are used by doctors worldwide to provide relief to any kind of shoulder injury.
Types of Shoulder Surgery
Shoulder injuries are quite common, among sportspersons. Though these injuries can be corrected with proper rest, medication and physical therapy, intense injuries may require surgery. With the advancement in medicine, medical experts have developed different methods of surgery, to treat and ease the pain caused due to various shoulder injuries.
Given below are some of the types of shoulder surgery.
Shoulder Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a popular surgical procedure which involves the use of an arthroscope, or a small camera which is used for dislocated shoulder surgery. In the procedure, the doctor makes small incision in the skin around the region of injury and inserts the camera through it. This type of surgery is also effective for correcting torn tendons, a tear in the rotator cuff muscle or shoulder impingement.
Bankart Surgery
Also known as the Broca-Perthes-Bankart procedure, this surgery mainly aims to treat a Bankart lesion or torn shoulder ligaments due to trauma and pinched nerve in the shoulder. This open surgery involves attaching the torn ligaments back in the glenoid cavity and fixing the dislocated shoulder. Bankart surgery also restores the movement of the shoulder. Sportsmen and individuals who suffer from recurrent shoulder dislocation are mostly treated by this procedure.
Shoulder Replacement Surgery
The individual may have to undergo shoulder replacement surgery if his shoulder joint is completely damaged. This procedure, which is also known as total shoulder arthroplasty, is used as a treatment method for stiff joints, that trigger severe pain even with slight flexing of the shoulder. In this surgery, the complete humeral head and glenoid, or the ball and socket joint, is replaced. This procedure is carried out under general anesthesia and is effective for treating individuals who suffer from chronic arthritis.
Rotator Cuff Surgery
Sometimes due to excess strain on the rotator cuff or shoulder muscle, the tendons get pinched causing torn cartilage in shoulder and severe pain. This can restrict the movement of the shoulder. The surgery is performed through an incision in the shoulder region to reach the damaged rotator cuff muscle. After removing the scar tissue in the tendons, the surgeon attaches the ligaments to the shoulder bone. The rotator cuff surgery recovery period takes a longer time to heal than the other procedures, since the blood circulation is slower in the tendons.
The shoulder surgery recovery time depends on various factors like the age of the individual, the previous medical history and the severity of the injury. The individual may be told to wear an arm sling, till recovery, to minimize movement. The approximate recovery period may be from a couple of weeks to a month. Intensive physiotherapy may be recommended by the physician for the complete recovery. Improper post-operative care can lead to some unwanted complications. In case you experience pain and discomfort at the site of surgery, consult your doctor, without further delay. Take care!
