Actually, by means of arthroscopic shoulder surgery most of the shoulder pathologies and injuries can be treated. We analyze them one by one:
- Acromioclavicular joint pathology.
It occurs in degenerative processes (acromioclavicular osteoarthritis) where different types of distal clavicle resections are performed (Mumford procedure). Also in rheumatic pathology. Synovectomies, taking biopsies of the synovium, etc. And in cases of traumatic pathology, such as acromioclavicular dislocations, glenoid fractures, etc.
- Pathology of the subacromial space
The subacromial space is a structure below the acromion, being the most frequent pathologies subacromial impingement and bursitis that usually require acromioplasty and bursectomy.
- Rotator cuff pathology (RM)
The rotator cuff is a structure composed of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis and teres minor muscles. Its functions are to rotate the humerus with respect to the scapula both externally and internally and to provide stability to the shoulder joint.
The most frequent pathologies affecting the rotator cuff are: partial, complete or massive tears, degenerative tendinopathies and overuse (work or sports) and calcifying tendinitis.
Arthroscopic treatments are mainly indicated for the repair of ruptures of the RM, depending on the type of rupture we must perform different arthroscopic suturing techniques, usually we use anchors with sutures that can be metallic or biodegradable, these anchors are introduced into the bone, in the area where we must suture the ruptured tendon and with the threads that carry the anchor we give arthroscopic stitches with specific arthroscopic instruments for this type of surgery.
Recurrent shoulder instabilities
The shoulder is the joint with the greatest range of mobility of the whole body, subjected to high functional demands especially in certain sports and work activities. These risk groups are the most susceptible to suffer different types of shoulder instabilities such as frank dislocations, secondary microinstability or repetitive microtrauma and overexertion.
For the treatment of shoulder instabilities it is essential to bear in mind a series of fundamental facts for the success of arthroscopic surgery such as: the type of instability presented by the patient, the injuries associated with the instability, the risk factors that favor recurrence, the correct technique for each type of instability and injury, and finally the correct post-surgical management.
Pathology of the long portion of the biceps
The pathology of the long portion of the biceps mainly affects two population groups: young people and athletes. These suffer mainly SLAP injuries or degenerative tendon injuries that affect mainly the older population.
SLAP injuries in athletes have been diagnosed since the introduction of shoulder arthroscopy, and allow their repair with different techniques depending on the type of SLAP injury suffered by the patient, facilitating their sporting reincorporation at the same level they had before the injury.
A solution for athletes
Today shoulder arthroscopy is the “gold standard” in the treatment of the shoulder of the athlete, because it allows us to perform dynamic and functional assessments and diagnose injuries that would be very difficult with other surgical techniques, such as partial rotator cuff tears, SLAP injuries, labral injuries, microinstabilities due to overuse in throwing and swimming sports, among others. And in this way, in the same surgical act we can perform the surgical reparative technique that is required for each injury.
On the other hand, the fact that it is a minimally invasive surgery, favors more comfortable postoperative and more aggressive rehabilitation protocols, which in athletes brings us shortening recovery time. This fact is very important in the world of sports, incorporations as quickly as possible, with the least number of sequelae and at the same level as before the injury.