The Entrapment Syndrome in the shoulder, Traumatology experts explain, is produced by the compression of the shoulder tendons against the acromion, a bony prominence of the shoulder. Some of the causes are local osteoarthritis, tendon inflammation or repeated overexertion.
The patient usually suffers pain when elevating and/or rotating the shoulder (combing hair, fastening a bra, putting on a jacket, lifting a weight), and also at night, which prevents the patient from sleeping and aggravates the symptoms.
What is shoulder arthroscopy?
Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive technique by which, through two 0.5 cm holes, a camera is introduced to locate the affected area and a drill that destroys the inflammation and fibrosis that causes pain. In this way, the bony part that causes the tendon compression is removed.
Shoulder arthroscopy can be performed on an outpatient basis and usually lasts between 30 and 60 minutes.
This simple technique not only relieves pain but also prevents the shoulder tendons from chronic inflammation that could lead to rupture.
Treatment of shoulder arthroscopy
After a good diagnosis has been made, the initial treatment for shoulder arthroscopy consists of local cold and anti-inflammatory measures, as well as physiotherapy. In cases where the pain does not subside, the treatment of choice is decompression by shoulder arthroscopy.
Postoperative period after shoulder arthroscopy
The postoperative period after shoulder arthroscopy is simple: a simple sling. In addition, immediate rehabilitation with simple exercises is recommended to avoid stiffness. During the time it lasts, you have to avoid exertion.
3-4 days after the operation: patients may notice improvement of their discomfort, mainly night pain.
After a period of 2 weeks: a physiotherapy program aimed at gaining strength will be started.
After 4-6 weeks: the patient may be able to return to his or her previous work/sporting life.
Advantages of shoulder arthroscopy
- Avoid pain.
- Restore normal mobility of the shoulder joint through minimal incisions.
- Shorten the convalescence period with respect to other traditional techniques.
On the other hand, the risks that exist in shoulder arthroscopy are the same anesthetics that exist in any other operation. However, the risk of bleeding and infection is much lower.