Shoulder arthroscopy uses advanced technology to enable your surgeon to see the inside of your shoulder joint. James Cash, MD, of Premier Orthopedic Specialists of Tulsa, is an experienced, fellowship-trained surgeon who specializes in using minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques, including shoulder arthroscopy. To find out how he can help relieve your shoulder pain using arthroscopy, call the office in Tulsa, Oklahoma, or book an appointment online today.
Minimally invasive shoulder arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that Dr. Cash uses to get a detailed view of the inside of the joint.
An arthroscope is a slim, flexible instrument about the same diameter as a pencil. Dr. Cash inserts the instrument through an incision in your shoulder about one-quarter of an inch wide.
A lighted camera on the end of the arthroscope sends back magnified images of the shoulder joint’s interior to a screen in the operating room.
Dr. Cash examines the joint in detail and can carry out certain repairs using these images to guide him. Shoulder arthroscopy is a far less invasive approach than open surgery, causing considerably less tissue damage and pain and promoting a faster recovery.
Dr. Cash uses arthroscopy as both a diagnostic and treatment tool. He can assess the cause and extent of many problems that might affect your shoulder joint, such as:
In addition to assessing the joint, Dr. Cash carries out many kinds of repairs using shoulder arthroscopy. He can remove loose fragments of bone or cartilage, trim or extract damaged tissues, and repair torn cartilage and tendons.
Your shoulder arthroscopy procedure might take place under a general anesthetic or a local anesthetic and sedation, depending on which is best for you. Dr. Cash creates a small opening for the arthroscope, moving the instrument around the joint to see the structures in detail.
After completing his investigations, he makes any repairs by creating further small incisions called portals, into which he puts the arthroscopic instruments. Dr. Cash repairs the tissues and removes any loose fragments, using the images on his screen to guide him.
When the repairs are complete, he removes the instruments and sutures the wounds.
You go to the recovery area while your anesthetic or sedation wears off. When you’re awake, Dr. Cash visits to tell you what he found and did during your shoulder arthroscopy. Normally, patients go home the same day as their surgery.
If you have a painful or disabling shoulder problem, Dr. Cash is a highly skilled, experienced surgeon who specializes in using minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques to diagnose and treat your condition.
To arrange a consultation with Dr. Cash, call Premier Orthopedic Specialists of Tulsa today or book an appointment online.
