OR arthroscopy shoulder is one of the most up -to -date and effective methods in dealing with a variety of diseases of the joint shoulder. It is used for the diagnosis and treatment of situations such as cracking of the rotation and shoulder volatility, and is advantageous over traditional surgical techniques due to its minimally invasive nature.
“Post -intervention recovery involves gradual reintegration into daily and sports activities, with swimming being a common question of patients because of its beneficial effect and shoulder requirements,” says Ioannis Feroussis Orthopedic Director at Metropolitan Hospital and From shoulder arthroscopy, taking into account the type of surgery, rehabilitation protocol and the individual needs of each patient.
The shoulder, as it is a complex joint that moves on multiple levels, more than any other joint in the body, is also particularly prone to injuries.
Consists of three bonesthe shoulder blade, the arm and the claw. On the shoulder side, the shoulder joint has a hollow articular surface called shoulder, while on the side of the arm bone a spherical surface called head. The articular cartilage covers both the head of the arm bone and the shoulder, while the muscles adhere to the bones with strong thicks of connective tissue, called tendons. The rotary shoulder petal, which plays the role of stabilizer in the joint and is responsible for its rotational movements, consists of four muscles with the corresponding tendons: hyperracanthus, hypacanthus, sub -plate and minor round. Finally, the nozzle is a protrusion of the shoulder blade that is articulated with the key.
How is the shoulder arthroscopy technique applied
Arthroscopy comes to give the most up -to -date response to shoulder problems, with a minimally interventional surgical method. This is a huge progress in medical surgery, as in the past, the only therapeutic choice was open surgery with all the consequent ones it could cause, such as injuries, acute pain, long -term patient hospitalization and shoulder immobilization for a long time.
In the surgery, the surgeon begins with the sponsorship of general or local anesthesia to the patient, before inserting a special tool, the arthroscope, in his body through small holes, about 3-5 mm, which has a tiny camera with strong lighting and is connected to a special high-resolution screen, with a special high-resolution display.
The advantages it offers to the surgeon
- It allows it to carefully examine the interior of the joint and to diagnose with great precision any damage, even the very small ones that occur in even the most inaccessible points.
- To repair complex intra -articular and periartic lesions, such as rehabilitation of tendons that have suffered and resolved adhesions, with the help of specially designed tools.
The advantages for the patient
- The procedure usually lasts at most an hour, with light anesthesia, depending on the patient’s history, and allows him to even return home on the same day.
- It offers milder, faster and safer resuscitation without many side effects.
- The risk of complications is minimal.
- As the incisions are very small, the injury to the skin and other healthy adjacent tissues are minimal, and a better aesthetic effect is achieved.
- Postoperative pain is very reduced, with limited use of painkillers and anti -inflammatory drugs.
To which diseases is it addressed
Arthroscopy is applied to rotational petal diseases, in cases where non -surgical treatments fail to relieve symptoms, such as persistent pain and inability to move the limb. On the other hand, arthroscopy for shoulder instability, which often results in injuries, is considered necessary when the shoulder joint relaxes and is repeatedly dislodged.
Features, applied to the following diseases:
- The rupture (partial, complete, massive) of the rotational pedal and the shoulder tendon
- The subcoder syndrome
- The limestone tendonitis
- The adhesive folliculitis
- The rupture of the shoulder cartilage of shoulder
- Osteoarthritis and rupture of intra -articular meniscus
- The pressure of the superlative nerve
- Some intra -articular fractures
- The injuries of the articular cartilage
- The existence of foreign bodies intra -articular
The process of restoring
Recovery from shoulder arthroscopy varies significantly depending on the complexity of the process and the condition facing each patient. In general, stitches are usually removed after 8-10 days and patients wear a suspension for 1-2 weeks after surgery, while starting physiotherapy, at first with mild passive exercises to recover movement, followed by active exercises and finally training training.
From the very first days, the patient can return, without pain, to his occupations, such as driving. But even in cases where the restoration is slower, it is achieved with less restrictions than those required by the older techniques. And long -term results are very satisfying for patients, without pain and with full return to daily and sports activities.
In the early stages of recovery, it is important to avoid activities that unjustifiably burden the shoulder, including swimming. Because although simple swimming is a low shoulder -burden exercise, intense water sports should be avoided for the first time and at least until the healing of small skin incisions.
How is the return to the pool or the sea?
For recreational swimmers, they may be able to return to light swimming at 3 weeks after surgery, but it is important to start slowly and avoid abrupt movements.
Simple swimming is preferred for the first time after surgery and can help recover the range of motion. For racing swimmers And those who do intensive swimming training may require a longer period, probably up to 4-6 months after surgery. This gives sufficient shoulder time to completely heal and regain the necessary power. It is also important to gradually return the volume and intensity of training, focusing on the technique and shoulder -friendly exercises to minimize the risk of new injury.
“In addition to the general guidelines, the actual timetable may vary depending on the patient. Factors affecting recovery include the type of surgery performed, patient’s health, age, shoulder damage before surgery and adherence to postoperative rehabilitation.
That is why, in any case, communication with your surgeon is vital during rehabilitation, as it can provide you with personalized tips based on your progress and any symptoms you are experiencing. Pain or discomfort during or after swimming may indicate that you are pressing your shoulder too loudly or very short and adjustments may be required on your recovery plan.
In addition, keep in mind that even after a successful recovery, it is important to continue with shoulder strengthening exercises and maintain good swimming technique to protect your shoulder from future problems, as well as check regularly.
Remember that swimming is a sport that is largely based on the power and flexibility of the shoulders and your return to the water should be carefully and safely. Listen to your body, follow the advice of your surgeon and you will come back immediately, ”concludes Mr. Ferousis.