Arthroscopic surgery is a procedure that may be recommended to treat arthritis, rotator cuff tears, cartilage tears or other structural problems in the shoulder. During arthroscopic surgery, the surgeon makes two or more small incisions. According to MayoClinic.com, a surgeon inserts a narrow tube containing a fiber-optic video camera through one incision. This helps him to see inside the joint. Surgical instruments are inserted into the other incisions. Although complications occur in less than one percent of cases, states the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), there are risks that may lead to serious complications.
Shoulder Tissue Damage
According to MayoClinic.com, the insertion of the camera and surgical instruments into the joint can cause further damage to the shoulder. Specifically, nerves and blood vessels are at the highest risk of being damaged. This can result in excessive bleeding within the shoulder joint, impairments in motor function of the shoulder or arm, or a loss of sensation in the shoulder or the arm. A patient should immediately let his surgeon know if he begins to experience any of these signs of tissue damage.
Infection
The AAOS further states that the shoulder may become infected after arthroscopic surgery. This occurs because bacteria on the skin, surgical instruments or surgical staff may be introduced into one of the small incisions. Bacteria can then spread to the skin, shoulder joint or the rest of the body. Early recognition of an infection and early treatment can reduce the spread. Redness, excessive pain, swelling or drainage are signs of an infection. Fever, chills and night sweats are associated with an infection that has spread to the rest of the body. Therefore, a patient should seek immediate medical treatment if he is experiencing any of these signs after having shoulder surgery.
Blood Clots
Blood clots are a risk of any surgery, including shoulder arthroscopy, states MayoClinic.com. Any procedure that lasts more than an hour can increase the risk of blood clots developing in the legs. A patient should immediately alert his surgeon if he begins to experience pain, swelling or redness in one or both legs after surgery. Prompt recognition is important, because a blood clot in the leg can spread to the lungs and cause difficulty breathing, or in more severe cases, death. A patient should always let his doctor know if he has a history of developing blood clots.
Member Comments