Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is a procedure in which a small camera-mounted surgical instrument, called an arthroscope, is inserted into the shoulder to view and repair shoulder tissue damage. This technique is commonly used to repair rotator cuff injuries or shoulder instability. Patients should discuss the potential complications from arthroscopic shoulder surgery with a medical professional before undergoing this procedure.
Shoulder Stiffness, Swelling or Pain
Arthroscopic shoulder surgery can cause shoulder stiffness as a complication of this procedure, University of Washington School of Medicine health professionals report. Scar tissue can develop around the surgical site, which can interfere with a patient's ability to move the shoulder joint normally. Though mild swelling or pain following arthroscopic shoulder surgery is normal, severe or worsening symptoms can arise as complications of this procedure. Typically, patients require extensive physical therapy after having arthroscopic shoulder surgery to limit the development of these complications.
Shoulder Weakness
Certain patients can develop shoulder weakness as a complication from arthroscopic shoulder surgery, MedlinePlus medical experts explain. Weakness of the treated shoulder can limit a patient's ability to lift the arm or pick up certain items. Shoulder weakness complications following arthroscopic surgery can progressively subside with physical therapy.
Nerve Damage
During arthroscopic shoulder surgery, a surgeon can inadvertently damage nerves that surround the surgical site. Nerve damage complications can cause patients to develop unusual sensations of tingling or numbness that radiate down the arm into the hand, according to medical professionals with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Though these sensations can be uncomfortable, they typically subside as a patient begins to heal. If a nerve is completely severed during surgery, numbness or tingling sensations may be permanent.
Infection or Bleeding
All types of surgery, including arthroscopic shoulder surgery, increase a person's risk of developing infection or bleeding complications. Patients who experience fever, increasing shoulder pain or swelling, redness or drainage from the surgical incision site, or unusual or excessive bleeding, following arthroscopic shoulder surgery should seek medical care immediately.
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