The shoulder is a flexible joint in your body that allows for upper body arm movement. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the shoulder is composed of three bones: the shoulder blade (scapula), the upper portion of your arm bone (humerus) and the collarbone (clavicle). Cartilage and muscles surround these bones, while tendons connect these bones to muscles. Occasionally, you can suffer trauma or develop muscle tears, shoulder instability or fractures. There are a few types of shoulder surgeries to address these problems.
Shoulder Arthroscopy
MedlinePlus indicates that shoulder arthroscopy is a surgical procedure in which your surgeon uses a small camera (arthroscope) to repair your shoulder tissues. He will make an incision in your skin and insert the tiny camera through this.
Shoulder arthroscopy is indicated when you suffer from a dislocated shoulder that cannot be placed via nonsurgical relocation methods. It is also indicated when you have a rotator cuff tear, shoulder impingement, a torn biceps tendon and clavicular (collar bone) arthritis. The risks for this surgery include breathing problems, an allergic reaction, bleeding and an infection. Shoulder arthroscopy can also lead to shoulder stiffness, shoulder weakness or blood vessel or nerve injury.
Open Surgery
The Mayo Clinic says that open surgery is a more complicated procedure in which your surgeon will make a 2.5- to 4-inch incision across your shoulder. He will retract (pull back your skin) so he can use surgical instruments to repair your shoulder injuries as described in the aforementioned section. Like arthroscopic surgery, risks for open shoulder surgery include infection, shoulder pain, tenderness and stiffness. You may also develop unusual bleeding or drainage and numbness or tingling (paresthesias) around the hand. Inform your doctor when you develop these complications as they may be indicative of an infection.
Shoulder Replacement Surgery
The National Library of Medicine says your surgeon can replace your joint if you suffer from severe degenerative shoulder disease that is unresponsive to medications and physical therapy. In this surgery, your surgeon will remove the upper part of your arm bone. A prosthesis (artificial bone) is then glued in its place. Risks for this surgery include skin scars, bleeding and infection. Your shoulder pain may be exacerbated, and the prosthesis may loosen. In some instances, you may develop a potentially fatal allergic reaction to the cement (glue) used to hold down the prosthesis.
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