Shoulder arthroscopy is a procedure Brent J. Morris, MD, uses to examine the inside of the shoulder joint and/or repair certain problems. As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Morris can perform this procedure effectively while minimizing your risks. To learn more about shoulder arthroscopy, contact Dr. Morris’ Lexington, KY, office.
Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure Dr. Morris can use to diagnose problems within your shoulder. In some cases, he may be able to treat certain issues arthroscopically as well.
During the procedure, Dr. Morris inserts a narrow tube into your shoulder through a small incision. Attached to the tube is a video camera he uses to look at the inside of your shoulder. If repairing problems during the procedure, Dr. Morris inserts thin instruments through the incision. In some cases, he may not decide to repair the problems in your shoulder joint arthroscopically until he has viewed them with the camera.
Dr. Morris often recommends shoulder arthroscopy when he needs to see the inside of your shoulder joint to confirm a specific diagnosis. He may also recommend this procedure to repair small defects or injuries that don’t require open surgery. Some of the issues he may diagnose and repair arthroscopically include:
Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure. Unlike open surgery, arthroscopy requires only a small incision. The recovery period is shorter, and the procedure tends to be less expensive. Shoulder arthroscopy also provides more information about the state of your shoulder joint than a less invasive diagnostic procedure, such as an MRI.
Shoulder arthroscopy carries a small risk of infection, bleeding, and bad reactions to anesthesia, but this procedure is generally less risky than an open surgery. In addition, Dr. Morris is an experienced surgeon, and he has a track record of successful arthroscopic procedures.
Shoulder arthroscopy isn’t appropriate for every patient. To determine whether this procedure is right for you, Dr. Morris performs a thorough exam, orders scans, and discusses treatment goals with you in detail.
Before scheduling the procedure, he explains the risks and benefits. He also presents any other options available so you can make an informed decision. In some cases, Dr. Morris may need to convert to an open procedure if arthroscopic repair isn’t possible.
