Shoulder Surgery – what’s involved?
The shoulder is one of the most used joints in the body, and is highly susceptible to injuries through sports and/or wear and tear. Subsequently, some people will need to undergo shoulder surgery during their lifetime.
One of the most common operations performed by Dr Gavin Nimon is arthroscopic shoulder surgery, often in the form of reconstructions.
Shoulder Reconstruction can include surgery that can be as minor as decompressing or debriding (cleaning out) the shoulder region so that tendons that are inflamed by spurs of bone are given more space.
It can also refer to repair of the tendons or ligaments around the shoulder (most commonly repair of the rotator cuff tendons or repair of the gleno-humeral ligaments) to provide motion or stabilise the shoulder, respectively. A labral or Bankart reconstruction is done for shoulder stability or dislocated shoulders.
What do we mean when we talk about “arthroscopic procedures?
An arthroscopic procedure involves the use of a tiny camera to thoroughly investigate the joint and tendons. The surgery, commonly referred to as keyhole surgery, is then undertaken to inspect the joint from the inside and repair any damaged tissue in a totally arthroscopic method, which leaves minimal scarring at the incision.
Procedures and recovery involving the Rotator Cuff
Complete ruptures of the rotator cuff usually require surgery which involves stitching the torn tendon back onto the humerus – the arm bone located between the elbow and the shoulder, using state-of-the-art suture techniques in a double row fashion. During the procedure, any subacromial spurs, arthritic Acromial Clavicular joints (ac joints) or extra bone formations can also be cleaned out (debrided).
Depending on the procedure, the patient may require a sling for a period between four to six weeks. The patient will normally not require a sling and is encouraged to move immediately if a debridement procedure has been performed where no tendon repairs were required.
Shoulder Replacements resulting from sporting injuries or significant arthritis
Open surgery for instability of the shoulder involves a bone transfer, known as a Laterjet procedure, and is used more commonly in injuries sustained from high impact sports such as Australian Rules football.
A total shoulder replacement is undertaken in the case of significant arthritis of the gleno-humeral joint (shoulder joint) and proven surgical procedures are undertaken with implants that are considered to have the best long-term results as per the Australian Arthroplasty Register.
Dr Gavin Nimon – Your Adelaide Shoulder Surgeon
Dr Nimon is your local shoulder surgeon and has been helping Adelaide residents for several years. He will discuss the pros and cons of shoulder surgery with you, and will answer all of your questions about any shoulder surgery you may be considering, your options and the expected outcomes. To organise a consultation, call our office on 8376 9988.
Glenelg Orthopaedics providing Quality Orthopaedic Care
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Benefits of Shoulder Surgery
