Shoulder Arthroscopy in Columbus, OH

Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure performed with an arthroscope, a pencil-sized device equipped with a small video camera. Instead of using a large incision to open the shoulder joint, the arthroscope allows Dr. Cohen to view the inside of the shoulder on a video monitor.

Dr. Brian Cohen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who provides shoulder arthroscopy in Columbus, OH. The procedure may be used to diagnose shoulder problems or to guide small surgical instruments through additional incisions to repair damaged tissue.

  • Less pain

  • Shorter recovery time

  • Less joint stiffness

  • Smaller scars

  • Fewer complications

Shoulder Arthroscopy for Columbus & Grove City, OH patients

Nonsurgical Shoulder Treatment Options

Surgery is not always necessary. Typically, nonsurgical treatments are recommended before surgery is discussed as an option. Nonsurgical treatments for shoulder pain may include the following:

  • Physical therapy

  • Rest

  • Heat and/or cold therapies

  • Medication

  • Injections

  • A period of immobilization with a sling

Common Shoulder Arthroscopic Procedures

Certain shoulder procedures are commonly performed arthroscopically. Common shoulder arthroscopic procedures include the following:

Shoulder Pain Illustration Grove City, OH

Shoulder Arthroscopy Preparation

One of the benefits of shoulder arthroscopy is that you will most likely be able to go home after the procedure and will not need to stay overnight in the hospital. This means that you will need to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you after your procedure.

Prior to the procedure, Dr. Cohen will provide you with instructions. These instructions may include information on medications that you are taking, when to arrive for your procedure, and when to stop eating and drinking.

Shoulder arthroscopy requires anesthesia. Dr. Cohen can discuss your anesthesia options with you prior to surgery.

Shoulder Arthroscopy Procedure Details

Your shoulder arthroscopy will be performed in an operating room. Once your anesthesia has been administered, you will be positioned so that Dr. Cohen can easily adjust the arthroscope. You will be either placed in a semi-seated position or lying down on your side.

Dr. Cohen will then make a few small incisions in your shoulder and “pump” a sterile solution into your shoulder joint. The solution helps him clearly see inside your shoulder.

He then uses the arthroscope to diagnose your shoulder problem. The arthroscope projects images of the inside of your shoulder onto a screen, which he evaluates.

Dr. Cohen then inserts tiny surgical instruments through the small incisions to perform the necessary procedure. The procedure depends on your specific needs and can include cutting or repair work. Once complete, Dr. Cohen closes the incisions and covers your shoulder with a bandage.

Shoulder Arthroscopy Complications/Risks

The minimal nature of shoulder arthroscopy reduces the chance of complications. However, complications are possible, including the following:

  • Infection

  • Swelling

  • Blood clots

  • Nerve damage

Dr. Cohen will discuss the possible complications with you prior to surgery.

Shoulder Arthroscopy Recovery

You will most likely be able to go home within a few hours of your shoulder arthroscopy procedure. Your recovery will depend on several factors, including the following:

  • Age

  • Health

  • Original damage to your shoulder

  • Procedure performed

Dr. Cohen will discuss the recovery process with you. You may be in pain, and you may require a sling to immobilize your shoulder. You may also need physical therapy to help in the recovery process.

Unfortunately, some injuries require a person to change their preferred form of exercise. Dr. Cohen will discuss what activities may or may not be possible after surgery.

Shoulder Arthroscopy FAQs

Shoulder instability occurs when the joint structures can’t hold the ball in the socket, causing pain and limiting your mobility and function. Arthroscopic shoulder surgery can repair the stretched or torn ligaments that may be causing your chronic shoulder instability. The pencil-size device with a tiny video camera allows Dr. Cohen to see inside your shoulder and repair the tissues without a large incision.

You will likely need to wear a special immobilizer such as a brace or sling to keep the shoulder joint in place while you heal. How long you wear the sling or brace will depend on Dr. Cohen’s recommendations based on the procedure that was performed.

Your recovery depends on keeping the incision dry during the initial healing period. Typically, patients can shower one to two days after shoulder arthroscopy, but it’s important you avoid bathing, swimming, and getting into a hot tub for several weeks to prevent complications such as infection. Dr. Cohen will provide detailed instructions for post-operative care.

Dr. Cohen is a leading orthopedic surgeon with over 20 years of experience and has performed more than 30,000 orthopedic procedures. The Cohen Advantage goes beyond his extensive background with the innovative technology he uses in and out of the operating room. Dr. Cohen believes in providing optimal patient safety and outcomes by using the latest devices and systems in healthcare. You can trust that you will receive the best care possible with the Cohen Advantage.

patient explaining pain

Why Choose Dr. Cohen?

Shoulder Arthroscopy in Columbus, OH

Persistent shoulder pain, weakness, instability, or limited motion may require further evaluation when nonsurgical treatments do not provide sufficient relief. Dr. Cohen can determine whether shoulder arthroscopy or another treatment option may be appropriate for your condition.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Brian Cohen, call (614) 788-0375.

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Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday - Sunday Closed
Monday - Wednesday Closed
Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
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