Arthroscopic Shoulder Stabilization in Chillicothe, OH

Shoulder Instability Causes

Chronic shoulder instability is typically the result of one of the following:

• Shoulder dislocation
• where the ball comes partially or completely out of the socket. This causes the shoulder’s ligaments, tendons and muscles to become loose or tear and compromises their ability to keep the ball in the socket.
• Repetitive strain causing the ligaments in the shoulder to loosen over time. Loose ligaments contribute to instability. Certain activities that require overhand motions can loosen ligaments over time. These activities include painting, tennis and swimming.
• Multidirectional instability occurs in individuals with naturally loose ligaments. The ball may sublux out the front, back or bottom of the shoulder.

How Arthroscopic Shoulder Stabilization Works

If you suffer from recurrent shoulder instability, then surgery may be necessary to repair your torn or stretched ligaments. Once repaired, the ligaments will be better able to hold your shoulder in place.

Dr. Cohen specializes in “minimally invasive” surgery. That means surgery that causes as little stress to the body as possible. Shoulder arthroscopic stabilization is minimally invasive surgery commonly performed to alleviate recurrent shoulder instability. Shoulder arthroscopy is performed with a device about the size of a pencil that carries a tiny video camera (an arthroscope). Instead of using large cuts to open the shoulder joint, Dr. Cohen is able to use the arthroscope to look inside the shoulder area. Images from the camera are displayed on a video screen that Dr. Cohen utilizes as a guide during the procedure.

Arthroscopic Shoulder Stabilization Preparation

Most patients are able to return home shortly after the procedure instead of staying overnight in the hospital. Please make plans for a trusted family member or friend to drive you home after the procedure.

You will receive complete pre-operative instructions from Dr. Cohen before your procedure. He may ask you to discontinue medications you are currently taking or make other adjustments. Dr. Cohen will also explain when you will need to stop eating and drinking prior to surgery, and when to arrive at the hospital for your procedure.

As part of your pre-operative preparation, you and Dr. Cohen will review the available anesthesia options and select the choice that is most appropriate for your case.

What to Expect the Day of the Surgery

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 Dr. Cohen clearly see inside your shoulder.

Next, Dr. Cohen uses the arthroscope to confirm the diagnosis of your shoulder instability. If Dr. Cohen determines that stabilization surgery is necessary, then he will make small incisions and perform the procedure by inserting tiny surgical instruments through the incisions.

The surgical procedure depends on your specific needs. In many instances, sutures and anchors are used to reattach the ligament to the bone. The anchor is drilled into the upper part of the arm bone. Once complete, Dr. Cohen closes the incisions and covers your shoulder with a bandage.

Arthroscopic Shoulder Stabilization Recovery

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

• Age
• Health
• Original damage to your shoulder
• Type of surgical stabilization procedure performed

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