Have you got hurt in your shoulder and the doctor has suggested surgery? Do you want to know if all shoulder injuries require surgery? This blog elaborates on this question in detail along with other relevant concerns.
Shoulder injuries
The shoulder is a ball and socket joint which connects the bone of the upper arm to the collar bone. It is a synovial joint and helps us in multiaxial movements of the arm. Such joints of the body are more prone to injuries than other joints.
The following are some of the shoulder conditions that you might have.
- Rotator Cuff Tear
- Arthritis
- Frozen Shoulder
- Bursitis
- Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
- Fracture
- SLAP Tear
- Tendonitis
If you want to book a consultation with a doctor, visit the following link: shoulder specialist doctor in Delhi.
Causes of shoulder injuries
The main reasons for shoulder injuries are external traumas and medical conditions.
External trauma happens when you face an accident or fall and your shoulder ball gets dislocated from the socket part of your shoulder joint.
People who are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis where more than two joints of your body gets inflamed which might include your shoulder joints.
Here, the cause of the shoulder inflammation is an internal medical condition.
Treatments to cure shoulder injuries
Treatments involve non-surgical and surgical interventions.
In a non-surgical case, the doctor prescribes medicines for relieving pain and inflammation. Besides physiotherapy is also advised to regain mobility.
In a surgical case, the doctor may recommend a minimally invasive surgery commonly known as Arthroscopy.
And, thus, all shoulder injuries don’t require surgeries. Some injuries can be treated without surgeries and some need surgeries.
What is Arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure where an arthroscope is used to conduct the surgery and it is done through two small holes. It is also known as keyhole surgery.
An arthroscope is a pencil-thin surgical tool with a camera on top capable of producing high-quality images.
The holes or small incisions are used to insert an arthroscope into the joint so that the internal conditions of the joint can be exposed without making large incisions.
With this procedure, an arthroscopic surgeon can treat conditions like biceps tendon & rotator cuff injuries, shoulder impingement, labral tears, frozen shoulders, and arthritis.
Process involved in Arthroscopy
Anaesthesia: In this procedure, the patient is administered anaesthesia through any of the prevalent ways—general anaesthesia, regional anaesthesia, and local anaesthesia.
Incisions and Arthroscope Insertion: After the administration of anaesthetic drugs, you will be deeply unconscious and the surgeon will make small incisions.
Under arthroscopy, only a few holes are made so the arthroscope can be inserted inside and the situation can be evaluated for the best diagnosis, repair and post-diagnostic care.
Soft injuries can be treated successfully with the help of arthroscopy.
Closure: After the surgeon has treated a shoulder injury, the arthroscope will be taken out and the incised holes will be stitched carefully.
Book your appointment with the best arthroscopic surgeon near youtoday.
Is arthroscopy better than an open-shoulder surgical procedure?
This question doesn’t have a simple answer as both have advantages and disadvantages.
By the way, if you can be cured through a minimally invasive approach, a surgeon isn’t going to recommend an open procedure.
However, assume a shoulder condition can never be cured with arthroscopy and thus open surgery is a must. Then, in that case, the surgeon will have to carry out the open surgery as there is no other choice.
Arthroscopy is better than an open surgical procedure as the risk of complications post-surgery reduces to a minimum; chances of infection, blood clot and tissue damage will be less.
How to prevent shoulder injuries
Although injuries cannot always be prevented, consider the following dietary precautions to make your shoulder joint strong and healthy and thus less prone to injuries.
Calcium: This is the most essential mineral for bone strength and resilience. Include dairy and soya products in your diet to ensure daily calcium intake.
Vitamin D: It is well known that our body needs vitamin D to better absorb the calcium we have taken. Sunlight is the most affordable and richest source of this vitamin. In addition to that, supplements are great as well.
Protein: If your shoulder joint has sufficient muscle mass covering and protecting the joint, it is good as it will safeguard the bones inside so it will not sustain fractures easily. So, for adequate muscle mass, protein is crucial.
Hydration: Drink enough water to combat the risk of dehydration and make your joints well-lubricated.
Protective Gears: While playing sports, see that you follow all the recommended safety measures and don’t forget to wear protective gear.
Conclusion
Shoulder injuries could be serious and thus, they might need immediate medical attention or your shoulder joint will be dislocated forever.
Book your appointment with a well-experienced shoulder specialist and consult them about your condition.