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Are You a Candidate for Minimally Invasive Shoulder Surgery?

Significant advancements in surgical techniques allow many shoulder conditions to be healed with minimally invasive surgery. Find out if you’re a candidate for this procedure, which quickens healing time and reduces the chance of infection. 

Feel free to reach out to Dr. Benjamin Szerlip in Cedar Park, Texas today to learn if you are a candidate for this modern shoulder surgery! We look forward to giving you the help you are looking for.

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What is Minimally Invasive Surgery?

Minimally invasive surgery refers to a way of performing surgery that uses small incisions instead of large ones. Surgeons utilize specialized tools and cameras to perform procedures with less damage to surrounding tissues.

This approach typically results in shorter recovery times, less pain, and reduced scarring compared to traditional open surgery.

A doctor suggesting minimally invasive shoulder surgery to patient.

What Conditions Can Minimally Invasive Shoulder Surgery Treat?

Minimally invasive surgery works on several shoulder conditions. The following are just some examples:

  • Labral tears, which result in instability in the shoulder due to an injury or sometimes the aging process. Arthroscopic surgery can repair the torn cartilage.
  • Rotator cuff injuries that that are painful. Arthroscopy can help if the rotator cuff was damaged during trauma or if the issue is naturally caused by wear and tear of the joint.
  • Tissue inflammation or loose cartilage may be addressed with minimally invasive techniques. In many instances, the staff tries to resolve the problems with conservative approaches such as physical therapy and medication. But, if these fail, arthroscopic surgery may be recommended.
  • Shoulder instability that is causing regular dislocation. Minimally invasive surgery can tighten loose ligaments to provide you with a more integral joint.
  • Bone spurs causing pain or putting your shoulder at risk of causing tendinitis or a rotator cuff tear may be removed with minimally invasive surgery.
  • Bicep tendon injuries, in which the damaged tendon extends into the shoulder, are often successfully treated with arthroscopy. This tendon can be repaired or removed, depending on your particular condition.

Why Pursue Minimally Invasive Surgery?

Minimally invasive surgery is just as effective as traditional open surgery in resolving many shoulder injuries. The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, so you don’t have to spend the night in the hospital and can recover in the comfort of your home.

Because the incisions are small, you lose very little blood, and scarring is minimal. You recover much more quickly from minimally invasive surgery, too, because there’s less trauma to the tissue in the area. This means you can get back to full function sooner.

Ultimately, the decision as to whether you’re a candidate for minimally invasive surgery is up to your doctor. He will carefully review your case and your range of motion, lifestyle, and imaging tests to determine if arthroscopy is for you.

If you have been diagnosed with an issue with your shoulder joint, book an appointment with Dr. Benjamin Szerlip in Cedar Park, TX so he can help you determine the best course of treatment. If you need surgery, ask whether you are a candidate for minimally invasive surgery to make the procedure as easy as possible.

Medically reviewed by Benjamin W. Szerlip DO

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