Shoulder Arthroscopy

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Indications & Contraindications - Scope It Out!

  • Indications (Diagnostic & Therapeutic):
    • Rotator Cuff Tears (RCT): Full/partial thickness.
    • Shoulder Instability: Recurrent dislocations, Bankart, SLAP lesions.
    • Impingement Syndrome: Subacromial decompression.
    • Biceps Tendon Pathology: Tenotomy/tenodesis.
    • Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder): Capsular release.
    • Loose Body Removal.
    • Synovitis, Septic Arthritis: Lavage, biopsy.
    • AC Joint Arthritis/Osteolysis.
  • Contraindications:
    • Absolute: Active skin/joint infection, Unfit for anesthesia.
    • Relative: Severe glenohumeral arthritis (arthroplasty preferred), Significant unaddressed bone loss, Neuromuscular compromise, Poor patient compliance.

⭐ Most common indication for shoulder arthroscopy is rotator cuff repair, especially for full-thickness tears.

Portals & Key Anatomy - Gateway to Glenohumeral

  • Standard Portals:
    • Posterior: Main viewing. 2 cm inferior, 1-2 cm medial to posterolateral acromion. Avoids suprascapular nerve.
    • Anterior: Main working. Lateral to coracoid, superior to subscapularis. Risk: cephalic vein, musculocutaneous n.
    • Lateral: RC repair, acromioplasty. Deltoid splitting. Risk: axillary nerve.
  • Key Glenohumeral Anatomy:
    • Labrum: Glenoid depth, stability.
    • Rotator Cuff (SITS): Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor, Subscapularis.
    • Biceps Tendon (LHB): Intra-articular course.
    • Glenohumeral Ligaments (GHL): SGHL, MGHL, IGHC (key anterior stabilizer in ABER - Abduction External Rotation).

⭐ Axillary nerve: ~5-7 cm distal to acromion. At risk with lateral portals & aggressive deltoid retraction.

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Common Arthroscopic Procedures - Fix It Inside

  • Rotator Cuff Repair:
    • For: Symptomatic full/partial-thickness (>50%) tears.
    • Techniques: Single/double-row, suture bridge; anatomical footprint restoration.
    • Goal: ↑function, ↓pain. Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: Before and After
  • Bankart Repair:
    • For: Traumatic anterior instability, Bankart lesion (anteroinferior labral tear).
    • Goal: Reattach labrum to glenoid rim.
    • 📌 Mnemonic: "Bankart = Broken Anterior Netty Kartilage At Rim of The glenoid."
  • SLAP Lesion Repair:
    • For: Symptomatic SLAP tears (Types II & IV common).
    • Goal: Reattach/debride superior labrum.
  • Subacromial Decompression (Acromioplasty):
    • For: Subacromial impingement (refractory).
    • Procedure: Resect ant-inf acromion, C-A lig. release.
  • Capsular Release (Arthroscopic):
    • For: Adhesive capsulitis, refractory >3-6 months.
    • Goal: ↑ROM by releasing contracted capsule.
  • Biceps Tenodesis/Tenotomy:
    • For: Biceps tendinopathy/SLAP involvement.
    • Tenodesis: Reattach LHB. Tenotomy: Release LHB (Popeye risk).

⭐ In SLAP repairs, avoid over-tensioning biceps anchor; risk of post-op stiffness/pain.

Complications & Post-op Care - Uh Oh & Aftercare

  • Complications:
    • Neurovascular Injury: Axillary nerve (most common); risk with portal placement.

      ⭐ Axillary nerve injury is the most common iatrogenic nerve palsy in shoulder arthroscopy.

    • Infection: Rare (<1%); use prophylactic antibiotics.
    • Stiffness/Adhesive Capsulitis: Prevent with early, gentle ROM.
    • Chondrolysis: Cartilage damage; historical link to intra-articular pain pumps.
    • Hardware-related: Suture anchor pull-out or migration.
    • Fluid Extravasation: Swelling; very rarely compartment syndrome.
  • Post-op Care:
    • Sling Immobilization: Duration procedure-dependent (e.g., rotator cuff repair 4-6 wks). Protects repair.
    • Pain Management: Cryotherapy, NSAIDs, short-term opioids.
    • Rehabilitation: Phased, protocol-specific.
      • Early: Passive ROM (pendulums, table slides).
      • Later: Active ROM, then strengthening exercises.
    • Wound Care: Keep clean & dry; sutures out 10-14 days.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Posterior portal: Standard initial viewing portal. Anterior portals: Main working portals.
  • Common uses: Rotator cuff repair, Bankart repair (instability), SLAP repair, subacromial decompression.
  • Bankart lesion: Anteroinferior labral tear due to dislocation; often with Hill-Sachs lesion.
  • SLAP tears: Involve superior labrum (biceps anchor); common in overhead athletes.
  • Supraspinatus is the most frequently torn rotator cuff tendon.
  • Axillary nerve injury is a key risk, especially with inferior capsular work or portal placement.
  • Patient positioning: Beach chair or lateral decubitus, each with specific risks and benefits.

Practice Questions: Shoulder Arthroscopy

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The contraindication to internal fixation -

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Flashcards: Shoulder Arthroscopy

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_____ tears present with hip pain and mechanical snapping or locking in patients that are active, have acetabular dyplasia, or femoacetabular impingement.

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

_____ tears present with hip pain and mechanical snapping or locking in patients that are active, have acetabular dyplasia, or femoacetabular impingement.

Hip labral

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