Specialized Shoulder Care in Colorado Springs

Shoulder Preservation Surgery

Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group

Your shoulder is one of the body's most mobile joints, allowing you to reach, lift, rotate, and perform countless everyday movements. Because of this mobility, the shoulder can also be susceptible to injuries, overuse, arthritis, and other conditions that cause pain and limit movement.

CSOG provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for a wide range of shoulder conditions, from sports injuries and tendon problems to arthritis, instability, and fractures. Depending on your condition, treatment may include physical therapy, activity modification, medications, injections, minimally invasive procedures, or surgery.

Our shoulder specialists take the time to understand your symptoms, activity level, and goals so you can receive treatment designed to reduce pain, improve function, and help you get back to the activities that are important to you.

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What is Shoulder Preservation Surgery?

Shoulder preservation surgery is any surgical procedure that is aimed at preserving the structure and function of the shoulder. It may be a good option when non-surgical treatments fail to relieve shoulder symptoms as it is less invasive than shoulder joint replacement surgery.

What are the Indications for Shoulder Preservation Surgery?

Shoulder preservation surgery may be recommended for the following conditions:

• Rotator cuff tears
• Shoulder dislocation
• Mild-to-moderate arthritis
• Mild-to-moderate degenerative joint conditions

What Does Preparation for Shoulder Preservation Surgery Involve?

Specific instructions will be provided by your surgeon. In general, you should:

• Stop smoking as it can slow down the healing process.
• Inform your surgeon about any health conditions or allergies as well as your regular medications as some medications may need to be temporarily stopped before surgery.
• Avoid eating 8-12 hours prior to the surgery.

What Does Shoulder Preservation Surgery Involve?

Most shoulder joint preservation surgeries can be performed using minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques. About 2-3 keyhole incisions are made on the skin through which a small camera and special arthroscopic instruments are inserted into the joint to repair the injured tissues. Some of the procedures that may be done include:

• Debridement with capsular release: This is used for the treatment of mild arthritis in the glenohumeral joint and usually involves the removal of loose pieces of cartilage. The inflamed joint lining, responsible for pain, is removed. This procedure is best suited for patients experiencing mechanical catching in the shoulder along with associated stiffness in the presence of mild arthritis.
• Microfracture: This is a surgical procedure that relies on the various healing elements in the blood to generate new cartilage-like tissues in cartilage deficient areas. The procedure involves surgically making small holes in the bone so that the blood flows to the areas with cartilage loss through these holes.

What are the Risks and Complications of Shoulder Preservation Surgery?

Shoulder preservation surgery is a safe, minimally invasive procedure; however, there is a minimal risk of bleeding, infection, delayed healing, and failure to heal after surgery.

What Does Postoperative Care for Shoulder Preservation Surgery Involve?

After joint preservation surgery, patients can expect to wear a sling and follow a physical therapy program that will help restore shoulder function. Physical therapy is important following surgery to help maximize the shoulder range of motion and strength. It may take about 6 months for their turn of full shoulder function.

What are the Benefits of Shoulder Preservation Surgery?

The benefits of shoulder preservation surgery include:

• Eliminates or reduces joint pain
• Improves or restores joint function
• Less invasive than total joint replacement surgery
• Delays or avoids joint replacement surgery