Shoulder Arthroscopy

Shoulder Arthroscopy in Sherman Oaks and Santa Clarita, CA

Dr. Alireza Nazemi provides orthopedic evaluation for shoulder conditions, with treatment recommendations based on your diagnosis, symptoms, and functional goals. Patients in Sherman Oaks, Santa Clarita, and surrounding Southern California communities can explore appropriate nonsurgical and surgical care.

Book an Appointment

What is Shoulder Arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic and surgical procedure performed for joint problems. Shoulder arthroscopy is performed using a pencil-sized instrument called an arthroscope. The arthroscope consists of a light system and camera that projects images of the surgical site onto a computer screen for your doctor to clearly view. Arthroscopy is used to treat disease conditions and injuries involving the bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and muscles of the shoulder joint.

What are the Indications for Shoulder Arthroscopy?

Shoulder arthroscopy is indicated to treat the following shoulder conditions when conservative treatment such as medication and therapy fail to relieve pain and disability:

Shoulder impingement
Rotator cuff tear
Frozen shoulder or stiffness of the shoulder joint
Shoulder instability
Biceps rupture
Damaged cartilage or ligaments
Bone spurs or bony projections
Arthritis of the collarbone

What is the Procedure for Shoulder Arthroscopy?

Your surgeon performs shoulder arthroscopy under general or regional anesthesia. You may be positioned lying down on your side with your arm propped up or sitting in a semi-seated position. Sterile fluid is injected into the shoulder joint to expand the surgical area, so your surgeon has a clear view of the damage and room to work. A button-sized hole is made in the shoulder and the arthroscope is inserted. Your surgeon can view images captured by the camera in the arthroscope on a large monitor. Surgical instruments are introduced into the joint through separate small holes to remove and repair the damage to the joint. After surgery, the instruments are removed, and the incisions are closed with stitches or small sterile bandage strips.

What Does Postoperative Care for Shoulder Arthroscopy Involve?

After the surgery, the small surgical wounds take a few days to heal and the surgical dressing is replaced by simple Band-Aids. The recovery time depends on the type and extent of the problem for which the procedure was performed. Pain medications are prescribed to keep you comfortable. The arm of the affected shoulder is placed in a sling for a short period. Physical therapy is advised to improve shoulder mobility and strength after the surgery.

What are the Advantages of Shoulder Arthroscopy?

The advantages of arthroscopy compared to open surgery with a large incision include:

Less pain
Fewer complications
Shorter hospital stays
Faster recovery

What are the Risks and Complications of Shoulder Arthroscopy?

Complications of shoulder arthroscopy include infection, bleeding, damage to nearby nerves or blood vessels, or delayed healing after the surgery. In certain cases, stiffness of the shoulder joint may occur after the surgery. It is important to participate actively in your physical therapy to prevent this from occurring.

Why Choose Dr. Alireza Nazemi for Shoulder Labral Reconstruction in Sherman Oaks and Santa Clarita?

Shoulder labral injuries can affect joint stability, movement, and the ability to participate in sports or everyday activities. Dr. Alireza Nazemi is an orthopedic surgeon with a clinical focus on sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery. Patients in Sherman Oaks and Santa Clarita can seek an evaluation to understand the extent of their shoulder injury and explore appropriate treatment options.

Sports medicine experience: Evaluation of shoulder injuries affecting athletes and active individuals, including conditions that may interfere with throwing, lifting, and overhead movements.
Arthroscopic surgery expertise: Minimally invasive techniques may be suitable for selected labral injuries, depending on the pattern of damage and shoulder stability.
Individualized treatment planning: Recommendations take into account the type of labral injury, associated conditions, activity level, and treatment goals.
Comprehensive shoulder evaluation: Assessment helps determine whether symptoms are related to a labral tear, shoulder instability, or another shoulder condition.
Nonsurgical options when appropriate: Physical therapy, activity modification, and other conservative treatments may help some patients manage symptoms without surgery.
Rehabilitation-focused care: Recovery planning considers the importance of progressive rehabilitation in restoring shoulder motion, strength, and stability.
Convenient regional access: Patients in Sherman Oaks, Santa Clarita, and surrounding Southern California communities can explore orthopedic care through Dr. Nazemi's practice locations.

Shoulder Labral Reconstruction FAQs

What is the difference between shoulder labral repair and reconstruction?

Labral repair generally involves reattaching existing torn labral tissue to the glenoid. Reconstruction may involve rebuilding part of the labrum with graft tissue when the native tissue is insufficient for an effective repair. The appropriate procedure depends on the extent and nature of the damage.

Does every shoulder labral tear require surgery?

No. Some labral tears can be managed with activity modification, physical therapy, and other nonsurgical treatments. Surgery may be considered when symptoms persist, instability continues, or the injury and activity demands make an operation appropriate.

Can a shoulder labral tear cause repeated dislocations?

Yes. Certain labral injuries, particularly those associated with shoulder dislocation, can compromise joint stability and contribute to recurrent instability. An evaluation can help determine whether the labral injury is contributing to these episodes.

Is shoulder labral reconstruction the same as rotator cuff repair?

No. Labral procedures address the cartilage rim around the shoulder socket, which contributes to joint stability. Rotator cuff repair treats torn tendons that help move and stabilize the shoulder. Some patients may have both conditions.

What factors determine whether reconstruction is needed?

The decision depends on the condition of the existing labral tissue, the type and extent of the injury, previous treatment or surgery, shoulder stability, and the patient's functional goals. Your surgeon can explain which approach is appropriate after evaluating the shoulder.

Can a labral injury affect athletic performance?

Yes. Depending on its location and severity, a labral injury may cause pain, catching, reduced motion, or instability that interferes with throwing, weightlifting, swimming, and other sports.

Will I need a sling after shoulder labral surgery?

A sling is commonly used for a period after labral surgery to protect the healing tissue. The duration and timing of movement depend on the procedure performed and your surgeon's rehabilitation protocol.

How long does recovery from shoulder labral reconstruction take?

Recovery varies according to the injury, the procedure, and individual healing. Restoring movement and strength generally requires a structured rehabilitation program, and return to demanding activities or sports may take several months.

Can physical therapy help prevent further shoulder instability?

Physical therapy can improve rotator cuff and shoulder-blade muscle strength, coordination, and joint control. It may help manage some forms of instability, although it cannot correct every structural injury.

What are the potential risks of shoulder labral reconstruction?

Possible complications include infection, stiffness, nerve injury, persistent symptoms, recurrent instability, and failure of the repair or reconstruction. Your surgeon can discuss procedure-specific risks and how they apply to your circumstances.

When should I see an orthopedic surgeon for shoulder instability?

Consider an evaluation if you experience repeated episodes of the shoulder slipping or dislocating, persistent catching or pain, or difficulty performing overhead activities. A shoulder that appears dislocated or remains out of position requires urgent medical care.

Where can I seek shoulder labral treatment near Sherman Oaks or Santa Clarita?

Dr. Alireza Nazemi provides orthopedic care through practice locations serving Sherman Oaks and Santa Clarita, California. A consultation can help clarify your diagnosis and determine whether nonsurgical treatment, labral repair, or reconstruction may be appropriate.