Ball, Craig

Definitions

Arthroscopic surgery is a surgical technique in which a small flexible tube (arthroscope) is inserted through a small incision. The arthroscope allows the required site to be viewed on a displaymonitor, so the surgeon can inspect, diagnose and repair tissues. This surgery is most commonly performed to treat ailments of the knees or shoulders.moreOrthopaedic surgery is concerned with treating conditions involving the musculoskeletal system, which is made up of bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles. Orthopaedic surgeons use bothsurgical and non-surgical methods to treat a wide range of problems, including trauma (injury), sports injuries, degenerative diseases (e.g. arthritis), infections, tumours and congenital disorders (those present at birth). Various procedures to treat the knee, shoulder and hip are among the most commonly performed surgery.moreShoulder surgery commonly involves arthroscopy, a procedure that uses a thin tube with a camera at its tip (an arthroscope) to help examine and repair the cartilage, bones, tendons and ligamentsinside or around the shoulder joint (known as ‘keyhole surgery’). The arthroscope is inserted through a small incision in the skin, with surgical instruments inserted through other incisions. The procedure is performed with general anaesthesia. Surgery may be required to treat various shoulder problems, including: a torn or damaged labrum (cartilage ring) or ligaments; shoulder instability, where the shoulder joint is loose and slides around too much or becomes dislocated; a torn or damaged biceps tendon; a torn rotator cuff (the group of muscles and tendons that cover the shoulder joint, assisting its movement); a bone spur or inflammation around the rotator cuff; inflammation or damaged lining of the joint; arthritis of the end of the clavicle (collarbone); loose tissue that needs to be removed; and shoulder impingement syndrome, to make more room for the shoulder to move around. Open surgery may be needed if the damage is more severe.more