Shoulder Arthroscopy Surgery in British Columbia and Alberta

Shoulder problems like a torn rotator cuff, labral tears, loose bone or cartilage fragments, arthritis, infection, and other inflammatory conditions can all lead to shoulder pain and/or instability. Fortunately, many of these problems can be treated with arthroscopic surgery if other non-operative treatments fail to improve the condition.

Arthroscopy is a procedure that orthopaedic surgeons use to inspect, diagnose, and repair problems inside a joint. The word arthroscopy means "to look within the joint." During shoulder arthroscopy, your surgeon inserts a small camera, called an arthroscope, in and around your shoulder joint. The camera displays live images on a video screen, and your surgeon uses these images to maneuver surgical instruments in and around your shoulder joint. Because the arthroscope and other surgical instruments are small in diameter, your surgeon can often use very small incisions (cuts), compared to larger incisions required for standard, “open” surgery.

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Arthroscopic shoulder procedures can therefore result in less pain for patients, and possibly shorten recovery times (compared to “open” shoulder procedures). Sometimes a combination of arthroscopic and “mini-open” techniques is required. Your surgeon will discuss if arthroscopic surgery or open surgery is most appropriate for your condition during the consultation.

After shoulder arthroscopy surgery, the incisions are closed with sutures or adhesive strips. A dressing and bandage are applied to the shoulder. Often a sling is also applied to help support the arm. Restrictions are arthroscopic shoulder surgery will depend on the exact nature of the surgery. Similarly, recovery after shoulder arthroscopy surgery varies depending on the specific procedures performed.

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Common arthroscopic shoulder procedures include:

·       Rotator cuff repair

·       Labral repair (for recurrent shoulder dislocations)

·       Transfer or release of the biceps tendon (“tenodesis” or “tenotomy”)

·       AC joint debridement/distal clavicle excision (for AC joint arthritis)

·       AC joint repair or reconstruction (for AC joint injuries)

·       Sub-acromial decompression/bursectomy (for shoulder impingement syndrome)

·       Removal of loose bodies

Like all surgery, there are associated risks. Your Ortho South surgeon will discuss these with you in greater detail before surgery. Physical therapy and realistic expectations are also important for successful recovery.

Dr. Costa has extensive training an experience with shoulder arthroscopy surgery and treatment of all of the above conditions. 

Private arthroscopic shoulder surgery is offered by Dr. Costa in both Calgary and Vancouver, but is not limited to residents of Alberta and British Columbia. Patients from all over Canada trust Dr. Costa to treat their shoulder conditions with arthroscopic shoulder surgery! Further, As Dr. Costa practices exclusively in the private healthcare system in Alberta and British Columbia, patients do not need to travel outside of their home province for shoulder arthroscopy surgery with Dr. Costa. Alberta residents may choose to have their surgery in Calgary with Dr. Costa, and British Columbia residents can be treated in Vanouver.

You do not need to suffer with shoulder pain, instability, or loss of function! Timely access to private shoulder arthroscopy surgery is now available in Canada!