Shoulder Arthroscopy Specialist
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Steven E. Nolan, MD
Steven E. Nolan, M.D.
Orthopedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine located in Sugar Land, TX
As a seasoned orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, Dr. Steven E. Nolan offers arthroscopic surgery for the injury at hand. He often performs shoulder arthroscopy, which can repair your shoulder injury and your shoulder pain without the need for open surgery. Contact Steven E. Nolan, MD in Sugar Land, Texas to schedule an appointment or learn more about this minimally invasive surgical procedure.
Shoulder Arthroscopy Q & A
What is shoulder arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy refers to a minimally invasive surgery through the use of an arthroscope, a type of endoscope inserted into the joint through a small incision. The surgical instruments are smaller than traditional instruments, and Dr. Nolan can view the joint area on a screen to treat it.
Shoulder arthroscopy has made the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery of shoulder injuries much easier and faster compared to open surgery. This minimally invasive procedure is known to relieve painful symptoms that cause damage to the joint and the tendons, cartilage, and tissues around it.
What does a shoulder arthroscopy involve?
During a shoulder arthroscopy, Dr. Steven E. Nolan makes a small incision to insert the arthroscope into the joint. He’s then able to view the shoulder joint on a video monitor and guide tiny instruments through the repair process.
Since the arthroscope and surgical instruments used are thin, the incision is smaller than needed for standard, open surgery. They also foster less pain, less scarring, and shorter recovery time.
When is shoulder arthroscopy recommended?
Dr. Steven Nolan may suggest shoulder arthroscopy if you’re experiencing shoulder pain that resists nonsurgical treatment measures. Common arthroscopic procedures to repair your injured shoulder include:
- Rotator cuff repair
- Bone spur removal
- Removal or repair of the labrum
- Repair of ligaments
- Repair of inflamed tissue or loose cartilage
- Repair for recurrent shoulder dislocation
In more severe cases of injury, traditional open surgery may be required.
How can I prepare for shoulder arthroscopy?
During your consultation, Dr. Nolan asks about any medical problems that may interfere with shoulder arthroscopy. You may need to stop the intake of medications or supplements prior to surgery. For further investigation to ensure a safe procedure, Dr. Nolan may need to examine a blood test, an electrocardiogram, or an X-ray.
If you’ve attempted resting, physical therapy, medications, or injections to reduce inflammation and pain but haven’t experienced relief, visit Dr. Nolan to learn about your candidacy for shoulder arthroscopy.
