Arthroscopic Shoulder Decompression

Shoulder arthroscopy and decompression is a procedure used to treat shoulder impingement, which occurs when the tendons in the rotator cuff muscles are squeezed or pinched by the surrounding structures in the shoulder. This procedure decompresses the rotator cuff tendons to return the patient to pain-free and normal mobility.

Treatments

After anesthesia is applied, three incisions are made in the shoulder to gain access to the joint.

The surgeon then inserts a small metal tube into one of the incisions. The joint is expanded by pumping fluid into the joint through the tube. By expanding the joint this way, the surgeon is able to create space to see and perform the surgery.

A small camera called an arthroscope is then inserted through another incision. The arthroscope provides the surgeon with image guidance by transmitting pictures or video of the inside of the joint onto a television in the operating room. The surgeon uses the arthroscope to see the joint and determine what structures are causing the impingement.

Using the arthroscope, the surgeon removes the swollen bursa tissue using instruments inserted through the third incision.

If the coracoacromial ligament is also impinging on the rotator cuff, the surgeon inserts another tool through the third incision to remove it.

The portion of the acromion bone that was hooked is shaved away by the surgeon. This opens up the area above the supraspinatus tendon, taking pressure off the rotator cuff.

The fluid that was pumped into the joint at the beginning of the procedure is now drained. All instruments are removed, and the incisions are closed. Bandages are applied.

Shoulder Conditions

  • Bankart Lesion
  • Biceps Tendon Rupture
  • Broken Collarbone
  • Burners & Stinger
  • Bursitis
  • Chronic Shoulder Instability
  • Fracture of the Shoulder Blade
  • Frozen Shoulder
  • Labral Tear
  • Rotator Cuff Tear
  • Shoulder Arthritis
  • Shoulder Dislocation
  • Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
  • Shoulder Pain
  • Shoulder Separation
  • Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior (SLAP)
    • Throwing Injuries[/li_item|

Shoulder Treatments

  • Acromioplasty
  • Arthroscopic Bankart Repair
  • Biceps Tendon Rupture Surgery
  • Biceps Tenodesis
  • Broken Collarbone Surgery
  • Bursitis/Shoulder Impingement Surgery
  • Closed Reduction Shoulder Surgery
  • Labrum Surgery
  • Instability Shoulder Surgery
  • Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery
  • Revision Shoulder Replacement Surgery
  • Rotator Cuff Repair
  • Shoulder Arthritis Surgery
  • Shoulder Arthroscopy Surgery
  • Shoulder Impingement Syndrome Treatment
  • Shoulder Separation Surgery
  • Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery
  • Throwing Injury Surgeries

Conservative Treatments

The Orthopedic physicians at Peninsula Bone & Joint Clinic provide conservative treatment options for Shoulder conditions and injuries.

Dr. Todd Kim ~ Orthopedic Surgeon

“Although I treat many patients with similar orthopedic injuries, I believe that the best outcomes for patients result from individualized treatment plans. Not every injury is the same. And to be sure, every patient has his or her own goals. Whether your hope is to return to a high level of competitive sports or to be able to walk your dog without pain, forming the best treatment plan requires excellent communication and trust with your surgeon. I am committed to listening and working with you to find the best treatment approach for your injury and lifestyle.”

Dr. Todd Kim is an Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in complex and traditional shoulder, elbow, knee and ankle conditions and treatments.

Shoulder Treatment Highlights

Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement by Dr. Todd Kim

Dr. Todd Kim provides innovative shoulder replacement options to patients with shoulder joint compromise.

A standard total shoulder replacement is designed to work only if the rotator cuff muscles and tendons are in tact and working properly. If the rotator cuff muscles are not working properly, a Reverse Total Shoulder replacement is needed.

In a Reverse Total Shoulder replacement, the glenoid component is shaped like a ball and anchored to the scapula by screws. The humeral component then becomes the new socket of the joint and attaches to the upper end of the humerus.

The joint configuration of a Reverse Total shoulder replacement allows the patient to now us the deltoid muscle instead of the torn rotator cuff to lift the arm.

Total Shoulder Replacement by Dr. Todd Kim

Dr. Todd Kim provides innovative shoulder replacement options to patients with shoulder joint compromise.

Total shoulder replacement arthroplasty is a well-established surgery for restoring comfort and function to the arthritic shoulder.

In this procedure the arthritic ball is replaced by a smooth metal ball fixed to the arm bone (humerus) by a stem that fits within it.

The arthritic socket (glenoid) is resurfaced with high-density polyethylene prosthesis. Among the different surgical options this procedure appears to provide the most rapid and complete improvement in comfort and function for shoulders with arthritis.

Success requires technical excellence of the surgery and a commitment to the exercise program until the desired range of motion can be achieved comfortably.

Peninsula Bone & Joint Clinic

The Orthopaedic physicians at Peninsula Bone & Joint Clinic provide comprehensive services to all members of the family.
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