Arthroscopic debridement and capsular release is a minimally invasive technique typically utilized for the early to moderate stages of shoulder arthritis. This procedure removes arthritic bone and loose cartilage from the joint, as well as release tight capsular tissue to allow for improved shoulder motion. This is a good option for patients wanting to avoid or delay the need for a shoulder replacement.
ARTHROSCOPIC DEBRIDEMENT & CAPSULAR RELEASE
Arthroscopic debridement and capsular release is a minimally invasive technique typically utilized for the early to moderate stages of shoulder arthritis. This procedure removes arthritic bone and loose cartilage from the joint, as well as release tight capsular tissue to allow for improved shoulder motion. This is a good option for patients wanting to avoid or delay the need for a shoulder replacement.
ARTHROSCOPIC DEBRIDEMENT & CAPSULAR RELEASE
Elbow
Elbow
Elbow
PREPARING FOR SURGERY
Depending on your past and current medical problems, Dr. Hussey may want you to see your primary doctor or cardiologist to ensure that you are safe to undergo the surgery. You will be provided medical clearance forms to give to your personal doctor, who will then fax it back to us letting us know if you are safe to have surgery. If you are undergoing a joint replacement procedure, you will be required to undergo a physical exam at the hospital by one of the internal medicine doctors. This will typically be scheduled 1-2 weeks prior to the planned surgery.
MEDICAL CLEARANCE FOR SURGERY
TOBACCO CESSATION
Tobacco products contain hundreds of chemicals with the vast majority proven harmful to our bodies. When inhaled or ingested orally, these chemicals cause detrimental effects on the human tissue. Studies have proven that tobacco products decrease the oxygen content in the tissue and make white blood cells less effective in repairing damaged tissue. This ultimately translates to slower wound healing and increased risk of infection. Dr. Hussey strongly recommends that all tobacco usage (including chewing tobacco) stop before and after surgery to ensure the best possible outcome.​
DRIVING AFTER SURGERY
Everyone wants to know when they can drive after surgery. A simple answer is when you are off the narcotic pain medication. Unfortunately, this amount of time varies for each patient. In general, I would recommend that you do not drive until I see you back in clinic for your first visit. At that time I can examine you and we can talk about it further. In general, most people will be driving in less than 2 weeks and often sooner if the surgery involves the left arm.
PAIN MANAGEMENT AFTER SURGERY
Pain and discomfort is a normal sensation after surgery and part of the body’s natural healing response. It is our goal to reduce the amount of pain you feel to a manageable level. In general, the first week after surgery is the most painful and will gradually get better as your body heals. We utilize multiple treatment modalities to effectively reduce your pain, including medicines such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), opioids, and local anesthetics. Most upper extremity surgeries are also candidates to receive regional anesthetic nerve blocks in preop just prior to your surgery. These nerve blocks can often provide significant pain relief for 12 to 24 hours after surgery.
​
Non-medicinal forms of pain management that we also employ include physical therapy, massage therapy, relaxation techniques, and acupuncture.