What is Arthroscopic Surgery? A Minimally Invasive Approach

Arthroscopy is a modern surgical technique that has revolutionized how orthopedic surgeons treat joint issues. It allows for detailed examination and treatment of the joint’s interior through tiny incisions. Instead of traditional open surgery, arthroscopy uses a small camera (arthroscope) and precision instruments inserted through these “keyhole” incisions. It’s an ideal approach for treating rotator cuff tears, labral injuries, and joint instability caused by sports injuries, significantly reducing invasiveness.

Why Choose Arthroscopic Surgery for Your Shoulder Injury?

Traditional open surgery often involves larger incisions, more pain, and longer recovery times. At WIH International Hospital in Bangkok, our expert orthopedic surgeons prioritize minimally invasive arthroscopic shoulder surgery for a multitude of benefits:

Precision and Accuracy: Using a tiny camera (arthroscope) and specialized instruments, our surgeons gain a magnified, crystal-clear view inside your shoulder joint. This allows for incredibly precise diagnosis and targeted treatment, even for complex injuries like rotator cuff repair or labral repair.

Smaller Incisions, Less Pain: Arthroscopy involves only a few small incisions, meaning significantly less trauma to surrounding tissues compared to open surgery. This translates to reduced post-operative pain and discomfort, enhancing your recovery experience.

Faster Recovery & Return to Activity: With minimal tissue disruption, you can expect a quicker healing process. Many patients experience a faster return to daily activities and, with dedicated rehabilitation, often return to their sport sooner. This is a key benefit for sports injury shoulder patients.

Reduced Risk of Complications: Smaller incisions mean a lower risk of infection and less blood loss.

Minimal Scarring: The tiny incisions result in inconspicuous, aesthetically pleasing, and minimal scarring.

Understanding Shoulder Injuries and the Need for Arthroscopy

The shoulder is the body’s most mobile joint, but this flexibility comes at the cost of stability. It relies on a complex network of muscles, tendons, and ligaments to function properly. Sports injuries, falls, or repetitive overhead movements can damage these structures, leading to pain, weakness, and instability. When conservative treatments fail, arthroscopic shoulder surgery often becomes the most effective solution.

Common Shoulder Injuries We Frequently Treat:

Rotator Cuff Tears:

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that surround the shoulder joint, providing stability and allowing for arm rotation and lifting. Tears can result from acute injury (e.g., a fall) or chronic degeneration, leading to significant shoulder pain and weakness. Often requires rotator cuff repair.

Labral Tears:

The labrum is a rim of cartilage that deepens the shoulder socket, helping to stabilize the joint. Tears (e.g., SLAP tears, Bankart lesions from dislocation) can cause pain, clicking, and a feeling of instability. Requires labral repair to restore stability.

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome:

Occurs when the rotator cuff tendons are pinched between the shoulder bones, causing pain and limiting movement. Arthroscopy can be used to remove bone spurs or inflamed tissue.

Shoulder Instability/Dislocation:

When the head of the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket. Repeated dislocations often indicate underlying labral or ligament damage requiring surgical stabilization.

Biceps Tendonitis/Tears:

Inflammation or tearing of the biceps tendon, often at its attachment point in the shoulder.

These injuries can severely impact daily life and athletic performance, often requiring specialized surgical intervention to restore full function and eliminate chronic shoulder pain.

Types of Shoulder Sports Injuries We Treat with Arthroscopy

• Rotator Cuff Repair (Shoulder): Damage to the rotator cuff tendons causes weakness and pain. Using small incisions, we perform precise rotator cuff repair for tears, helping you regain strength and range of motion.

• Labral Repair (Shoulder): Shoulder dislocation or trauma often results in a torn labrum. Arthroscopic labral repair stabilizes the joint and reduces the risk of future injuries, addressing shoulder instability.

Your Pre-Surgery Journey: Comprehensive Preparation at WIH International Hospital

A successful arthroscopic shoulder surgery and recovery begin long before you enter the operating room. At WIH International Hospital, we prioritize thorough pre-operative preparation to ensure your safety, comfort, and the best possible outcome.

Initial Consultation with an Orthopedic Surgeon: Your journey starts with a comprehensive consultation with a leading orthopedic shoulder surgeon. Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons will review your medical history, discuss your injury in detail, and perform a thorough physical examination.

Advanced Diagnostic Imaging: To gain a precise understanding of your injury, the surgeon will order necessary diagnostic tests. This typically includes:

• X-rays:
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Pre-operative Lab Tests: We conduct essential blood tests and other laboratory investigations to assess your overall health, identify any underlying conditions, and ensure you are medically fit for surgery and anesthesia.

Personalized Treatment Plan & Discussion: Based on your consultation and diagnostic results, the surgeon will develop a tailored treatment plan. The surgeon will explain the surgical procedure, including the specific arthroscopic techniques and expected outcomes, ensuring you are fully informed and comfortable.

Medication Review & Instructions:

• Current Medications: It’s vital to inform our medical team about all current medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you are taking.
• Pre-Surgery Adjustments: You may be instructed to stop certain medications a week or more before surgery to minimize bleeding risks.

This preparation ensures that your surgical procedure is planned with the highest degree of precision and care.

All-Inclusive Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery Packages at WIH Hospital

We provide transparent pricing and world-class service from consultation to recovery, right here in Bangkok.

What’s Included in Your All-Inclusive Package?

We’ve designed our packages to cover every essential step of your surgical journey for arthroscopic shoulder surgery:

• Expert Pre-Operative Assessment: Includes comprehensive consultations with our orthopedic specialists, necessary X-rays/MRI, and lab tests to ensure a precise diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
• Comfortable Hospital Stay: Enjoy a 3-day/2-night stay in a private recovery room, providing a tranquil environment for your initial healing.
• All-Inclusive Medical Expenses: Covers surgery fees, anesthesia, essential medications, and surgical supplies.
• Post-Operative Support: Provision of a medical brace or sling as needed, depending on your specific procedure.
• Home Medications: Essential medications are provided upon discharge for continued comfort and healing.
• Follow-up Care: A complimentary follow-up appointment with the surgeon to monitor your progress.

All procedures are performed by our team of board-certified orthopedic surgeons using state-of-the-art, minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques for superior outcomes and accelerated recovery.

Important Note on Pricing & Insurance Coordination

The attractive package prices listed above are designed for self-pay patients making payments in cash or via direct bank transfer.

If you plan to utilize insurance coverage from providers such as AIA, Prudential, AIG, etc., we encourage you to contact our UR Nurse Team in advance. They are dedicated to assisting you with insurance coordination and will provide a customized quotation based on your specific policy, ensuring a smooth and clear financial process.

Why Patients Choose WIH International Hospital for Shoulder Surgery

✅ Advanced arthroscopic shoulder surgery techniques

✅ Experienced and caring orthopedic shoulder surgeon team in Bangkok

✅ All-inclusive, transparent pricing

✅ Comfortable private recovery rooms

✅ English-speaking staff for international patients

✅ Convenient location in the heart of Bangkok