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Comprehensive arthroscopic management (CAM)

What is comprehensive arthroscopic management (CAM)?

Comprehensive arthroscopic management (CAM) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that is predominantly used for younger patients, often athletes, who have advanced arthritis of the shoulder but who are too young for shoulder joint replacement surgery.

The technique is designed to preserve the joint and delay the need for joint replacement. It alleviates pain along the back and side of the shoulder.

What does comprehensive arthroscopic management involve?

Comprehensive arthroscopic management aims to remove loose cartilage and damaged tissue surrounding the arthritic shoulder joint. Scarred ligaments and tissues around the articular capsule of the shoulder joint are released to restore mobility. Finally, any bony spurs or scar tissue that may be trapping the axillary nerve are removed to decompress the nerve and alleviate pain.

During the procedure a small incision is made in the joint and an arthroscope (tiny camera) is inserted. Surgical instruments are inserted through a second incision. Arthroscopic surgery results in less trauma to the connective tissue than conventional open surgery, leading to faster recovery times and reduced scarring.

Comprehensive arthroscopic management

Shoulder and elbow consultants

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