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Arthroscopy

Shoulder Arthroscopy in Puerto Vallarta Rotator Cuff and Joint Repair

Rotator cuff tear or nighttime shoulder pain? Explore shoulder arthroscopy in Puerto Vallarta with Dr. Francisco Hernandez.

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Shoulder Arthroscopy in Puerto Vallarta | Dr. Francisco Hernandez

Shoulder arthroscopy is a highly specialized surgical procedure used to treat a variety of painful conditions affecting the rotator cuff tendons, labrum, and cartilage inside the shoulder joint. By using micro-incisions, this technique avoids the necessity of cutting through the overlying shoulder muscles (as required in traditional open surgery), resulting in a much more comfortable recovery and faster restoration of mobility.

Dr. Francisco Hernandez performs shoulder arthroscopies at Hospital Punta Mita, providing advanced orthopedic care to patients in Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit.

Common Symptoms of a Shoulder Injury (Triage)

Consider scheduling a clinical evaluation if you experience any of the following symptoms for more than a few weeks:

  • Night pain: A deep, dull ache in the shoulder that worsens when lying down, especially on the affected side, interrupting sleep.
  • Pain with overhead activity: Sharp pain when brushing your hair, getting dressed, or reaching for objects above shoulder height.
  • Muscle weakness: Difficulty lifting your arm or holding ordinary objects at shoulder height.
  • Instability or recurrent dislocations: A loose sensation in the shoulder, feeling that it might “pop out” during certain movements.
  • Catching or locking: Auditory grinding or physical catching sensations when moving the arm.

Pathologies Treated with Shoulder Arthroscopy

We treat a wide range of shoulder conditions using arthroscopic techniques:

1. Rotator Cuff Tears

Re-attaching torn tendons (most commonly the supraspinatus) back to the humerus bone using bio-composite anchors.

2. Shoulder Impingement and Bone Spurs

Decompressing the subacromial space by removing inflamed bursa tissue and shaving down bone spurs (acromioplasty) to create more space for the tendon to slide.

3. Labral Tears and Instability (Bankart Lesion)

Repairing and tightening the torn labrum (cartilage ring) after recurrent shoulder dislocations to restore stability and prevent future slippage.

4. Biceps Tendon Pathology (SLAP Tears)

Repairing or releasing and re-anchoring (tenodesis) the long head of the biceps tendon where it attaches inside the joint.

Recovery and Rehabilitation Timeline

The shoulder is a highly mobile joint that requires careful protection after tendon or ligament repairs to ensure solid bone-to-tendon healing:

  • Phase 1: Protection and Sling Use (Weeks 1 to 6):
    • You must wear a protective shoulder sling 24/7 (except for showering and designated elbow/wrist range of motion exercises).
    • Only gentle, passive motion exercises guided by your therapist are permitted.
  • Phase 2: Active Range of Motion (Weeks 6 to 12):
    • The sling is gradually discontinued.
    • You will begin active movements to gently restore normal shoulder range of motion.
  • Phase 3: Strengthening (Months 3 to 6):
    • Progressive resistance exercises focusing on the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizer muscles to rebuild strength.
  • Phase 4: Full Return (Months 6 to 12):
    • Resuming throwing, overhead lifting, contact sports, and strenuous manual labor once full strength is restored.

Insurance and Hospital Logistics

All surgical procedures are scheduled under international safety standards.

  • Direct Billing Agreements: We coordinate directly with major Mexican insurance companies (GNP, AXA, Seguros Monterrey) and international health insurance providers, facilitating the claims process and medical documentation for foreign residents and tourists.

Frequently Asked Questions about Shoulder Arthroscopy

How painful is shoulder surgery recovery?

Shoulder surgery can be uncomfortable during the first few days due to joint distension during the procedure. To manage this effectively, the anestesiólogo performs an interscalene nerve block before surgery. This blocks pain signals in the arm for 12 to 24 hours, followed by a personalized oral pain management regimen at home.

How should I sleep after shoulder surgery?

For the first 3 to 4 weeks, sleeping flat in bed is usually very uncomfortable. We highly recommend sleeping in a semi-reclined position (using a recliner chair or propping yourself up with pillows in bed) and placing a small pillow under your elbow to prevent the arm from falling backward.

What happens if I choose not to repair a torn rotator cuff?

Rotator cuff tears do not heal on their own. Over time, the tear can enlarge due to muscle pull, which can lead to permanent muscle wasting, chronic pain, and eventually a specific type of joint wear called rotator cuff arthropathy.