Shoulder Surgery

The shoulder is the most flexible joint in the body. It lets us move our arms in nearly every direction, which can make it vulnerable to injury. Dr. Bill Snyder and his team treat several shoulder problems, from rotator cuff tears and fractured collar bones to osteoarthritis and fractured humerus heads. After discussing your medical history, symptoms, pain level, other injuries, and previous treatment of the shoulder, we perform a physical exam to assess the severity of the injury. Diagnostic tests, like X-rays, help to evaluate the problem before determining the very best treatment option. Shoulder surgery can be performed minimally invasively with an arthroscopy. It is our goal to get you back to your regular activities and life as soon as possible, with as minimal pain as possible.

Knee Surgery

There are several injuries that could lead to needing an operation or knee surgery to heal knee pain. Learning about your options is key, and we are committed to walking with you through every step of the process. From a knee replacement to ACL reconstruction or meniscus repair, the severity and intensity of knee conditions vary. Prior to determining the best course of action, we will examine your medical history and habits, perform a physical exam, take X-rays or MRIs, and discuss your options and postoperative expectations. Quality of life and elimination of pain is our promise to you during the journey from injury to health.

Pre-operative Instructions

There are some very important instructions you must understand and follow prior to surgery. The pre-operative nurse reviews these instructions with patients, but it’s always smart to be prepared. It is important that patients do not eat or drink anything after midnight prior to your surgery, including water, ice or gum. Refrain from drinking alcohol or smoking the night before your surgery. Wear comfortable clothing, do not apply make-up, and leave jewelry at home. For knee surgery, gym shorts are recommended, and for shoulder surgery, loose buttoned shirts are best. Please make arrangements to have a ride following surgery, since you may not drive yourself home. We have lockers for clothes and other personal belongings during your surgery, but we do not recommend you bring any valuable jewelry or cash. Following surgery, you must have someone with you at home for at least 24 hours.

Arthroscopic Surgery

The right diagnosis, the latest equipment, and years of experience have combined to revolutionize arthroscopic surgery. Arthroscopic surgery is now the preferred course of action for many types of orthopaedic injuries. Dr. Snyder has performed thousands of these procedures using innovative approaches. The incredible results include less time spent in surgery, less scarring, and less recovery time. So, what is it? In skilled hands, arthroscopic surgery is far superior to typical, open orthopaedic surgery. The arthroscope is a small, pencil-sized camera made up of a tiny lens, a light source, and a recording device. Using two or three small incisions, Dr. Snyder places the arthroscope into the joint. The camera transmits what it sees onto a larger screen in the operating room. Dr. Snyder can diagnose and surgically correct a vast array of joint problems, like ligament or tendon tears, with minimal invasion. Arthroscopic surgery has dramatically changed the way knee and shoulder injuries are treated. It takes less time, dramatically reduces the risk of infection, allows patients to return home about an hour after surgery, and shortens recovery time. Usually, patients can resume limited daily activities within a few days.

Anesthesia

Dr. Snyder is proud to have Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists at the facility. If you would like to discuss your anesthesia prior to the date of your surgery, please contact the nurse to make these arrangements. Otherwise, you will meet the anesthesia provider and have a discussion with him or her prior to your surgery.

POSTOPERATIVE TREATMENT PLAN

Outpatient Surgery

Outpatient surgery means a patient can return home on the same day that a surgical procedure is performed. Since there is no need for hospital admission, the amount of medication needed is reduced, and the patient can recover at home. Many of our patients recover with their families after surgery and enjoy an AOI-catered lunch. A few hours after the procedure, most patients are allowed to go home to relax. They don’t need crutches or an overnight stay, and they often state how great they feel after surgery. Outpatient surgery is common for healthy people and has become very popular in the United States. While many procedures traditionally require open surgery at the hospital, Dr. Snyder and his team are able to operate in AOI’s infection-free, comfortable, and friendly outpatient setting. The benefits of outpatient surgery are many. Arthroscopic incisions are far less traumatic for the body to heal than traditional scalpel openings. A team approach, including the surgeon, anesthesia provider, and registered nurses, assists the patient through surgery and home recovery. Plus, more advanced surgical equipment and high-quality medications are utilized for premium care and recovery.

Arthroscopic Surgery Details

During surgery, Dr. Snyder makes tiny incisions and inserts the arthroscope into the joint. Once the camera is in place, Dr. Snyder can confirm the diagnosis. With the support of MRI, X-ray, patient history, and a physical exam, he can treat the problem gently and effectively. Typical incisions result in very small scar, usually unnoticeable scars.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

The recovery time from arthroscopic surgery depends on how much injury or damage is in the joint.  We take great care to be very gentle in surgery so that your recovery time is minimized.  Most patients are surprised how good they feel right away and start motion and activity gradually as soon as surgery is completed. The incisions will take several days to heal, and the joint may take several weeks to fully recover. Each person’s response is usually based on the amount of swelling, so recovery times vary. Often, those who are in good physical condition can resume athletic activities quickly after a procedure. Dr. Snyder helps each patient with a focused rehabilitation program to support a speedy recovery.

Contact Us

If you have any additional questions about our services, please contact us today at 956-686-2663.