Category: Shoulder Surgery

I am doing a research project on the types of surgeries performed in Melbourne. As I hope to become a leading surgeon one day, I need to put in a big effort in all my research projects. My university has a theoretical and practical component to it and to graduate with top marks, I need to get at least an average of ninety per cent in both components across the several years of study that I have to complete. To say I haven’t had much of a social life is an understatement.

The first topic in my research project is the elbow arthroplasty. An elbow arthroplasty involves replacing the surfaces of the elbow joint with an implant and it can be performed as a total procedure or a single side procedure. If every surface of the joint is replaced, this is called a total elbow arthroplasty. In contrast, when a patient only requires a replacement of one side of the elbow, this is known as a hemiarthroplasty.

Getting the terminology right is vital if I want to do well in my research project, which is why I’m taking this time to explain what it all is in my own words. When you’re able to effectively explain a topic to others, it is a clear indication that you understand the topic itself. That is what I’m doing here.

The next topic in my research project is the distal biceps tendon repair. Performed in Melbourne, this type of surgery helps to repair a patient’s torn distal biceps. This is achieved by performing a small cut just below the elbow, identifying the torn tendon and attaching it back to the appropriate spot on the radius bone. This type of repair surgery is best suited to recent and minor torn tendons. If a patient has severely torn their tendon or it has been torn for a longer period of time, they may require a tendon reconstruction instead.

Helping my son recover from his shoulder surgery has been difficult. It’s not that he’s a difficult person to deal with, it’s just that he’s a really restless kid and always has been. Trying to get him to sit still while he recovers has pretty much been mission impossible because he just wants to be up and playing with the other kids in the neighbourhood. I completely understand where he’s coming from as well and just wish that I could make it easier for him in some way. I’ve been playing card games with him to try and keep him entertained and that worked for a while, but it’s not going to work for the entirety of his recovery.

I’m just very glad that my son had the most minimally invasive procedure possible. His surgeon performed a shoulder arthroscopy which involves inserting a small camera into the shoulder joint. The shoulder surgeon only has to make a small incision into the shoulder, which from my understanding, helps to minimise the recovery time needed after surgery. This is obviously on a case by case basis and there is no hard and fast rule for recovery. My son’s shoulder surgeon was very clear about that.

I’m glad that we chose the most established rotator cuff repair surgeon operating in Melbourne to perform the shoulder arthroscopy. Originally I didn’t know that you could perform a rotator cuff repair arthroscopically and it was a lovely surprise when I found out that this was the case. I didn’t want my son to be out of action for too long in the prime of his youth or it would have been very tough on him. It’s already tough on him and I would be so sad for him if it was any worse.

Here’s hoping for a smooth recovery for my son. I hope it goes as quickly as possible but heals to the full extent.