The Department of Orthopaedics of the Shoulder and the Elbow performs 800 surgeries and sees over 3,000 patients each year. The surgical team specialises in joint surgery, with particular reference to the treatment of shoulder disorders (habitual dislocation, rotator cuff injuries and other diseases), with advanced, minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques. In some cases, it may be necessary to perform open surgery, as for example in the installation of prostheses in cases of serious fractures or osteoarthritis.
The Unit is also involved in minimally invasive surgery with an interest in other joints such as the knee, ankle, elbow, and wrist. Thanks to modern technology, it is now possible to inspect the inside of the joints through a direct visual imaging. Moreover, recording systems and video cameras connected to the lens systems of miniaturized arthroscopy allow the capture of images of joints and surgical gestures: thus diagnostic capabilities and surgical accuracy are greatly amplified.
Therefore, various surgical procedures are performed directly within the joints. In some cases arthroscopy may also be used as a diagnostic procedure to locate the exact area of pathology and confirm a diagnosis. When indicated, arthroscopy may be followed by a classic open surgical procedure.
