What is Shoulder Arthroscopy?

Shoulder pain affects 16% of the population.  Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves inserting an arthroscope—a small, fiber-optic camera—into the shoulder joint. This technique allows surgeons to diagnose and treat various shoulder conditions with precision and minimal disruption to surrounding tissues.

Benefits

The advantages of shoulder arthroscopy are numerous:

• Smaller Incisions: Unlike traditional open surgery, arthroscopy requires only tiny incisions, which means less trauma to the shoulder.
• Faster Healing: Patients typically experience quicker recovery times, allowing them to return to daily activities sooner.
• Outpatient Procedure: Most arthroscopic surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can go home the same day.
• Less Scarring: The smaller incisions result in minimal scarring, enhancing cosmetic outcomes.

Indications

Shoulder arthroscopy may be recommended for a variety of conditions, including:

• Shoulder Instability: Evaluation and treatment of joint instability.
• Labral Tears: Repair of torn or damaged cartilage (labrum) or biceps tendon.
• Rotator Cuff Injuries: Addressing tears in the rotator cuff.
• Frozen Shoulder: Treatment for stiffness and limited range of motion.
• Subacromial Decompression: Relieving pressure in the shoulder joint.
• Arthritis: Managing arthritis at the end of the clavicle.
• Loose Bodies: Removal of loose fragments within the joint.
• Infection: Debridement or drainage of shoulder joint infections.

The Shoulder Arthroscopy Procedure

During shoulder arthroscopy, your surgeon will:

1. Make Small Incisions: Several tiny incisions are made around the shoulder joint.
2. Insert the Arthroscope: The arthroscope is introduced through one incision, providing a clear view of the joint on a monitor.
3. Expand the Joint: A sterile solution is pumped into the joint to expand it, allowing for better visibility and access.
4. Use Surgical Instruments: Additional incisions are used to insert specialized instruments for repairing damaged tissues.

Advantages

Shoulder arthroscopy is significantly less traumatic than traditional open surgery. The benefits include:

• Reduced Recovery Time: Patients often experience less pain and stiffness post-surgery.
• Lower Risk of Complications: Smaller incisions lead to a decreased risk of infection and other complications associated with larger surgical wounds.