What is Shoulder Arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat shoulder injuries. Shoulder arthroscopy is performed with small incisions (keyhole technique) through which a surgeon inserts a camera that projects images of your shoulder onto a screen for viewing. With this technique, the surgeon has a clear view of the damaged tissues and can make an incision as necessary to enable treatment.

Your surgeon uses a small camera called an arthroscope to see inside your shoulder. This allows your surgeon to use tiny instruments to restore the mobility of your shoulder.

Who is eligible for Shoulder Arthroscopy?

Shoulder arthroscopy is performed to diagnose and treat shoulder joint problems. This procedure is recommended for people whose pain is not responsive to non-surgical treatment modalities such as physical therapy, medication, injections, exercise, or rest to reduce inflammation.

Inflammation is a normal physical response to any disease or injury. Shoulder joints that are sore or injured are inflamed in the form of pain, swelling and stiffness.

Common arthroscopic procedures include:

  • Rotator cuff repair
  • Repair of ligaments
  • Removal or repair of the labrum
  • Removal of inflamed tissue or loose cartilage
  • Repair for recurrent shoulder dislocation
  • Shoulder impingement
  • Arthritis of the collarbone
  • Frozen shoulder or stiffness of the shoulder joint
  • Shoulder instability
  • Biceps rupture
  • Bone spurs or bony projections

Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is often used to repair damage to the rotator cuff (a group of muscles, tendons, and ligaments that normally play a role in shoulder movement).

Tests and diagnosis before arthroscopic shoulder surgery

Before shoulder arthroscopy, you’ll need to get a complete medical history and do any necessary lab tests. You also may need a chest X-ray or an electrocardiogram (ECG).

Surgical procedure arthroscopic shoulder surgery

Shoulder arthroscopy is a type of minimally invasive orthopaedic surgery that is performed using an arthroscope and surgical instruments. It provides a less invasive, more accurate platform for identifying specific shoulder injuries.

Shoulder arthroscopy is performed to remove damaged cartilage and other debris from the shoulder joint and to repair damage to the lining of the joint. The procedure takes about an hour, and you will be in the hospital for two to three days.

Under general or regional anaesthesia, your surgeon will make an incision in the shoulder to enlarge the joint cavity. Your surgeon will insert a thin tube called an arthroscope, which will allow the surgeon to view joint damage. A small tool with a camera on the end of it is guided through other smaller incisions in the joint to remove damaged cartilage and smooth bone spurs that can cause pain. Surgical instruments are then inserted into separate small holes to remove and repair the knee damage. The arthroscope and instruments are removed from the joint and closed with stitches or small sterile bandage strips.

Shoulder Arthroscopy Post-Operative Care

Follow these simple steps so that your post-operative recovery is smooth and pain-free.

After surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room. You will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least the first night. In addition, follow these post-operative precautions:

The shoulder arthroscopy commonly causes soreness and pain. After surgery, you may experience shoulder pain and swelling.

In some cases, post-operative shoulder pain can be treated at home with medications and ice. A shoulder specialist may prescribe painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs or other medications to help manage your discomfort.

A few days after surgery, your doctor will replace the large bandage with simple Band-Aids. You may shower by letting water flow over your shoulders, but don’t soak or scrub the incisions.

What are the risks & complications?

Shoulder arthroscopy is generally very safe. However, as with all surgeries, there are certain risks and complications that may occur.

  • Bleeding, blood clots, infection
  • Shoulder stiffness
  • The repair fails to heal
  • Weakness of the shoulder
  • Blood vessel or nerve injury

What are the advantages of Shoulder Arthroscopy?

  • Less pain
  • Fewer scars
  • Outpatient procedures
  • Less swelling
  • Fast recovery
  • Improved movement
  • Fewer complications and risks

Arthroscopy is an effective, quick way to treat damaged shoulders. The surgery takes about 1-2 hours and complications are less common. After surgery your physician or a therapist will train you on ways to avoid re-injury as well as ways to strengthen the shoulder after surgery.