Shoulder Arthroscopy

Overview

Shoulder arthroscopy uses a small camera and specialized instruments inserted through a few small incisions to see inside the shoulder and treat the problem. Because the incisions are small, most patients go home the same day, with less pain and stiffness than open surgery.

Arthroscopy is used to repair torn rotator cuff tendons and labral tears, treat biceps problems, remove inflamed tissue and bone spurs, remove the arthritic end of the collarbone at the AC joint (distal clavicle excision), and release a stiff, frozen shoulder (capsular release).

Many shoulder problems improve without surgery, so arthroscopy is usually recommended when pain or weakness persists after physical therapy, activity changes and, in some cases, injections.

Benefits

• Small incisions and usually same-day discharge
• Direct view of the joint to confirm the diagnosis
• Treats several problems in one operation
• Less pain and faster early recovery than open surgery

Who is a Candidate?

Shoulder Arthroscopy may be appropriate for patients who meet certain criteria. Ideal candidates include:

• Rotator cuff and labral tears
• Biceps tendon problems and SLAP tears
• Impingement and bursitis that have not improved with therapy
• AC joint arthritis
• Frozen shoulder that has not responded to nonsurgical care
• Loose bodies or cartilage damage

Recovery & Rehabilitation

Recovery depends on what is done. After a simple debridement or decompression, patients often use a sling briefly and start motion within days. After a repair, a sling is typically worn for several weeks while the tissue heals, followed by staged physical therapy over several months.