Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery

About This Procedure

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat many conditions affecting joints like the shoulder. A surgeon inserts the arthroscope, a small tube containing a camera, through a small incision to see the joint condition. Tiny surgical tools are then inserted through additional small incisions to remove or repair tissue.

Shoulder arthroscopy usually offers less pain and faster recovery than open surgery for conditions such as rotator cuff and ligament repair.

A shoulder scope is an outpatient procedure that typically doesn't require an overnight hospital stay.

Why you may need shoulder arthroscopy

Conditions that cause pain, inflammation, swelling and reduced range of motion include arthritis, injury, and just wear and tear over time. You may benefit from arthroscopic shoulder surgery if you have a condition that has not responded to nonsurgical treatments like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, rest or steroid injections.

Shoulder scope procedures

Shoulder arthroscopy, or shoulder scope, procedures include:

• Bone spur removal
• Labrum repair or removal
• Inflamed tissue or loose cartilage removal
• Ligament repair
• Recurrent shoulder dislocation repair
• Rotator cuff repair

Recovery after a shoulder scope

Depending on what the surgeon sees through the scope, and what repairs are done, it can take six to eight weeks before you can resume some physical activities. If you require a major repair, full recovery may take up to six months.

Depending on your condition, you may have physical therapy or occupational therapy to help you regain strength and restore range of motion after shoulder arthroscopy.