When is Shoulder Arthroscopy recommended?

This procedure may be considered when: Labral tears including SLAP lesions and Bankart lesions; Shoulder instability and recurrent dislocations; Rotator cuff tears (arthroscopic repair); Subacromial impingement syndrome unresponsive to conservative treatment.

What are the risks of Shoulder Arthroscopy?

Potential risks include: Infection of the surgical site or joint; Nerve injury (particularly axillary or musculocutaneous nerves); Stiffness or frozen shoulder; Blood clots; Persistent pain despite treatment.

What is recovery like after Shoulder Arthroscopy?

Recovery typically involves: Most procedures are performed as outpatient surgery; Sling use varies from a few days to several weeks depending on procedure performed; Pain management includes ice, medications, and activity modification; Physical therapy typically begins within the first week.

Shoulder Arthroscopy

Also known as: Arthroscopic shoulder surgery, Shoulder scope, Shoulder arthroscopic surgery, Arthroscopy of the shoulder, Glenohumeral arthroscopy, Shoulder joint arthroscopy, Shoulder arthroscopic procedure, Shoulder arthroscopy (SA)

Last updated: December 18, 2024

Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery that uses a small camera and specialized instruments inserted through small incisions to look inside the shoulder joint and treat problems. It may be used for labral tears (including SLAP and Bankart lesions) and shoulder instability with recurrent dislocations, and can involve steps like repairing tears. Possible risks include infection, and many procedures are outpatient.

Key Facts

•Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a small camera and specialized instruments to diagnose and treat various shoulder conditions
•Considered when conservative treatment has not provided adequate symptom relief
•Performed arthroscopically under anesthesia with specialized instruments
•Recovery involves physical therapy over weeks to months, with gradual return to activities

Overview

Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a small camera and specialized instruments to diagnose and treat various shoulder conditions. Through small incisions, surgeons can visualize the joint and perform procedures such as removing loose bodies, repairing labral tears, or treating impingement. Arthroscopy offers advantages including smaller incisions, less tissue damage, and potentially faster recovery compared to open surgery.

Indications

This procedure may be considered when:

•Labral tears including SLAP lesions and Bankart lesions
•Shoulder instability and recurrent dislocations
•Rotator cuff tears (arthroscopic repair)
•Subacromial impingement syndrome unresponsive to conservative treatment
•Removal of loose bodies from the joint
•Biceps tendon disorders (tenodesis or tenotomy)
•Frozen shoulder (capsular release)
•Diagnostic evaluation when cause of symptoms is unclear
•Synovitis or infection of the shoulder joint

How It Works

The procedure typically involves several coordinated steps:

•The procedure is performed under general and/or regional anesthesia
•The patient is positioned in a beach chair or lateral decubitus position
•Small incisions (portals) are made around the shoulder joint
•A camera (arthroscope) is inserted to visualize the joint interior
•Fluid is used to expand the joint space and improve visualization
•Specialized instruments are inserted through additional portals
•The surgeon examines all structures including cartilage, labrum, rotator cuff, and biceps
•Therapeutic procedures are performed based on findings (repair, debridement, decompression)
•Portals are closed with sutures or adhesive strips

Risks

As with any surgical procedure, potential risks include:

•Infection of the surgical site or joint
•Nerve injury (particularly axillary or musculocutaneous nerves)
•Stiffness or frozen shoulder
•Blood clots
•Persistent pain despite treatment
•Failure of the repair (if repair performed)
•Bleeding or hematoma
•Instrument breakage
•Fluid extravasation into surrounding tissues
•Need for conversion to open surgery or repeat procedures

Recovery Expectations

Recovery follows a gradual progression:

•Most procedures are performed as outpatient surgery
•Sling use varies from a few days to several weeks depending on procedure performed
•Pain management includes ice, medications, and activity modification
•Physical therapy typically begins within the first week
•Range of motion and strengthening progress according to the specific procedure performed
•Return to work varies from days (desk work) to months (manual labor)
•Full recovery and return to sports may require 3 to 6 months or longer depending on procedure
•Adherence to rehabilitation protocols is important for optimal outcomes

Alternatives

Depending on individual circumstances, alternatives may include:

•Physical therapy and conservative management
•Corticosteroid or other injections
•Open surgical approaches for certain conditions
•Activity modification and lifestyle changes
•Watchful waiting for conditions that may improve with time

Rotator Cuff Tear(Condition)
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome(Condition)
Shoulder Labrum Repair(Procedure)