Shoulder Arthroscopy
What Is Shoulder Arthroscopy?
Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and treat a wide range of shoulder problems through a few small incisions rather than a large, open surgical approach. A pencil-sized camera, called an arthroscope, is inserted into the joint through one small portal, projecting a magnified view onto a monitor, while specialized miniature instruments are passed through additional small portals to treat the problem being addressed.
At Beyond the Scope Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, arthroscopic technique forms the basis for treating many common shoulder conditions, including rotator cuff tears, labral tears, and shoulder instability.
When Is Shoulder Arthroscopy Needed?
Arthroscopic shoulder surgery may be recommended when:
- Imaging and a physical exam identify a structural problem inside or around the joint, such as a torn rotator cuff, labrum, or biceps tendon
- Symptoms haven’t responded to a reasonable course of nonsurgical treatment, including physical therapy and injections
- Recurrent shoulder instability is limiting a patient’s activity or quality of life
- Direct visualization of the joint is needed to fully characterize an injury that imaging alone hasn’t fully clarified
How Is Shoulder Arthroscopy Performed?
Shoulder arthroscopy is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, often with the patient positioned either on their side or in a semi-reclined “beach chair” position, depending on the specific problem being addressed. A regional nerve block is frequently used alongside a light general anesthetic to minimize discomfort after surgery. Sterile fluid gently expands the joint to improve visibility, and the arthroscope and instruments are passed through small portals to repair or treat the identified problem — whether that involves reattaching a torn rotator cuff tendon, repairing a torn labrum, or addressing other structures within the joint.
Because the incisions are so small, arthroscopic surgery generally results in less scarring, less initial pain, and often a faster return to daily activities compared to traditional open shoulder surgery.
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Dr. Palsis utilizes innovative treatment techniques to get you back in motion and back to the life you love.
Recovery After Shoulder Arthroscopy
Recovery depends significantly on the specific procedure performed — a simple diagnostic arthroscopy or biceps tendon debridement heals much faster than a rotator cuff repair, for example. In general:
- Most patients go home the same day
- A sling is typically used for a period of time to protect the repair, with the specific duration depending on what was addressed
- Physical therapy is introduced at a pace tailored to the procedure performed, sometimes starting with gentle passive motion before progressing to active strengthening
- Return to full activity ranges from a few weeks for simpler procedures to several months for more extensive repairs, such as rotator cuff surgery
Dr. Palsis will provide a specific recovery plan based on exactly what was addressed during your procedure.
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Dr. Palsis specializes in the treatment of knee, shoulder, and sports injuries.