Shoulder Arthroscopy
Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat problems within the shoulder joint. It involves the use of a small camera called an arthroscope, inserted through tiny incisions. This allows orthopaedic surgeons to visualize, diagnose, and repair a wide range of shoulder conditions with minimal trauma to surrounding tissues. It has got advantages over open surgery such as smaller incisions, less scarring, reduced post-op pain and swelling, shorter recovery time, lower risk of infection, better cosmetic result, earlier return to activities (depending on the procedure).
Indications for Shoulder Arthroscopy
Shoulder arthroscopy is commonly recommended for patients with persistent shoulder pain, dysfunction, or instability that has not responded to conservative treatments (e.g., physical therapy, medications, injections).
Common Conditions Treated
- Rotator Cuff Tears – Partial or complete tearing of the tendons.
- Labral Tears (e.g., SLAP or Bankart lesions) – Often related to shoulder dislocations or overhead sports.
- Shoulder Impingement Syndrome – Inflammation or bone spurs that compress soft tissues.
- Shoulder Instability – Recurrent dislocations due to ligament or labrum damage.
- Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) – In some cases, release is done arthroscopically.
- AC Joint Arthritis – Resected arthroscopically for pain relief.
- Loose Bodies or Cartilage Damage – Clean-up or debridement of the joint.
- Biceps Tendon Disorders – Such as biceps tenotomy or tenodesis.
Clinical Pathway
- You will be seen by the specialist in outpatient department for clinical evaluation.
- You will be asked certain questions related to your symptoms and examined thoroughly.
- Your investigations such as X-ray, MRI will be reviewed, following which a surgical plan of surgery will be made.
- A detailed explanation will be given to you with regards to surgery along with its pros and cons.
- You will be seen by the anesthetic team
- Your fitness for surgery will be evaluated.
- Investigations including blood tests will be carried out.
- A physical therapist will explain you with regarding to the post op precautions, exercises and immobilization.
- You will be admitted on the day of surgery in the morning. The surgery will be performed under general and regional anesthesia.
- After surgery, you will be under certain medication to control your post operative pain to make you comfortable.
- You will be discharged the next day with post operative instructions.
- Your physical therapy will be started on the next day after surgery and will continue for around three months.
- You will be required to see the specialist in outpatient clinic on couple of occasions to assess the recovery. You were expected to recover completely in approximately three to six months.
Frequently Asked Questions
+
What happens during the shoulder arthroscopy surgery?
Preparation • Usually done under general anaesthesia, often combined with a regional nerve block for post-op pain relief. • Patient is positioned in either the beach chair or lateral decubitus position. Procedure Steps 1. Portal Creation – Small incisions (portals) are made for the arthroscope and surgical instruments. 2. Diagnostic Arthroscopy – Surgeon examines the joint interior on a monitor. 3. Treatment – Depending on pathology: o Torn rotator cuff is repaired using anchors and sutures. o Bone spurs are removed in subacromial decompression. o Labral tears are repaired with suture anchors or debrided. o Inflamed tissue or loose bodies are removed. 4. Closure – Portals are closed with sutures or adhesive strips and covered with sterile dressings. Duration • Surgery usually takes 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on complexity.
+
How long the recovery take after the surgery?
The overall recovery may take upto 3-6 months, depending on the procedure performed. Immediate Recovery • Shoulder is placed in a sling; ice and pain medications are provided. • Nerve blocks can keep the shoulder numb for 12–24 hours post-op. Physical Therapy • Begins within a few days to weeks depending on the repair: o Passive motion → Active-assisted → Active motion → Strengthening • Duration: 3 to 6 months or longer for complex repairs (e.g., rotator cuff). • Compliance with rehab is crucial to regain full function. Return to Work or Sports • Desk jobs: 1–2 weeks • Manual labor: 3–4 months • Overhead sports: 4–6 months (longer if major repair)
+
What are the risks of the procedure?
Though rare, complications can occur, including: • Infection (very low risk with arthroscopy) • Nerve or blood vessel injury • Stiffness or frozen shoulder • Incomplete relief of symptoms • Re-tear or failure of repair • Blood clots (rare in upper extremity surgery)
