What is Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery?

Arthroscopic surgery is a widely popular procedure for diagnosing and treating joint problems by using a small camera, called an arthroscope. Because the arthroscope is so small, your surgeon only needs to make a miniscule incision to insert it in the joint area. Once the proper method of repairing the joint is established, other incisions are made to insert the tools used to shave, trim, cut, stitch or smooth the damaged areas. The arthroscope records video of the joint, which is displayed on a television monitor, allowing the surgeon maximum viewing ability when dealing with the delicate tissue of the joint.

With the camera, your surgeon is able to zero in on the movements of the instruments to repair the joint. Less damage is done to the joint tissue during surgery, which means an easier recovery and a shorter amount of time before you are back in the swing of things.

The procedure is most often used on patients suffering from knee and shoulder pain. Arthroscopy can be utilized for a variety of shoulder problems, including the repair of a torn or damaged rotator cuff, or shoulder instability.

The Procedure 

During your shoulder arthroscopy, your surgeon will insert a flexible, drinking straw-sized camera known as an arthroscope into your joint through a small incision in your shoulder. The arthroscope is equipped with a lighting system and camera, which enables the surgeon to view your joint via a television monitor. The magnified view allows for ultimate precision during the surgery. Once a clear view of the joint is established, the surgeon will insert tiny instruments through other small incisions in the shoulder area.