Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions like rotator cuff tears, labral injuries, and impingement. Dr. Seth Grossman, our board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon, recommends surgery only when conservative treatments no longer provide lasting relief.
Regain Shoulder Strength and Stability
Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows your surgeon to view, diagnose, and treat problems inside the shoulder joint using an arthroscope. The camera is inserted through several tiny incisions to provide detailed images of the joint and surrounding structures. This surgical technique may be used to address rotator cuff tears, labral injuries, shoulder instability, impingement, and other conditions while minimizing tissue disruption.
What Does Shoulder Arthroscopy Treat?
Shoulder arthroscopy can address a wide range of injuries and conditions affecting the bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues of the shoulder. Depending on your diagnosis, shoulder arthroscopy may be used to treat:
- Rotator cuff tears
- Labral tears, including SLAP tears
- Shoulder impingement syndrome
- Recurrent shoulder instability and dislocations
- Torn or inflamed biceps tendon
- Bone spurs contributing to pain and limited movement
- Inflamed or damaged shoulder bursa
- Loose cartilage or bone fragments within the joint
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) in select cases
What Happens During Shoulder Arthroscopy?
Shoulder arthroscopy is typically performed under general anesthesia, although some patients may also receive a regional nerve block. After you are comfortably positioned, Dr. Grossman makes several small incisions around your shoulder. An arthroscope, a thin instrument with a high-definition camera and light, is inserted through one incision, allowing him to examine the joint on a monitor in real time.
Once the problem has been identified, Dr. Grossman inserts specialized surgical instruments through the remaining incisions to repair damaged tissues, remove inflamed tissue or loose fragments, smooth rough bone surfaces, or stabilize the joint as needed. After the procedure, the instruments are removed, the incisions are closed with sutures or adhesive strips, and your shoulder is bandaged.
Benefits of Shoulder Arthroscopy:
- Smaller incisions than traditional open surgery
- Less disruption to surrounding muscles and soft tissues
- Improved visualization of the shoulder joint
- Precise diagnosis and treatment during the same procedure
- Reduced postoperative pain for many patients
- Lower risk of scarring
- Shorter recovery time in appropriate cases
- Effective treatment for a wide range of shoulder conditions
- Improved shoulder stability, function, and range of motion
FAQs
Will I Need Physical Therapy After Shoulder Arthroscopy?
In most cases, yes. Physical therapy plays an important role in your recovery by helping restore shoulder strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Your rehabilitation plan will depend on the condition treated and whether a repair was performed. Following your therapy program and activity restrictions can help support the best possible outcome.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From Shoulder Arthroscopy?
Recovery varies from person to person and depends on the complexity of your procedure. Many people return to light activities within a few weeks, while complete healing after repairs such as rotator cuff surgery may take several months. Your surgeon will monitor your progress and let you know when it is safe to resume work, exercise, and sports.
Will I Have to Wear a Sling?
You may need to wear a sling after surgery to protect your shoulder while it heals. The duration depends on the type of procedure you undergo. Some patients only require a sling for a short period, while others may need one for several weeks to allow repaired tissues to heal properly.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Dr. Seth Grossman is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon whose engineering background and commitment to patient-first care guide every treatment. He exhausts all conservative options whenever possible and performs minimally invasive procedures when surgery offers the best path forward. Serving patients throughout northern New Jersey, Dr. Grossman provides personalized care focused on restoring mobility. Schedule your consultation to learn whether shoulder arthroscopy is suitable for you.
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