Shoulder Arthroscopy

🔹 What is it?

Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and treat shoulder joint problems. A tiny camera (arthroscope) is inserted through small incisions, letting the surgeon see and operate inside the joint without large cuts.

📌 Why is it done? (Indications)

Doctors recommend shoulder arthroscopy for:

* Rotator cuff tears (repairing torn tendons)
* Shoulder instability (recurrent dislocations, Bankart repair)
* Labral tears (e.g., SLAP tear)
* Impingement syndrome (bone spurs or inflamed tissue removal)
* Frozen shoulder (capsular release)
* Biceps tendon problems
* Early arthritis / cartilage damage
* Loose bodies inside the joint

🛠️ How the Procedure is Done

* Anesthesia – General or regional (nerve block).
* Patient Positioning – Beach-chair position or lying on the side.
* Incisions (Portals) – Small cuts (~5–10 mm) made around the shoulder.
* Arthroscope Insertion – Camera projects inside view on a monitor.
* Surgical Treatment – Depending on the problem:
* Suturing torn tendons/labrum with anchors
* Removing inflamed tissue or bone spurs
* Releasing tight capsule in frozen shoulder
* Cleaning cartilage damage

* Closure – Small stitches or adhesive strips.

✅ Advantages of Arthroscopy

1.Smaller incisions → less pain, minimal scars
2.Faster recovery compared to open surgery
3.Lower risk of infection
4.Can diagnose and treat in one procedure

⏳ Recovery Timeline

1.Hospital stay: Often day-care or 1 night
2.Sling: 1–6 weeks depending on repair type
3.Physiotherapy: Starts early, very important
4.Return to activities:

* Desk work/light use: 2–6 weeks
* Sports/heavy lifting: 3–6 months

⚠️ Possible Risks

* Infection (rare)
* Stiffness (if physiotherapy not followed)
* Nerve or blood vessel injury (very rare)
* Re-tear (in case of tendon repairs)

👉 In short:
Shoulder Arthroscopy is a modern, safe, and effective surgical option for many shoulder conditions, especially when physiotherapy and medicines are not enough. It combines diagnosis + treatment, with faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.