Shoulder Arthroscopy
Shoulder arthroscopy uses small instruments including a camera to visualize the internal shoulder structures. The surgeon is able to visualize structures on a large screen. Using small shavers, scissors, and other instruments repair or removal of damaged structures is able to be completed.
Typically, 3 small incisions are used. This is a same-day procedure, done under general anesthesia. The patient is followed up in 1 week, for suture removal. Physical therapy is begun after 1 week, unless internal fixation of structures was completed during the surgical procedure.
Shoulder arthroscopy is used as a starting point for labral repairs, rotator cuff repairs and other reconstructive surgeries. Typically, patients undergoing reconstruction have a longer recovery.
