Shoulder Arthroscopy

Shoulder arthroscopy is surgery that uses a tiny camera called an arthroscope to examine and/or repair the tissues inside or around your shoulder joint. The arthroscope is inserted through a small incision (cut) in your skin. Arthroscopy is an alternative to open surgery, which completely exposes the shoulder joint. Arthroscopy results in less pain and stiffness, fewer complications, shorter hospital stay and faster recovery.

Arthroscopy is used to treat these shoulder problems:
• A torn rotator cuff, which is a group of muscles and tendons that cover your shoulder joint that help to move the shoulder in different directions. The tendons in the rotator cuff can tear when they are overused or injured
• A torn or damaged labrum (cartilage ring) or ligaments
• Shoulder impingement syndrome, to make more room for the shoulder to move around
• Shoulder instability, where the shoulder joint is loose and slides around too much or becomes dislocated
• A torn or damaged biceps tendon
• A bone spur or inflammation around the rotator cuff
• Inflammation or damaged lining of the joint
• Arthritis of the end of the collarbone
• Loose tissue that needs to be removed

After shoulder arthroscopy, physiotherapy is usually recommended to help you regain motion and strength in your shoulder. The length of physiotherapy and rehabilitation will depend on the extent of the arthroscopy.

Other shoulder consultations include SLAP tears and shoulder dislocations and fractures.