Shoulder Arthroscopy

Shoulder Arthroscopy web based movie

Overview

Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that is done with special instruments through tiny incisions. The arthroscope is a fiber optic camera that is inserted into the shoulder with the patient anesthetized. This allows the surgeon to view structures in and around the shoulder and perform a variety of procedures to repair injured structures.

Before the development of arthroscopy, large incisions had to be made over the shoulder in order to allow exposure of the injuries requiring repair or reconstruction. Today’s arthroscopic techniques allow less invasive and more accurate evaluation of the damaged joint while greatly accelerating the rehabilitation process.

Treatment

Common procedures performed via arthroscopy in the shoulder include:

• Shoulder stabilization – for loose or dislocating shoulders
• Repair of labral tears (SLAP tears)
• Subacromial decompression – impingement surgery for removal of bone spurs and inflamed bursa tissue
• Repair of rotator cuff tears
• Removal of loose bodies in the shoulder
• Treatment of biceps tendon tears
• AC joint arthritis/pain

Additional Information

For more information, visit http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00589.