If shoulder pain is keeping you from your daily activities, sports, or even a good night’s sleep, there’s good news. Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows orthopaedic surgeons to diagnose and treat a wide range of shoulder problems with less pain, faster recovery, and smaller scars compared to traditional open surgery.
At Orthopedic Specialists & Sports Medicine in Granville and Coshocton, Ohio, our team of experienced orthopedic surgeons provides advanced treatment for shoulder injuries, including arthroscopic shoulder surgery. If you’re experiencing persistent shoulder pain or mobility issues, we invite you to schedule a consultation today.
Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat various conditions of the shoulder joint. Using small incisions, the surgeon inserts a tiny camera called an arthroscope into the shoulder, allowing them to see inside the joint on a video monitor. This approach lets surgeons address damage to muscles and tendons, soft tissues surrounding the joint, and other structures without the need for large incisions, resulting in less pain and faster recovery.
The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint, medically called the glenohumeral joint. It’s formed by the upper arm bone (humerus) fitting into the shoulder socket (glenoid) of the shoulder blade (scapula).
The rotator cuff tendons, articular cartilage, and the labrum (strong fibrous cartilage that lines the glenoid bone) all work together to keep the joint stable and moving smoothly. The shoulder’s incredible range of motion comes at a cost. It is more prone to injuries like rotator cuff tears, torn labrum, and shoulder instability.
Arthroscopic surgery can address a wide range of shoulder problems, including:
In some cases, arthroscopy may be an alternative to open shoulder surgery, but severe damage may still require traditional approaches.
Your orthopedic surgeon will review your medical history, medications, and imaging studies before scheduling surgery. Preparation may include:
You’ll also discuss anesthesia. Most shoulder arthroscopies are performed under general anesthesia.
During the procedure, you’ll likely be placed in the beach chair position or lying on your side. The surgeon inserts an arthroscope through small incisions, projecting images from the tiny camera onto a monitor. Using small surgical instruments, the surgeon can:
Most procedures take less than an hour and are completed as an outpatient surgical procedure.
While arthroscopy is a minimally invasive approach, all surgery carries some risks. Possible complications include:
Most patients experience less pain and a faster recovery compared to open surgery. You’ll likely wear a sling for several weeks and use pain medication to manage discomfort. A structured physical therapy program will help restore motion, strength, and function.
Recovery time varies based on the procedure. Minor clean-ups may take weeks, while complex rotator cuff repairs may take several months. Consistent therapy and following your surgeon’s instructions are key to regaining shoulder mobility.
If you’ve been struggling with ongoing shoulder pain, limited mobility, or sports-related injuries, arthroscopic shoulder surgery may be the right solution for you. At Orthopedic Specialists & Sports Medicine in Granville and Coshocton, OH, our skilled team is here to provide compassionate care, advanced surgical techniques, and personalized recovery plans to help you return to the activities you love.
Contact us today to schedule your evaluation and take the first step toward lasting relief.
Medically reviewed by Alex Tancevski, MD
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