Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat various shoulder joint problems. During arthroscopy, a surgeon inserts a small camera, called an arthroscope, into the shoulder joint through small incisions. This allows them to visualize the inside of the joint on a screen and identify any issues such as inflammation, injury, or damage to the tissues or structures within the shoulder.
Arthroscopy can be used to address a range of shoulder conditions, including:
- Rotator cuff tears: Arthroscopy can be used to repair torn tendons in the rotator cuff, which are common injuries, especially among athletes and individuals who perform repetitive overhead motions.
- Shoulder impingement syndrome: This occurs when the rotator cuff tendons rub against the shoulder blade, causing pain and inflammation. Arthroscopy can be used to remove or repair the structures causing impingement.
- Shoulder instability: Arthroscopy can be employed to repair torn ligaments or labrum in the shoulder joint, helping to stabilize the joint and reduce the risk of dislocations or subluxations.
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis): Arthroscopy can be used to release tight or thickened tissues in the shoulder joint, improving range of motion and reducing pain.
- Bone spurs or other bone abnormalities: Arthroscopy can address these by removing or reshaping the bone to alleviate pain and restore normal joint function.
