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Stanford Health Care

Shoulder Arthroscopy - Shoulder Surgery

Shoulder Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is a true minimally invasive surgery in orthopaedics. It is a process of performing surgery with the use of a small specialized camera to allow visualization of the inside of the joint. This "microscopic" camera is placed through a tiny incision, which allows the surgeon to directly observe the inside of the joint, evaluate numerous key anatomic structures and helps verify the safe placement of other specialized instruments. These special instruments are also placed through tiny incisions and will be used to perform the surgical procedure of choice. Typically only 3 or 4 incisions are used.

This form of surgery has been rapidly expanding in its utility over the last few decades, offering a faster, safer and far less painful alternative to many traditional methods of surgery. Arthroscopy was first implemented for routine use in the knee, and has grown to be used in nearly every joint in the body from the hip to the fingers. It also allows for a more rapid recovery and carries fewer risks typically than the traditional "open" or larger surgical procedures.

Most orthopaedic surgeons have received some training in arthroscopic surgery and will use it when indicated in their practice. However, the trained sports medicine surgeon has undergone specialized and focused training in this surgical technique and uses this as their primary surgical tool for most procedures.

Shoulder arthroscopy has been routinely performed for treating several conditions including the following:

  • Shoulder Impingement
  • Rotator Cuff Tears
  • Glenoid Labrum Tears (SLAP tears)
  • Shoulder Instability
  • Arthritis
  • Biceps tendonitis

This type of surgery takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours to perform depending on the type of procedure that is done. It is almost always performed as outpatient surgery (no hospital stay) such that the patient can go home the same day as the surgery. It is utilized very commonly by trained sports medicine and arthroscopic surgeons and typically has excellent results. The specific aspects of the surgery can vary significantly based on the diagnosis and procedure, including how long the rehabilitation process will be. This should be discussed in detail with your surgeon.  

Learn more about preparing for your surgery.