Arthroscopy of the shoulder is a surgical procedure in which a small fiberoptic camera (arthroscope) is inserted into the shoulder joint through a small incision to see the inside of the shoulder. This enables Dr. Taylor to visualize the inside of the joint on a monitor in the operating room. Other small incisions are made through which specialized instruments are inserted to allow him to perform the procedure in the most minimally invasive way possible. During the procedure, fluid is inserted into the shoulder to distend the joint and allow for visualization. The shoulder is examined for damaged tissue. Arthroscopy is used for many procedures of the shoulder. The benefits of arthroscopy include smaller incisions, faster healing, more rapid recover, less scaring, and minimal blood loss. Patients commonly go home the same day of surgery.
Shoulder Arthroscopy
- Shoulder arthroscopy can take as little as 30 minutes for some procedures and is done on an outpatient basis, meaning you will be in and out of the hospital in the same day.
- Common reasons for arthroscopy include tears to the structures within the shoulder (torn rotator cuff, torn labrum, loose fragments of cartilage or bone, inflamed synovial tissue, etc.).
- Like any surgical procedure, pre-operative tests may be ordered to ensure you are healthy for arthroscopy.