What is arthroscopic surgery?
Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive form of surgery where a tiny camera, called an arthroscope, is used to view tissues in your body. When you have arthroscopic shoulder surgery, the arthroscope enters your shoulder through a tiny incision about a centimeter long. Another incision of about the same size will be used to insert tiny instruments into your shoulder. The arthroscope allows the physician to see the inside of your shoulder so that he or she can use the tiny instruments to repair your damaged or torn tissue.
What will happen the day of my procedure?
You will be asked not to eat or drink anything 12 hours before your procedure. After arriving at the hospital, most people will be given general anesthesia to sleep through the surgery. The surgeon will then repair your shoulder and the small incisions will be closed with stitches. The length of the surgery depends on the shoulder condition the physician is treating. Following the surgery, it is likely that you will be able to go home the same day.
How long will it take me to recover?
You will usually be able to return to work in about a week following the procedure. For many conditions, physical therapy will be needed to help you regain the motion and strength in your shoulder. Including this therapy, total recovery time can take anywhere from one to six months. 
What conditions can be treated with arthroscopic shoulder surgery?
- Rotator Cuff Tears
- Dislocation
- Bursitis
- Shoulder Instability
- Impingement Syndrome
- Frozen Shoulder
- Joint Lining Damage or Tears
- Cartilage Ring or Ligament Tears
- Biceps Tendon Damage or Tears
- Bone Spur or Inflammation Around the Rotator Cuff
- Arthritis
