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Shoulder Arthroscopy: Symptoms, Classification, Diagnosis & Recovery

A shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure conducted to inspect, diagnose, and rectify the problems involving the shoulder joint. During a shoulder arthroscopy, a small device attached to a camera is inserted into the shoulder to diagnose the reason for pain in the shoulder, among other problems.

Miniature surgical instruments are also inserted into the shoulder to rectify the identified problem. Such a surgery is known as arthroscopic shoulder surgery. When shoulder replacement is conducted with the help of arthroscopy, the procedure is known as arthroscopic shoulder replacement.

At each stage of the arthroscopic shoulder surgery, the surgeon is guided by an image displayed on the television screen. This is a minimally invasive procedure that ensures a quick recovery.

The shoulder has three bones, namely:

  • the clavicle (the collarbone),
  • scapula (the shoulder blade),
  • and humerus (the upper arm bone).

A rotator cuff tear, articular cartilage, labrum, and surrounding soft tissues can be the cause of pain in the shoulder joint. These areas can get damaged or distorted as a result of some accidents. The actual cause of pain can be diagnosed with the help of a shoulder arthroscopy. Sometimes, age-related wear and tear can is also responsible for shoulder joint-related pain and problems.

A physician may recommend a shoulder arthroscopy if your shoulder does not respond well to other alternative treatments such as exercising and physiotherapy. Common rotator cuff surgery can be used to conduct rotator cuff repair, removal or repair of the labrum, repair of ligaments and recurrent shoulder dislocation, and bone spur removal. Some of the less common procedures may include fracture repair, cyst excision, and nerve release.

Symptoms of a shoulder injury include:

  • Excessive pain in the shoulder joint
  • Stiffness in the shoulder joint
  • Trouble while sleeping with the affected shoulder on one side.
  • Slight swelling can also be observed in the joint region.

Before shoulder arthroscopy, your provider will review your health history and request a complete list of your medications. You may need to stop taking certain medications a few days before the surgery.

  • Blood test
  • A chest Xray
  • Electrocardiogram

Aftercare and recovery following shoulder arthroscopy are generally simpler compared to open surgeries. Patients are often discharged on the same day as the procedure, though complete healing may take a few weeks.

The total recovery time from arthroscopic shoulder surgery varies among patients. Some pain may persist for about a week, but it can be managed with ice packs. Additionally, doctors prescribe medications to help control pain. Sleeping in a reclined position can provide comfort during the first week. After a week, large bandages can be replaced with smaller band-aids and a sling will be required for some time as advised by your doctor.

In cases of complicated surgery, physical therapy may be necessary. While slight pain may occur occasionally, the issues addressed by the surgery should not recur.

Best Shoulder Arthroscopy Hospitals

Mount Elizabeth Hospital

Mount Elizabeth Hospital

Singapore, Singapore

Mount Elizabeth Hospital is a multispecialty healthcare facility operated by Parkway Health. The hos...more

FACILITIES

phone in the room SIM

Free Wifi

Translator

Health Insurance Coordination

Joint Commission International, or JCI
Saudi German Hospital

Saudi German Hospital

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Saudi German Hospital is one of the largest private hospitals belonging to the SGH Group which is th...more

FACILITIES

Post-Surgery Care Services

Free Wifi

Rehabilitation

Health Insurance Coordination

Joint Commission International, or JCI

Quironsalud Barcelona Hospital is built at a very convenient location in Barcelona. The hospital is ...more

FACILITIES

Private Rooms

Foreign Currency Exchange

Rehabilitation

Free Wifi

Joint Commission International, or JCIISO 9001

Consult Online with World’s Best Shoulder Arthroscopy

View All Doctors
Dr. Mannu Bhatia
Dr. Mannu Bhatia

Orthopedics

Delhi, India

23 of experience

USD  32 for video consultation

Dr. Puneet Mishra
Dr. Puneet Mishra

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Delhi, India

25 of experience

USD  32 for video consultation

Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Selim
Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Selim

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Dubai, U.A.E.

20 of experience

USD  140 for video consultation

Dr. Aditya Somayyaji
Dr. Aditya Somayyaji

Orthopedic Surgeon

Hyderabad, India

14 of experience

USD  30 for video consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will I be made unconscious completely?

A: Usually not, only local anesthesia is involved

Q: When will I be discharged from the hospital after shoulder arthroscopy?

A: Some patients are discharged on the same day, while others who have had complicated surgery may be advised to stay admitted to the hospital for a few days.

Explore Top Hospitals Worldwide for Shoulder Arthroscopy

Explore Top Hospitals for Shoulder Arthroscopy

Author

Tanya Bose

MSc Biotechnology

2.5 Years of Experience

Tanya Bose is a medical content specialist with a strong medical background. She has completed her Bachelor's and Master’s in Biotechnology from Amity University. With a deep understanding of biomedical sciences and research, she develops authoritative and patient-focused medical content covering treatments, surgical procedures, and healthcare innovations. Her writing emphasizes accuracy, clarity, and evidence-based information to help readers better understand complex medical topics. She is dedicated to improving patient awareness and supporting informed healthcare decisions by delivering trustworthy medical insights in a clear and accessible format. . View More

Reviewer

Dr. Manoj Miglani

Orthopedic Surgeon

22 Years of Experience

Known for his soft-spoken nature, Dr. Manon Miglani had completed his MBBS from Maulana Azad Medical College and MS (Ortho) for All India Institute of Medical Sciences. Dr. Miglani was awarded AO spine fellowship from Queen’s Medical Center, Nottingham and he also received Stryker fellowship in Arthroplasty from Indraprastha Apollo Hospital. Dr. Manon Miglani has provided his expert services to various hospitals of Delhi and NCR including AIIMS, Indraprastha Apollo, Jaipur Golden hospital, and Artemis hospital Presently, Dr. Manon is the additional director of Fortis, Vasant Kunj and senior consultant at Fortis, Shalimar Bagh. View More