As a fellowship-trained shoulder surgeon with advanced training from TSOC, Japan, shoulder arthroscopy is one of the procedures I am most passionate about. It is a technique that allows me to diagnose and treat complex shoulder problems through incisions smaller than a centimetre — without opening the joint. Here is everything you need to know about shoulder arthroscopy in Chandigarh.
What Is Shoulder Arthroscopy?
Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique where a thin camera (arthroscope) is inserted into the shoulder joint through a small incision. The camera transmits a live image to a monitor, allowing the surgeon to inspect all structures inside the joint. Tiny surgical instruments are passed through additional small incisions to perform repairs.
Because no large incision is required, shoulder arthroscopy typically involves:
- Less post-operative pain than open surgery
- Shorter hospital stay (usually day-case or overnight)
- Faster return to daily activities
- Lower risk of infection
- Smaller, more cosmetically acceptable scars
Conditions Treated With Shoulder Arthroscopy
- Rotator Cuff Tears: The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that stabilise the shoulder. Partial and full-thickness tears can be repaired arthroscopically. See also: Rotator Cuff Tear: Causes & Treatment.
- Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): When conservative treatment fails, arthroscopic capsular release dramatically improves range of motion. See also: Understanding Frozen Shoulder.
- Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: Arthroscopic sub-acromial decompression removes bone spurs and inflamed tissue to relieve impingement pain.
- Shoulder Instability / Bankart Repair: A torn labrum (the cartilage rim of the shoulder socket) is reattached to prevent recurrent dislocations.
- SLAP Tears: Superior labrum tears are repaired or debrided arthroscopically.
- AC Joint Problems: Arthritis or injury of the acromioclavicular joint can be treated with minimal bone removal.
- Biceps Tendon Pathology: Tenodesis or tenotomy of the biceps tendon for pain relief.
What Happens During Shoulder Arthroscopy?
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia and takes between 45 minutes and 2 hours depending on what is found and repaired:
- Positioning: You are positioned in either the lateral decubitus (side) or beach chair position.
- Portal placement: Small incisions (portals) are made around the shoulder for the camera and instruments.
- Diagnostic inspection: All structures inside the joint — cartilage, tendons, labrum, biceps — are systematically examined.
- Repair/treatment: The specific pathology found is addressed — torn tissue is repaired, inflamed tissue removed, bone spurs shaved.
- Closure: Small stitch or steri-strips close the portals. An arm sling is applied.
Recovery After Shoulder Arthroscopy
Recovery varies depending on the procedure performed:
- Decompression / Diagnostic: Return to light activities in 1–2 weeks; full recovery in 6–8 weeks.
- Bankart Repair / Labral Repair: Sling for 4–6 weeks; physiotherapy for 4–6 months; return to sport in 6–9 months.
- Rotator Cuff Repair: Sling for 4–6 weeks; physiotherapy for 4–6 months; full recovery in 9–12 months for large tears.
If you are experiencing persistent shoulder pain, shoulder instability, or difficulty raising your arm in Chandigarh, Panchkula, or Mohali, an orthopaedic evaluation can determine whether shoulder arthroscopy is right for you.
Further Reading
Take care,
Dr. Mohak Kataria