Common procedures that can be performed with shoulder arthroscopy include:
Rotator Cuff Repair. The rotator cuff muscles are 4 distinct muscles that help to raise the arm and hold the ball and socket together. The rotator cuff can be damaged through injury or repetitive wear and tear. For more information on rotator cuff repair, click here.
Labral Repair. The labrum is a lip or rim of cartilage that acts as a bumper cushion, deepening the socket and improving stability for the shoulder. The labrum can be damaged through injury, such as dislocation, or through repetitive wear and tear. For more information on labral repair, click here.
Shoulder Dislocations. Shoulder dislocations can cause significant damage to the shoulder including labral tears, bony fractures of the socket (Bankart lesion) or humerus (Hill Sachs lesion), stretching or tearing of the capsule, and damage to the articular cartilage. Rarely nerve stretching injuries (neuropraxia of the axillary nerve) can also occur.
Capsule Release for Frozen Shoulder. Frozen shoulder is a severe inflammation and tightening of the capsule (lining) of the shoulder joint. Arthroscopic release of this tissue can relieve pain and improve range of motion in patients with frozen shoulder.
Distal Clavicle Excision for AC Joint Arthritis. At the end of the collarbone is a small joint (the AC joint), that can become painful and arthritic. Shoulder arthroscopy can be used to remove the arthritic joint at the end of the collarbone.
Shoulder Separation Repair or Reconstruction. The AC joint can be injured and pushed out of place. This injury is called a shoulder separation. Surgery can be performed to stabilize and secure this joint back into position.
Superior Capsular Reconstruction. Occasionally rotator cuff tears can become so large, scarred, and shrunken down (atrophied) that the tears are not repairable. SCR is an arthroscopic technique in which cadaver tissue (allograft) is used to reconstruct the shoulder capsule and provide coverage in cushion in place of the rotator cuff.
Treatment for Biceps Tendonitis. The biceps tendon can become frayed, painful, or slip out of place. Arthroscopic surgery can be used to remove the damaged portion of the biceps and stabilize it.