What is arthroscopy?
The arthroscope is a small fiber optic instrument that can be placed into the shoulder joint through a small incision (Figures 1A and 1B). A camera is attached to a TV monitor, and pictures can be taken. The arthroscope allows a complete evaluation of the entire shoulder joint, including the ligaments, the rotator cuff, the biceps tendon, the joint lining, and the cartilage surface. Small instruments ranging from 3-5 millimeters in size are inserted through an additional incision so that any injuries can be diagnosed, and damaged tissue can be repaired, reconstructed, or removed. Before the development of arthroscopy, large incisions had to be made over the shoulder joint to treat or diagnose injuries. Today’s arthroscopic techniques allow more complete evaluations of the shoulder joint while accelerating the rehabilitation process.

What kinds of procedures can be performed with the arthroscope?
Arthroscopy allows the surgeon to view the inside of the shoulder joint and perform a variety of surgeries. These surgeries include:

• A complete evaluation of the joint (diagnostic arthroscopy)
• Repair of torn or damaged cartilage or ligaments of the shoulder (in cases of shoulder instability)
• Repair of a torn or damaged biceps tendon (in cases of biceps tendonitis or SLAP tears)
• Evaluation and repair of the rotator cuff (in cases of rotator cuff tendonitis or tears)
• Removal of the end of the clavicle (in cases of arthritis or pain of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint)

• Patient Guide to Shoulder Arthroscopy (220Kb)

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