What is Shoulder Arthroscopy?
Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique in which a small camera, called an arthroscope, is inserted into the shoulder joint through a small incision. The camera projects a clear, magnified view of the inside of the joint onto a monitor, allowing Dr. Jackson to diagnose and treat problems using specialized instruments passed through additional small incisions, each typically less than a centimeter long.
Because arthroscopy avoids the larger incisions of traditional open surgery, it generally means less pain, less damage to surrounding tissue, and an easier early recovery.
What Conditions Can Shoulder Arthroscopy Treat?
Arthroscopy is a versatile tool used to address many sources of shoulder pain and dysfunction, including:
- Rotator cuff tears – repairing torn tendons back to the bone
- Labral tears, including SLAP tears – repairing the cartilage rim that stabilizes the joint
- Shoulder instability – tightening or repairing stretched or torn ligaments after dislocations
- Impingement and bursitis – removing inflamed tissue and creating more space for the rotator cuff
- Biceps tendon problems – addressing fraying or instability of the biceps tendon within the shoulder
- Stiffness from a frozen shoulder – releasing the tightened capsule when conservative care has not restored motion
What to Expect
Most shoulder arthroscopy procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you go home the same day. Before recommending any surgery, Dr. Jackson completes a thorough evaluation with a history, physical examination, and imaging studies, and discusses whether non-surgical care is a reasonable first step for your condition.
After surgery, recovery follows a structured plan: a period of protection for the repaired tissue, followed by progressive range-of-motion work, then strengthening. The timeline depends on what is done during the procedure… a simple cleanup recovers much faster than a repair that must heal to bone. Dr. Jackson will give you clear expectations for your specific procedure.
Is Shoulder Arthroscopy Right for You?
Not every shoulder problem needs surgery, and not every surgical problem is best treated arthroscopically. The right plan starts with an accurate diagnosis. Schedule an appointment or call (210) 729-1900 to discuss your options.
Shoulder Arthroscopy FAQs
Is shoulder arthroscopy an outpatient procedure?
Most shoulder arthroscopy procedures are outpatient, meaning you go home the same day.
What conditions can shoulder arthroscopy treat?
It is a versatile technique used for rotator cuff tears, SLAP and labral tears, shoulder instability, impingement and bursitis, biceps tendon problems, and releasing the stiffness of a frozen shoulder when conservative care has not restored motion.
How big are the incisions?
Small… typically less than a centimeter each. The camera and instruments work through these small openings, which generally means less pain, less damage to surrounding tissue, and an easier early recovery than open surgery.
How long does recovery take?
It depends on what is done during the procedure. A simple cleanup recovers much faster than a repair that must heal to bone. Recovery follows a structured plan… protection first, then progressive range of motion, then strengthening… and Dr. Jackson will give you clear expectations for your specific procedure.
If I see a surgeon, does that mean I need surgery?
No. Not every shoulder problem needs surgery, and not every surgical problem is best treated arthroscopically. Every plan starts with a thorough evaluation, and Dr. Jackson discusses whether non-surgical care is a reasonable first step.