Shoulder arthroscopy surgery is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat a wide range of shoulder conditions. Using a small camera and specialized instruments, surgeons can address the source of pain and dysfunction through tiny incisions—often resulting in less pain, faster recovery, and improved outcomes compared to traditional open surgery.
Our practice offers advanced shoulder arthroscopy procedures performed by board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons with extensive expertise in shoulder care.
What Is Shoulder Arthroscopy?
Shoulder arthroscopy is a surgical technique in which a small camera (arthroscope) is inserted into the shoulder joint. This allows the surgeon to visualize the joint in high detail and treat damaged tissue with precision while preserving healthy structures.
Because the procedure is minimally invasive, patients typically experience:
- Smaller incisions
- Reduced postoperative pain
- Shorter recovery times
- Lower risk of complications
Conditions Treated With Shoulder Arthroscopy
Shoulder arthroscopy can be used to diagnose and treat many common shoulder problems, including:
- Rotator cuff tears
- Shoulder impingement syndrome
- Labral tears (SLAP tears, Bankart tears)
- Shoulder instability and dislocations
- Bursitis and inflammation
- Arthritis-related joint damage
- Loose bodies in the shoulder joint
Your surgeon will determine if arthroscopy is the most appropriate treatment for your condition.
When Is Shoulder Arthroscopy Recommended?
Shoulder arthroscopy may be recommended when:
- Shoulder pain persists despite conservative treatment
- There is weakness or loss of motion
- Mechanical symptoms such as catching or locking are present
- Imaging shows tendon, labral, or joint damage
- An injury limits work, sports, or daily activities
Surgery is typically considered only after non-surgical options have been explored.
What to Expect Before Surgery
Prior to shoulder arthroscopy, your surgeon will perform a comprehensive evaluation, including imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI. You’ll receive detailed preoperative instructions and have the opportunity to discuss the procedure, recovery timeline, and expected outcomes.
Recovery After Shoulder Arthroscopy
Recovery varies depending on the condition treated and the procedure performed. Most patients:
- Go home the same day
- Wear a sling temporarily
- Begin physical therapy to restore motion and strength
While many patients return to light activities within a few weeks, full recovery and return to sports or heavy labor may take several months. Guided rehabilitation is essential for optimal results.
Benefits of Shoulder Arthroscopy Surgery
- Effective pain relief
- Improved range of motion
- Restored shoulder stability and strength
- Faster recovery compared to open surgery
- Ability to return to daily activities, work, and sports
Why Choose Our Shoulder Specialists?
Our surgeons are board-certified and fellowship trained, with extensive experience performing complex arthroscopic shoulder procedures. We use the latest techniques and technology to deliver personalized care focused on long-term results—not just short-term relief.
Schedule a Shoulder Arthroscopy Consultation
If shoulder pain or dysfunction is limiting your quality of life, minimally invasive shoulder arthroscopy may be the solution. Early evaluation can help prevent further joint damage and speed recovery.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about shoulder arthroscopy surgery and your treatment options.
SHOULDER ARTHROSCOPY Q&A
What is shoulder arthroscopy?
Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows the surgeons at Texas Orthopaedic Associates to evaluate your shoulder joint so they can find and repair the source of your pain.
The surgeons use an arthroscope when performing the procedure. An arthroscope is a thin tube equipped with a light and camera that allows your surgeon to see your shoulder joint without having to make a large incision.
With shoulder arthroscopy, your surgeon diagnoses the cause of your shoulder pain and repairs it simultaneously.
When do I need to consider shoulder arthroscopy?
You need to consider shoulder arthroscopy if you have ongoing shoulder pain despite trying other conservative treatments like anti-inflammatory medication, activity modification, and physical therapy.
The team at Texas Orthopaedic Associates may recommend shoulder arthroscopy if you have a shoulder condition they can repair with shoulder arthroscopy. Some of the arthroscopic procedures they perform include:
- Rotator cuff tear repair
- Shoulder labral tear repair
- Ligament repair
- Debridement of inflamed or diseased tissue
- Removal of loose cartilage
The team may also perform shoulder arthroscopy to treat shoulder instability (recurrent shoulder dislocation) or fix a bicep rupture at the shoulder joint.
What happens during shoulder arthroscopy?
Shoulder arthroscopy is an outpatient procedure that takes about an hour. Your surgeon reviews the details of the procedure at your pre-surgical consultation, so you know what to expect.
They may use regional nerve blocks and a light general anesthetic to block pain and minimize anxiety during the procedure. Your surgeon first makes a small puncture wound to insert the arthroscope and evaluate your shoulder joint.
Once they identify the problem, they make separate small incisions and insert the surgical tools they need to fix it. When complete, your surgeon removes the arthroscope and surgical tools and closes the incisions with stitches or steri-strips.
What can I expect during recovery from shoulder arthroscopy?
Recovery from shoulder arthroscopy is faster than traditional open surgery. However, depending on the extent of your surgery, complete healing can take several weeks or months.
You may need to keep your shoulder immobile during the initial healing process and then start physical therapy to restore mobility and strength.
Call Texas Orthopaedic Associates today or schedule a consultation online to learn more about shoulder arthroscopy and if it makes the right choice for you.
Shoulder Arthroscopy Surgery in Dallas–Fort Worth
Our practice proudly provides expert shoulder arthroscopy surgery across North Texas, making advanced orthopaedic care accessible and convenient. Patients can receive evaluation, treatment, and surgical care at our locations in:
- Dallas
- Plano
- Fort Worth
- Weatherford
- Keller
No matter which location you visit, you’ll receive the same high level of care from board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons who specialize in minimally invasive shoulder procedures. Our team is committed to helping patients throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex find lasting relief from shoulder pain and return to their daily activities as quickly and safely as possible.