Shoulder Arthroscopy

What is a shoulder arthroscopy?

Shoulder arthroscopy is sometimes called “keyhole” surgery or a “shoulder scope” and is one of the most commonly utilized surgical approaches to treat shoulder conditions. Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses a small surgical camera, called an arthroscope. The arthroscope, along with specialized, small surgical instruments are placed inside the shoulder joint using small incisions. The camera projects images to a screen, allowing the doctor to see inside the shoulder joint; surgery is then executed without the need to do a large formal cut or incision (arthrotomy). Dr. Riley J. Williams, Orthopedic shoulder surgeon, has extensive training and experience using shoulder arthroscopy for patients in Manhattan, Brooklyn, New York City, NY and surrounding areas.

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Shoulder Arthroscopy

What are the benefits of shoulder arthroscopy?

Minimally invasive shoulder surgery has several benefits: decreased risk of infection, quicker healing times, and less discomfort. Shoulder arthroscopy has been shown to cause less swelling and less blood loss compared to open surgery. Most patients treated with shoulder arthroscopy go home the same day as the surgery, and often avoid an expensive hospital stay.

What types of shoulder treatments can be done arthroscopically?

Dr. Williams has extensive experience in treating shoulder conditions arthroscopically. Shoulder conditions that Dr. Williams is an expert in treating arthroscopically include:

• Rotator Cuff Repair
• Labrum or SLAP Repair
• Stability Surgery (Dislocated Shoulder Surgery)
• AC Joint Repair
• Bankart Repair
• Biceps tenodesis
• Capsular Release
• Labrum Reconstruction
• Shoulder Bursectomy
• Subacromial Impingement

What is open shoulder surgery?

Dr. Williams will treat most shoulder conditions arthroscopically (minimally invasive surgery). There are conditions that require that a large incision be made in the shoulder.  However open shoulder surgery allows Dr. Williams to better visualize the entire shoulder, and to have better access to specific parts of the shoulder joint structures. Open shoulder surgery is performed through one larger incision, instead of several small incisions. Conditions that may require an open shoulder surgery include:

• Large and complex rotator cuff tears
• Complex clavicle fractures requiring fixation
• Shoulder fractures
• Multiple and vast shoulder injuries, requiring several repairs
• Shoulder arthroplasty, or total shoulder replacement
• Revision shoulder surgery requiring advanced reconstruction & stabilization
• Complex AC joint repair with includes ligament reconstruction

How long is the recovery after shoulder arthroscopy?

The timeframe for recovery following shoulder arthroscopy depends primarily on the procedure performed. Larger more complex surgeries take longer to heal. Patient health and level of activity also play an important role in recovery times.  In general, healthy patients who undergo shoulder arthroscopy can expect an individualized physical therapy protocol to regain range of motion and strength of the shoulder. When appropriate, pain medication should be taken as directed and the use of shoulder slings or dressings will be explained. Approximate recovery timelines for healthy patients are as follows:

• Rotator cuff repairs: 3-6 Months
• AC Joint Repair/Reconstruction: 3-4 Months
• Labral or SLAP tears: 3-4 Months
• Suprascapular Nerve Decompression: 3-6 Months
• Biceps Tenodesis: 3-4 Months
• Subacromial Decompression: 2-3 months
• Shoulder Stabilization Surgery: 3-5 months

For more information on shoulder arthroscopy, or for advanced treatment options for shoulder pain, please contact the office of Dr. Riley J. Williams, an orthopedic shoulder specialist serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, New York City, NY and surrounding areas.