Shoulder Surgery

The shoulder joint

The shoulder is a ball and socket joint that provides a large range of motion between the head of the humerus (ball) and the glenoid (socket). However, it requires strong stabilizers to keep the joint intact. Traumatic injuries and overuse can lead to tears in the rotator cuff (the stabilizing muscles), the labrum (the lining of the glenoid) and ligaments.

To perform a shoulder arthroscopy, your surgeon will make several small incisions around your shoulder to insert a small camera and specialized instruments.

What procedures can be performed with shoulder arthroscopy?

Bankart repair for shoulder dislocations

Labral repair

Rotator cuff repair

Acromioplasty for shoulder impingement

Biceps tenodesis for biceps injuries

Bankart repair

When the shoulder dislocates, the ligaments and labrum can be damaged. If these structures do not heal appropriately, the shoulder can remain unstable. A Bankart repair is a procedure that repairs the torn labrum in the front of the glenoid using sutures. This prevents the humeral head from dislocating forward on the glenoid.

Bankart repair

When the shoulder dislocates, the ligaments and labrum can be damaged. If these structures do not heal appropriately, the shoulder can remain unstable. A Bankart repair is a procedure that repairs the torn labrum in the front of the glenoid using sutures. This prevents the humeral head from dislocating forward on the glenoid.

Labrum repair

The lining of the shoulder socket can tear from an acute injury, a dislocation, or overuse. These tears are repaired arthroscopically with sutures.

How long is the surgery?

Depending on what repairs are required, about 1-2 hours.

Rotator cuff repair

The rotator cuff consists of four muscles that contain the head of the humerus in the glenoid. These muscles can be torn from an acute injury or overuse. Typically these injuries present with pain and some patients may note weakness with certain movements. A rotator cuff repair is performed arthroscopically to place sutures in the torn muscles and reattach them to the humerus.

Biceps tenodesis

The biceps is a muscle in the upper arm with two tendons (the long and short heads) that originate in the shoulder. The long head crosses over the shoulder joint and may be damaged from an acute injury, overuse, or impingement under the acromion. To alleviate symptoms, your surgeon may recommend a biceps tenodesis where the long head of the biceps is cut from its insertion on the scapula and reattached to the upper humerus.

Acromioplasty

The acromion is an extension of the shoulder blade (scapula) that curves over the shoulder and connects with the collar bone (clavicle). The acromion may be abnormally shaped, narrowing the space in the joint and causing impingement of the rotator cuff.

An acromioplasty is an arthroscopic procedure where the under surface of the acromion is shaved to relieve impingement on the rotator cuff.

How long does it take to recover?

Depending on the surgery, it will take 3-6 months to recover from an arthroscopic shoulder procedure.

Click on each section to learn more.
Introduction
Are you experiencing shoulder pain, discomfort, or instability?

Have you suffered a torn rotator cuff? Have you had repeated shoulder dislocations?  Have you had a shoulder injury that has not improved with pain medication and physical therapy? If so, then shoulder arthroscopy may be the right procedure for you. This surgical procedure involves using a small camera called an arthroscope and miniature shoulder instruments to diagnose and treat problems in the shoulder joint. Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is performed to diagnose and treat a number of diseases and injuries. The goals of arthroscopic shoulder surgery are to provide pain relief, improve range of motion, and to treat shoulder instability. Ideal candidates for shoulder arthroscopy include athletes, manual laborers, or any other individuals who have suffered a shoulder injury. Many shoulder injuries are treated with pain medication, physical therapy, and activity modification. However, if these modalities fail to provide pain relief or improve function, then surgical treatment would be the next step. It is important to note that only a qualified orthopedic surgeon can determine if shoulder arthroscopy is the right procedure for your individual needs.

The shoulder joint anatomy

The shoulder joint is a complex joint stabilized by multiple bones, tendons and ligaments. It is a very mobile joint that allows a large range of motion because it is a ball and socket joint. However, it requires multiple structures to work together and keep the joint stable. The complexity of the joint puts itself at risk for numerous shoulder problems.

The bones that make up the shoulder joint are the humerus (upper arm bone), scapula (shoulder blade) and clavicle (collar bone). The head of the humerus fits into the socket of the glenoid, which is a portion of the scapula. There is a lip of cartilage called the labrum that surrounds the glenoid and helps keep the head of the humerus in place. Another portion of the shoulder blade that has an important role is the acromion. The acromion hooks around the top of the shoulder and connects with the clavicle, forming the acromioclavicular joint.

There are several large and easily visible shoulder muscles that are responsible for moving the shoulder joint, such as the biceps and deltoid muscles. However, the most important muscles for the stability of the joint are the rotator cuff muscles. They enable the biceps and deltoid muscles to do the heavy lifting. The rotator cuff is comprised for four muscles: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. The rotator cuff tendons keep the head of the humerus stable throughout the shoulder’s range of motion.

Bursae are small sacs of fluid that help lubricate the numerous moving structures in the shoulder. With repetitive motion or due to an injury, the bursae can become inflamed and this inflamed tissue causes shoulder pain.

An injury to any structure in the shoulder can have a profound effect on function. The level of disability and treatment are dependent on which specific structures are injured and the severity of the injury. Shoulder pain can also limit range of motion and lead to frozen shoulder, where inflamed tissue causes severe shoulder stiffness.

What is shoulder arthroscopy?

Shoulder surgery can be performed in two ways:

Open surgery: making one large incision to look at the injured structures directly. Open surgery is more commonly performed for more complex surgeries such as shoulder replacements or shoulder fractures.

Open surgery: making one large incision to look at the injured structures directly. Open surgery is more commonly performed for more complex surgeries such as shoulder replacements or shoulder fractures.

A common procedure performed for shoulder injuries is shoulder arthroscopy. It is performed when nonsurgical options are either unsuccessful or provide insufficient pain relief. If you are experiencing persistent pain or instability despite physical therapy, rest, and anti-inflammatory medications, a surgery may be indicated for you.

Most shoulder arthroscopies are performed under general anesthesia, meaning you will be asleep. Your anesthetist may perform a nerve block to help alleviate pain during the surgery and for a short period afterwards.

The patient is usually positioned in an upright position, as if sitting in a beach chair or lying on their side, in the lateral decubitus position. Shoulder arthroscopy involves creating several small incisions around the shoulder. Sterile water is injected into the joint to expand the structures. A camera is inserted into the shoulder and specialized instruments are used to examine and repair structures. Depending on what repairs need to be performed, the surgery lasts between 30 minutes and 2 hours. Shoulder arthroscopy is a day surgery, meaning you will be able to go home shortly after the procedure is completed.

What shoulder problems can be treated with arthroscopic shoulder surgery?

Torn rotator cuff tendons

Shoulder instability or recurrent dislocations

Frozen shoulder

A diagnostic shoulder arthroscopy can also be performed if the cause of pain is unclear despite thorough non-invasive investigation.

What shoulder problems cannot be treated with arthroscopic shoulder surgery?

Osteoarthritis – This is wear and tear arthritis. It may require an open surgery to perform a total shoulder replacement.

Fractures – Not all shoulder fractures require surgery, but if surgery is indicated, it must be done as an open procedure. Shoulder fractures can be treated either with plates and screws, or with a partial shoulder replacement.

Is arthroscopic shoulder surgery painful?

Pain is a normal part of the recovery process. Your surgeon will prescribe you medications to relieve pain. Usually, over-the-counter pain medications and short-term narcotics are sufficient.

You may be given a sling of shoulder immobilize for comfort and to protect the repairs that were done.

How long is recovery from shoulder arthroscopy?

Recovery time varies depending on what repairs are done during shoulder arthroscopy. After a simple diagnostic shoulder arthroscopy, you can return to physical activity and driving after a couple of weeks. You may resume light duties at work after about one week.

For more complicated procedures, return to physical activity could take 3-6 months

It is important that you follow the recommendations of your orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist. You will be provided with a program to regain your shoulder strength and range of motion.

What are the risks of arthroscopic shoulder surgery?

Shoulder arthroscopy is a safe and commonly performed procedure. In rare occasions, complications may occur. These include:

Infection

Blood vessel injury

If you notice any fever, redness at the surgical site, increased swelling of the arm, or pain that gets worse over time, then you should consult a physician.

Is shoulder arthroscopy a major surgery?

Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is usually a day surgery, meaning you will go home the same day of the procedure. There are also few risks, and the surgery does not take long to perform. However, it is still a complex surgery that requires knowledge and technical skill from your orthopedic surgeon and operating team.

Bankart repair

Shoulder dislocations occur usually due to trauma and involve the head of the humerus disengaging from the glenoid. This can cause damage to the labrum and even the bone of the glenoid, which leads to an increased risk of recurrent dislocations. The injured portion of the glenoid, whether it is the labrum or the bone that is damaged, is called a Bankart lesion. And fittingly, it is treated using the Bankart procedure.

Rotator cuff repair

Rotator cuff tears can be the result of injury, overuse, or aging. Acute injuries are often amenable to repair as the muscle and tendon are still robust enough for sutures to hold them into place. In the case of chronic injuries, your surgeon will discuss with you whether a surgery is likely to help with pain and function. If a surgery is indicated, then a good outcome is likely.

Rotator cuff repairs are performed through shoulder arthroscopy. After a camera and specialized instruments are inserted, the shoulder is examined for other injuries that require treatment. After the rotator cuff tear is identified, small plugs with suture tails are inserted into humerus, around the humeral head. The suture tails are then woven through the torn tendon and are tightened to bring the tendon into contact with the bony surface of the humeral head.

Biceps tenodesis

Anatomy    

The biceps is a muscle with two portions that originate in the shoulder. The short head attaches to the coracoid process (a finger-like projection on the scapula). The long head, which travels over the head of the humerus and attaches to the top of the glenoid. The longer biceps tendon travels over the shoulder and is at risk of being pinched by the acromion (the portion of the scapula that wraps around the top of the shoulder). With repetitive overhead movement, the pinched biceps tendon of the long head becomes frayed and inflamed. This leads to pain and loss of function.

Biceps tenodesis surgery is a two-step procedure to cut the tendon of the long head of the biceps and reattach it onto the humerus.

First, the surgeon performs a shoulder arthroscopy to confirm the diagnosis and to examine for any other injuries that require treatment. The tendon of the long head of the biceps is identified and cut.

The next step is to create a separate incision near the top of the humerus. The cut portion of the tendon is pulled out from this incision. The cut portion is reattached to the humerus with a button or a screw.

Acromioplasty

The acromion is a portion of the scapula (shoulder blade) that wraps around the top of the shoulder and attaches to the clavicle (collar bone). With repetitive or forceful overhead movements, the tendons in the shoulder can become pinched between the humerus and the acromion.

An acromioplasty is a procedure where the under surface of the acromion is shaved to prevent impingement on the tendons. It is performed through shoulder arthroscopy. After a camera and specialized instruments are inserted into the shoulder, the surgeon will look for other injuries that require treatment. Once the acromion is identified, a special instrument is used to shave off a thin portion under the acromion.

Introduction
Are you experiencing shoulder pain, discomfort, or instability?

Have you suffered a torn rotator cuff? Have you had repeated shoulder dislocations?  Have you had a shoulder injury that has not improved with pain medication and physical therapy? If so, then shoulder arthroscopy may be the right procedure for you. This surgical procedure involves using a small camera called an arthroscope and miniature shoulder instruments to diagnose and treat problems in the shoulder joint. Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is performed to diagnose and treat a number of diseases and injuries. The goals of arthroscopic shoulder surgery are to provide pain relief, improve range of motion, and to treat shoulder instability. Ideal candidates for shoulder arthroscopy include athletes, manual laborers, or any other individuals who have suffered a shoulder injury. Many shoulder injuries are treated with pain medication, physical therapy, and activity modification. However, if these modalities fail to provide pain relief or improve function, then surgical treatment would be the next step. It is important to note that only a qualified orthopedic surgeon can determine if shoulder arthroscopy is the right procedure for your individual needs.

The shoulder joint anatomy

The shoulder joint is a complex joint stabilized by multiple bones, tendons and ligaments. It is a very mobile joint that allows a large range of motion because it is a ball and socket joint. However, it requires multiple structures to work together and keep the joint stable. The complexity of the joint puts itself at risk for numerous shoulder problems.

The bones that make up the shoulder joint are the humerus (upper arm bone), scapula (shoulder blade) and clavicle (collar bone). The head of the humerus fits into the socket of the glenoid, which is a portion of the scapula. There is a lip of cartilage called the labrum that surrounds the glenoid and helps keep the head of the humerus in place. Another portion of the shoulder blade that has an important role is the acromion. The acromion hooks around the top of the shoulder and connects with the clavicle, forming the acromioclavicular joint.

There are several large and easily visible shoulder muscles that are responsible for moving the shoulder joint, such as the biceps and deltoid muscles. However, the most important muscles for the stability of the joint are the rotator cuff muscles. They enable the biceps and deltoid muscles to do the heavy lifting. The rotator cuff is comprised for four muscles: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. The rotator cuff tendons keep the head of the humerus stable throughout the shoulder’s range of motion.

Bursae are small sacs of fluid that help lubricate the numerous moving structures in the shoulder. With repetitive motion or due to an injury, the bursae can become inflamed and this inflamed tissue causes shoulder pain.

An injury to any structure in the shoulder can have a profound effect on function. The level of disability and treatment are dependent on which specific structures are injured and the severity of the injury. Shoulder pain can also limit range of motion and lead to frozen shoulder, where inflamed tissue causes severe shoulder stiffness.

What is shoulder arthroscopy?

Shoulder surgery can be performed in two ways:

Open surgery: making one large incision to look at the injured structures directly. Open surgery is more commonly performed for more complex surgeries such as shoulder replacements or shoulder fractures.

Open surgery: making one large incision to look at the injured structures directly. Open surgery is more commonly performed for more complex surgeries such as shoulder replacements or shoulder fractures.

A common procedure performed for shoulder injuries is shoulder arthroscopy. It is performed when nonsurgical options are either unsuccessful or provide insufficient pain relief. If you are experiencing persistent pain or instability despite physical therapy, rest, and anti-inflammatory medications, a surgery may be indicated for you.

Most shoulder arthroscopies are performed under general anesthesia, meaning you will be asleep. Your anesthetist may perform a nerve block to help alleviate pain during the surgery and for a short period afterwards.

The patient is usually positioned in an upright position, as if sitting in a beach chair or lying on their side, in the lateral decubitus position. Shoulder arthroscopy involves creating several small incisions around the shoulder. Sterile water is injected into the joint to expand the structures. A camera is inserted into the shoulder and specialized instruments are used to examine and repair structures. Depending on what repairs need to be performed, the surgery lasts between 30 minutes and 2 hours. Shoulder arthroscopy is a day surgery, meaning you will be able to go home shortly after the procedure is completed.

What shoulder problems can be treated with arthroscopic shoulder surgery?

Torn rotator cuff tendons

Shoulder instability or recurrent dislocations

 Frozen shoulder

A diagnostic shoulder arthroscopy can also be performed if the cause of pain is unclear despite thorough non-invasive investigation.

What shoulder problems cannot be treated with arthroscopic shoulder surgery?

Osteoarthritis – This is wear and tear arthritis. It may require an open surgery to perform a total shoulder replacement.

 Fractures – Not all shoulder fractures require surgery, but if surgery is indicated, it must be done as an open procedure. Shoulder fractures can be treated either with plates and screws, or with a partial shoulder replacement.

 Is arthroscopic shoulder surgery painful?

Pain is a normal part of the recovery process. Your surgeon will prescribe you medications to relieve pain. Usually, over-the-counter pain medications and short-term narcotics are sufficient.

You may be given a sling of shoulder immobilize for comfort and to protect the repairs that were done.

How long is recovery from shoulder arthroscopy?

Recovery time varies depending on what repairs are done during shoulder arthroscopy. After a simple diagnostic shoulder arthroscopy, you can return to physical activity and driving after a couple of weeks. You may resume light duties at work after about one week.

 For more complicated procedures, return to physical activity could take 3-6 months

It is important that you follow the recommendations of your orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist. You will be provided with a program to regain your shoulder strength and range of motion.

What are the risks of arthroscopic shoulder surgery?

Shoulder arthroscopy is a safe and commonly performed procedure. In rare occasions, complications may occur. These include:

Infection

Infection

Blood vessel injury

Blood vessel injury

If you notice any fever, redness at the surgical site, increased swelling of the arm, or pain that gets worse over time, then you should consult a physician.

Is shoulder arthroscopy a major surgery?

Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is usually a day surgery, meaning you will go home the same day of the procedure. There are also few risks, and the surgery does not take long to perform. However, it is still a complex surgery that requires knowledge and technical skill from your orthopedic surgeon and operating team.

Bankart repair

Shoulder dislocations occur usually due to trauma and involve the head of the humerus disengaging from the glenoid. This can cause damage to the labrum and even the bone of the glenoid, which leads to an increased risk of recurrent dislocations. The injured portion of the glenoid, whether it is the labrum or the bone that is damaged, is called a Bankart lesion. And fittingly, it is treated using the Bankart procedure.

Shoulder dislocations occur usually due to trauma and involve the head of the humerus disengaging from the glenoid. This can cause damage to the labrum and even the bone of the glenoid, which leads to an increased risk of recurrent dislocations. The injured portion of the glenoid, whether it is the labrum or the bone that is damaged, is called a Bankart lesion. And fittingly, it is treated using the Bankart procedure.

Rotator cuff repair

Rotator cuff tears can be the result of injury, overuse, or aging. Acute injuries are often amenable to repair as the muscle and tendon are still robust enough for sutures to hold them into place. In the case of chronic injuries, your surgeon will discuss with you whether a surgery is likely to help with pain and function. If a surgery is indicated, then a good outcome is likely.

Rotator cuff repairs are performed through shoulder arthroscopy. After a camera and specialized instruments are inserted, the shoulder is examined for other injuries that require treatment. After the rotator cuff tear is identified, small plugs with suture tails are inserted into humerus, around the humeral head. The suture tails are then woven through the torn tendon and are tightened to bring the tendon into contact with the bony surface of the humeral head.

Biceps tenodesis

Anatomy    

The biceps is a muscle with two portions that originate in the shoulder. The short head attaches to the coracoid process (a finger-like projection on the scapula). The long head, which travels over the head of the humerus and attaches to the top of the glenoid. The longer biceps tendon travels over the shoulder and is at risk of being pinched by the acromion (the portion of the scapula that wraps around the top of the shoulder). With repetitive overhead movement, the pinched biceps tendon of the long head becomes frayed and inflamed. This leads to pain and loss of function.

Biceps tenodesis surgery is a two-step procedure to cut the tendon of the long head of the biceps and reattach it onto the humerus.

First, the surgeon performs a shoulder arthroscopy to confirm the diagnosis and to examine for any other injuries that require treatment. The tendon of the long head of the biceps is identified and cut.

The next step is to create a separate incision near the top of the humerus. The cut portion of the tendon is pulled out from this incision. The cut portion is reattached to the humerus with a button or a screw.

Acromioplasty

The acromion is a portion of the scapula (shoulder blade) that wraps around the top of the shoulder and attaches to the clavicle (collar bone). With repetitive or forceful overhead movements, the tendons in the shoulder can become pinched between the humerus and the acromion.

 An acromioplasty is a procedure where the under surface of the acromion is shaved to prevent impingement on the tendons. It is performed through shoulder arthroscopy. After a camera and specialized instruments are inserted into the shoulder, the surgeon will look for other injuries that require treatment. Once the acromion is identified, a special instrument is used to shave off a thin portion under the acromion. 

Share
Pricing
Type of procedure
Cost
Shoulder Arthroscopy (Acromioplasty)
10,500
Shoulder Arthroscopy with Bankart Repair
11,000
Shoulder Arthroscopy with Labrum Repair
22,000
Shoulder Arthroscopy with Bankart and Labrum Repair
22,000
Shoulder Arthroscopy with Rotator Cuff Repair
22,000
Recent News
No items found.
Typical candidates
Procedure
Age Group
Physical Activity
Symptoms
Recovery Time
Risks
Shoulder arthroscopy
All ages
Athletes (swimming, weightlifting, gymnostics, and more), individuals with shoulder injury or high demand activities.
Pain, stiffness, loss of mobility, instability
3-6 months
Infection, bleeding, nerve or blood vessel damage, shoulder joint stiffness or weakness.
Bankart repair
Late teens to early 30s
Active individuals with high demand shoulder activities (football), overhead activities
Pain, weakness, snapping or popping sensation in arm
3-6 months
Instability, weakness, nerve damage, loss of arm strength
Biceps tenodesis
All ages, most common in middle-aged
Individuals with biceps tendon injury (fall, dislocation), degeneration, or pain, individuals with high demand biceps activities (arm wrestling, weightlifting)
Pain, weakness, snapping or popping sensation in arm
6-8 weeks
Instability, weakness, nerve damage, loss of arm strength
Acromioplasty
Middle-aged
Athletes, manual laborers, individuals with repetitive overhead movements (painting, reaching, throwing), overhead activities
Shoulder impingement, pain, weakness
6-8 weeks
Instability, nerve damage, loss of shoulder strength, recurrence of impingement
Shoulder arthroscopy
Age Group
All ages
Physical Activity
Athletes (swimming, weightlifting, gymnostics, and more), individuals with shoulder injury or high demand activities.
Symptoms
Pain, stiffness, loss of mobility, instability
Recovery Time
3-6 months
Risks
Infection, bleeding, nerve or blood vessel damage, shoulder joint stiffness or weakness.
Bankart repair
Age Group
Late teens to early 30s
Physical Activity
Active individuals with high demand shoulder activities (football), overhead activities
Symptoms
Pain, weakness, snapping or popping sensation in arm
Recovery Time
3-6 months
Risks
Instability, weakness, nerve damage, loss of arm strength
Biceps tenodesis
Age Group
Middle-aged
Physical Activity
Individuals with biceps tendon injury (fall, dislocation), degeneration, or pain, individuals with high demand biceps activities (arm wrestling, weightlifting)
Symptoms
Pain, weakness, snapping or popping sensation in arm
Recovery Time
6-8 weeks
Risks
Instability, weakness, nerve damage, loss of arm strength
Acromioplasty
Age Group
All ages
Physical Activity
Athletes, manual laborers, individuals with repetitive overhead movements (painting, reaching, throwing), overhead activities
Symptoms
Shoulder impingement, pain, weakness
Recovery Time
3-6 months
Risks
Instability, nerve damage, loss of shoulder strength, recurrence of impingement
FAQ

What should I expect during the recovery period?

Pain is a normal part of the healing process. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medications, usually anti-inflammatories, acetaminophen, and possibly a short course of narcotics. Your surgeon may also recommend ice or cooling packs.

Depending on the procedure, your surgeon will likely recommend that you wear a shoulder brace. This can be removed usually after two weeks, at which point you may begin range of motion exercises as part of a physical therapy program.

Your shoulder will likely be swollen for a week or two as part of the healing process and due to the water injected in the shoulder during the procedure. If you notice new swelling, redness or discharge at the wounds, or if you develop a fever, you should seek immediate medical attention.

How can I prepare for the surgery?

Maintaining strength and range of motion in your shoulder prior to surgery will help your recovery process. If you are following a physical therapy program, continue to perform your daily exercises, unless your surgeon specifically recommends against it.

If you smoke, you should consider quitting prior to your surgery. Along with all the other health risks that you could avoid, smoking increases healing time and risk of infection after surgery.

Ensure that you have adequate help at home so that your daily personal needs can be met after your surgery. Consider having pre-cooked meals or planning a meal delivery service if you live alone. You will also be unable to drive, so it is important to ensure you have a plan for transportation to your various appointments.

How long do the results of shoulder arthroscopy typically last?

The recurrence rate for shoulder problems after arthroscopic treatment varies depending on the procedure and the specific kind of injury treated. After a thorough assessment with your surgeon, an estimated recurrence rate can be provided to you.

What are the alternatives to shoulder arthroscopy?

Shoulder arthroscopy is recommended when nonsurgical treatments have been ineffective. A trial of physical therapy, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, and rest are indicated prior to proceeding with surgery.

Shoulder
Surgery
Price
Shoulder Arthroscopy
7,500
Shoulder Arthroscopy with Bankart Repair
11,000
Shoulder Arthroscopy with Labrum Repair
10,500
Shoulder Arthroscopy with Rotator Cuff Repair
11,000
Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
22,000

Did you know we have a support group?

Your questions and concerns have most likely been asked and answered in our support group. We provide you with reliable patient education and resources to help you throughout this life-changing process.