shoulder pain

When Is Shoulder Arthroscopy Recommended?

Medically Reviewed by NJ Spine & Orthopedic on March 28, 2023
Shoulder pain can significantly impact your range of motion and cause pain as you go about your daily activities. A shoulder arthroscopy can help reduce pain and discomfort in your shoulder with an incision the size of a postage stamp. While a shoulder arthroscopy can treat many symptoms and conditions, you may wonder if it is the best treatment option for you.
The highly-qualified spine specialists at NJ Spine & Orthopedic are dedicated to helping our patients achieve the best possible results for each of our patients. We prioritize minimally invasive methods and personalize your treatment plan to your unique symptoms and lifestyle. When you partner with one of our talented surgeons, you can have peace of mind that your spinal health is in experienced and capable hands.

How Do I Know if I Need a Shoulder Arthroscopy?

If your shoulder pain does not respond to conservative treatment methods such as medication and physical therapy, a shoulder arthroscopy may be a possible treatment option. A few shoulder structures a shoulder arthroscopy can address include the following:

  • Labrum cartilage
  • Shoulder tendons and ligaments
  • Rotator cuff tendons
  • Joint cartilage

While treating symptoms of aging or injuries caused by manual labor are the most common reasons to seek a shoulder arthroscopy, the procedure may resolve several conditions. A few conditions a shoulder arthroscopy can treat include the following:

  • Torn rotator cuff
  • Bursitis
  • Bone spurs in and around the shoulder joint
  • Injured or torn ligaments
  • Inflamed or loose cartilage
  • Labral tears
  • Shoulder dislocation

Although shoulder arthroscopy is a popular treatment for many shoulder conditions, specific treatments such as full shoulder replacement are only available through traditional, open surgery. Your doctor will review your unique case to determine the cause of your pain and whether shoulder arthroscopy is right for you. 

What Are the Benefits of a Shoulder Arthroscopy?

Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure requiring a small incision and promoting faster recovery. A few benefits of this procedure over an open shoulder surgery include the following:

  • Minimal scarring
  • No overnight hospital stays
  • Quicker recovery periods
  • Symptom relief
  • Minimal postoperative pain
  • Improved range of motion
  • Reduced risk of infections or other surgical complications

During your procedure, your shoulder will be inflated with fluid injections to make it easier for your surgeon to maneuver and see the problem areas. Then your surgeon will make a small incision to insert a tiny camera known as an arthroscope. Using this camera to see the injury, your surgeon will use small, specialized implements to repair any affected structures. This approach is less painful and allows patients to recover quickly after the surgery. At NJ Spine & Orthopedic, our surgeons will get to know you and your needs to determine the best path to treat your individual symptoms. 

Discuss Your Treatment Options With a Skilled Spine Specialist

If you are living with debilitating shoulder pain, do not hesitate to contact the talented spine specialists at NJ Spine & Orthopedic. Our surgeons have extensive experience treating numerous shoulder injuries and conditions and can customize their approach to your needs. We dedicate ourselves to exploring various treatment options to best fit your symptoms and lifestyle. When you choose NJ Spine & Orthopedic, you choose state-of-the-art facilities, equipment, and treatment plans. 

To learn more about how we can address your pain, schedule an appointment by calling (866) 553-0612 or completing our contact form today.

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