Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that allows both the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions affecting the shoulder joint through small skin incisions, without the need for traditional open surgery. During the procedure, the surgeon inserts a thin camera called an arthroscope, which provides a magnified view of the internal structures of the joint displayed on a monitor. Through additional small incisions, specialized surgical instruments are introduced to perform the required therapeutic procedures.
This technique is commonly used for the treatment of rotator cuff tears, shoulder instability caused by labral detachment, subacromial impingement syndrome, and the removal of inflamed or degenerative tissue within the joint. Compared with open surgical approaches, shoulder arthroscopy offers several advantages, including reduced soft tissue trauma, less postoperative pain, a lower risk of complications, smaller surgical scars, and faster recovery.
Following surgery, patients undergo an individualized rehabilitation program, which usually begins with gentle passive range-of-motion exercises and gradually progresses to active movements and strengthening exercises. The goal of rehabilitation is to restore full shoulder mobility, strength, stability, and functional ability, allowing the patient to safely return to daily activities and sports or occupational demands.