What is Shoulder Arthroscopy?

Shoulder arthroscopy is a widely used minimally invasive procedure for the inspection, diagnosis, and treatment of certain injuries in and around the shoulder joint. In particular, soft tissue damage, including damage to the labrum (the cup-shaped rim of cartilage), is managed through arthroscopic shoulder surgery. This surgery involves an arthroscope (a tiny camera) and specially designed, thin surgical instruments to inspect and repair the complex soft tissue structures of the shoulder following an injury or degenerative condition. Dr. Abdulla Khaleel uses arthroscopic surgery to treat a variety of shoulder conditions, helping patients return to an active lifestyle more quickly with minimal postoperative pain.

By using this minimally invasive approach, Dr. Khaleel is able to create tiny holes in and around the damaged area to enter and carefully inspect the joint. Compared to open shoulder surgery, arthroscopic surgery results in much less postoperative pain and a faster recovery time, with similar outcomes to open surgery. After examining the damage and confirming his diagnosis, Dr. Khaleel uses specially designed, thin instruments to manipulate and repair the shoulder joint.

The majority of arthroscopic shoulder surgeries performed by Dr. Khaleel and his orthopedic team are completed under regional or general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Most shoulder arthroscopic procedures are completed in less than one hour.

What does Shoulder Arthroscopy Treat?

• Chronic shoulder subluxations/dislocation or shoulder instability
• Frozen shoulder
• Shoulder fractures
• Shoulder impingement
• AC joint injuries
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Shoulder arthritis

What is the Recovery Following Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery?

Patients can expect the repaired joint to heal in four to six weeks following shoulder arthroscopy. Although recovery time is much quicker with this minimally invasive approach compared to open surgery, it still takes time for the joint to heal after the injury and surgical procedure. Patients should plan to take a few rest days with no work or activities to allow the shoulder to recover early in the process. During the healing process, it is absolutely important for all patients to follow the post-operative and rehabilitation protocols provided by Dr. Khaleel and his team.

Patients are strongly encouraged to begin daily rehabilitation protocols immediately following arthroscopic shoulder surgery, even on the first day in many cases. Dr. Khaleel will provide all patients with a detailed rehabilitation outline designed to increase the shoulder’s range of motion and overall function. Strict adherence to the rehabilitation protocol provided by Dr. Khaleel and his team is critical for a full recovery.

Following shoulder arthroscopy, patients can expect some level of discomfort, pain, and swelling in and around the repaired joint. Dr. Khaleel typically recommends icing or using a cooling pad to help alleviate pain and swelling after the procedure. Additionally, all patients are expected to follow the pain medication guidelines provided by Dr. Khaleel at all times.