What is shoulder arthroscopy and what does it treat?
Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which a small camera (arthroscope) is inserted into the shoulder joint to diagnose and repair damage. It treats rotator cuff tears, labral tears, shoulder impingement, recurrent dislocations, and frozen shoulder. Deccan Hardikar Hospital in Pune, located at Shivajinagar, offers arthroscopic shoulder surgery as part of its dedicated Arthroscopy and Sports Injury programme.
Because arthroscopy uses small incisions rather than open surgery, patients typically experience less post-operative pain, reduced scarring, and a faster return to daily activities compared with traditional open shoulder procedures.
- Rotator cuff tears — partial or full-thickness tears of the tendons surrounding the shoulder
- Labral tears (SLAP lesions) — damage to the cartilage ring inside the shoulder socket
- Shoulder impingement syndrome — pinching of tendons under the acromion bone
- Recurrent shoulder dislocation — instability caused by stretched or torn ligaments
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) — release of tight joint capsule tissue
- Acromioclavicular (AC) joint problems — arthritis or separation at the collarbone joint
- Biceps tendon disorders — tendinitis or rupture at the tendon attachment point
How does a shoulder arthroscopy procedure work?
The procedure is performed under general or regional anaesthesia. The surgeon makes two to four small incisions (portals) around the shoulder, each approximately 5–10 mm in length. A sterile fluid is introduced to expand the joint space and improve visibility. The arthroscope transmits live images to a monitor, guiding the surgeon to the site of damage.
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Anaesthesia administered; patient positioned (beach-chair or lateral decubitus) |
| Portal creation | Small incisions made; arthroscope and instruments inserted |
| Diagnosis | Joint inspected on monitor; damage confirmed or revised from pre-operative imaging |
| Repair | Torn tissue sutured, anchors placed, bone spurs removed, or capsule released as required |
| Closure | Portals closed with sutures or adhesive strips; sterile dressing applied |
Operative time varies by the complexity of the repair — a simple debridement may take 30–45 minutes, while a full rotator cuff reconstruction can take 90 minutes or longer. Most procedures are performed as day surgery, meaning the patient is discharged the same day or after one overnight stay.
Note: The surgical plan is confirmed only after a clinical examination and review of MRI or ultrasound imaging. Use the booking form on this page to arrange a pre-operative consultation.
How long does recovery from shoulder arthroscopy take?
Recovery time depends on the specific procedure performed. A diagnostic arthroscopy or minor debridement carries a shorter recovery than a full rotator cuff repair or Bankart reconstruction. The following timeline reflects typical milestones — individual progress varies.
| Timeframe | Expected Progress |
|---|---|
| Days 1–7 | Arm in sling; ice and elevation to manage swelling; gentle pendulum exercises begin |
| Weeks 2–6 | Sling weaned (for most procedures); passive range-of-motion physiotherapy; driving typically restricted for 4–6 weeks |
| Weeks 6–12 | Active strengthening begins; return to light desk work often possible by week 6 |
| Months 3–6 | Progressive loading; return to manual work or recreational sport for most patients |
| Months 6–12 | Full return to competitive sport or heavy overhead work following large rotator cuff repairs |
Pain levels are typically manageable with oral analgesics in the first week. Most patients describe the discomfort as moderate rather than severe, particularly when the arm is kept elevated and iced regularly. Physiotherapy is the single most important factor in achieving a full recovery.
Warning: Do not attempt to drive or lift objects above shoulder height until your surgeon explicitly clears you. Premature loading of a repaired tendon can cause re-tear.
Is shoulder arthroscopy risky? What are the possible complications?
Shoulder arthroscopy is generally considered a safe procedure, but like all surgery it carries a defined set of risks. Patients should discuss individual risk factors with their surgeon before proceeding.
- Infection — rare with arthroscopic portals; managed with prophylactic antibiotics
- Nerve or blood vessel injury — uncommon; risk is higher near the axillary nerve
- Stiffness (post-operative frozen shoulder) — prevented by early physiotherapy
- Anaesthetic reactions — assessed during pre-operative evaluation
- Deep vein thrombosis — rare in upper limb surgery; early mobilisation reduces risk
- Re-tear of repaired tissue — more common with large tears or premature return to activity
- Instrument breakage — very rare with modern equipment
The overall complication rate for shoulder arthroscopy is low. A thorough pre-operative assessment — including blood work, imaging, and anaesthetic review — is conducted at Deccan Hardikar Hospital in Pune to minimise individual risk before any procedure is scheduled.
Can shoulder pain be treated without surgery?
Many shoulder conditions respond to non-surgical management, and surgery is typically recommended only when conservative treatment has not provided adequate relief after a defined period. Physiotherapy, activity modification, and targeted injections are first-line options for several diagnoses.
- Physiotherapy — rotator cuff strengthening, scapular stabilisation, and posture correction can resolve impingement and mild tendinopathy
- Corticosteroid injections — reduce inflammation in bursitis and early frozen shoulder
- Activity modification and rest — essential for overuse injuries in athletes
- Oral anti-inflammatory medication — short-term pain and swelling control
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy — used in selected tendon injuries
Surgery is generally indicated when a full-thickness rotator cuff tear is confirmed, when shoulder instability causes repeated dislocations, or when conservative management over 3–6 months has not restored function. Your orthopaedic surgeon will review imaging and clinical findings before recommending a surgical pathway. For sports injury management that may not require surgery, a specialist assessment is the first step.
When should you see a shoulder specialist in Pune?
Seek an orthopaedic or sports medicine consultation if you experience any of the following:
- Shoulder pain lasting more than 6 weeks that does not improve with rest and over-the-counter analgesics
- A sudden, sharp pain after a fall, collision, or overhead throw — particularly if accompanied by weakness
- Inability to raise the arm above shoulder height
- A sensation of the shoulder slipping out of place or repeated dislocations
- Night pain that disrupts sleep consistently for more than 2–3 weeks
- Visible deformity or significant swelling following an acute injury
- Progressive loss of shoulder range of motion over weeks to months
Note: Acute trauma with suspected fracture or complete dislocation requires emergency assessment. Deccan Hardikar Hospital operates a 24-hour Emergency and ICU department at 1160/61, University Rd, Shivajinagar, Pune 411005.
How does Deccan Hardikar Hospital approach shoulder arthroscopy in Pune?
Deccan Hardikar Hospital in Pune is a NABH Pre-Accredited superspeciality orthopaedic and referral centre serving Western Maharashtra, with five decades of surgical experience across orthopaedics, sports medicine, and arthroscopy. The hospital's Arthroscopy and Sports Injury department manages the full spectrum of shoulder conditions — from acute sports injuries to chronic degenerative tears — within a single facility that also houses physiotherapy, imaging, and post-operative rehabilitation services.
The hospital's patient-centric model emphasises transparent cost communication before any procedure is confirmed, structured rehabilitation pathways following surgery, and a care environment designed to support recovery. Shoulder arthroscopy at Deccan Hardikar Hospital is performed within a broader orthopaedic programme that includes joint replacement surgery and robotic joint replacement for patients requiring more extensive intervention.
For patients whose shoulder condition involves the spine or neck, the hospital's neurosurgery and spine care teams are available within the same campus, enabling coordinated multi-disciplinary assessment where needed.
Book a shoulder arthroscopy consultation at Deccan Hardikar Hospital
Use the booking form on this page to schedule an appointment with our orthopaedic and sports injury team in Shivajinagar, Pune.