Is shoulder arthroscopy a major surgery?

Shoulder arthroscopy is generally considered a minimally invasive or keyhole procedure, because the surgeon operates through small incisions using a camera and specialised instruments rather than opening the shoulder through a large incision.

However, the fact that the incisions are small does not necessarily mean the internal procedure is minor.

Shoulder arthroscopy can be used for

• Rotator cuff repair
• Labral repair
• Shoulder instability
• Recurrent dislocation
• Selected impingement-related problems
• Certain cartilage or tendon injuries

ASIC Clinic currently describes shoulder arthroscopy as part of its regular arthroscopic practice, and Dr. Atul Mishra has specific shoulder arthroscopy training from the University of Arizona.

Why recovery can still take time

A simple arthroscopic procedure may allow relatively quick recovery, but tendon or ligament repair requires biological healing.

Recovery may involve:

• Use of a sling
• Temporary movement restrictions
• Physiotherapy
• Gradual strengthening
• Several months before returning to heavy activity or sports

Is it usually day-care surgery?

Many arthroscopic procedures can be performed as day-care surgery, although hospital stay depends on the specific repair, anaesthesia, medical condition, and recovery immediately after surgery.

Dr. Atul Mishra decides whether arthroscopy is suitable based on the diagnosis rather than simply choosing it because it involves smaller incisions.