Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive technique that allows the surgeon to address a multitude of conditions wtihout the need for large incisions. This can aid in less post-operative pain and quicker recovery.

Rotator cuff tears, sports related injuries (i.e. shoulder dislocations), and other degenerative shoulder conditions (adhesive capsulitis or "frozen shoulder") can now be succesfully treated by arthroscopic means. Many times this can be done on an outpatient, same day surgery basis.

The Rotator cuff is a group of four muscles originating from the scapula (i.e. shoulder blade) and attaching to the proximal humerus (i.e. upper arm). They are responsible for overhead elevation and rotation of the arm. They are subject to inflammation and tearing which can result in pain and weakness.

Effective treatment is based on proper diagnosis including clinical evaluation and appropriate diagnostic imaging (i.e.MRI). Conservative treatments include non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, rest, and occasional corticosteroid injections. For those patients unresponsive to non-invasive interventions, surgery can eliminate pain and restore function.

Traditional rotator cuff repair required violating the Deltoid muscle which in some cases may lead to pain and weakness. Arthroscopic surgery reduces the risks seen with open techniques leading, in some cases, to less pain and quicker recovery.

The glenoid labrum is a cartilage "ring" the attaches to the edge of the shoulder socket (i.e. glenoid). It helps to provide stability to the shoulder joint. However, when damaged, as is commonly seen in the case of a shoulder dislocation, it can lead to recurrent shoulder instability and pain.

Traditionally, an open Bankart Repair was performed to restore stability to the shoulder. However, in many cases, the repair can be performed arthroscopically, reducing the complications seen with open repairs.

SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior) Tears involve seperation of the glenoid labrum at the insertion of the biceps tendon (long head). This can be the result of both traumatic injuries as well as repetitive stress. Pain is usually associated with overhead activities, especially throwing and racket sports. Arthroscopic repair can be performed to restore a normal attachment site, allowing for return to activities, even at a competitive level.

Shoulder impingement (i.e. Impingement syndrome, external impingement, outlet impingement) occurss when the rotator cuff tendon becomes "pinched" between the humeral head and the undersurface of the acromion and/or the coracoacromial ligament. Often times, a "bone spur" can develop as the result of arthritis, contributing to worsening symptoms. This can manifest as pain in the shoulder with overhead activity, and may even result in pain that radiates to the elbow.

Conservative treatments include non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, occcasional corticosteroid injections, and activity modifications.

For resistant cases, and arthroscopic debridement can be peformed to "decompress" the area, thereby removing the source(s) of impingement, eliminating pain, and restoring function.