When non-surgical management fails to improve, what's next?

Over 90% of patients seen in a shoulder and elbow specialty clinic can be successfully treated without surgery. Many common shoulder and elbow problems are caused by overuse, poor posture, or muscle imbalances that develop in day-to-day life. Fortunately, these issues often respond well to rest, activity modification, and physical therapy.

Whenever possible, it’s important to try non-surgical treatment options first. This helps avoid unnecessary surgery and gives your body a chance to heal naturally. Getting the right diagnosis—and the right guidance—plays a key role in determining the best non-operative plan for your condition.

When Is Arthroscopy Needed?

If non-surgical treatment doesn’t relieve your symptoms, shoulder or elbow arthroscopy may be the next step. Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses a small camera and instruments to treat problems inside the joint through tiny incisions.

Shoulder Arthroscopy

Shoulder arthroscopy is often used to:

• Clean up inflamed tissue or bone spurs

• Repair tears in the rotator cuff or biceps tendon

• Reshape or stabilize damaged structures

These procedures can relieve pain, restore function, and prevent further damage. Successful arthroscopy requires a high level of skill—surgeons who perform a high volume of shoulder procedures typically develop and maintain sharper techniques and better outcomes.

Elbow Arthroscopy

Elbow arthroscopy is also a powerful tool in the hands of an experienced surgeon. It can:

• Remove inflamed tissue or loose bodies

• Release tight or scarred areas that limit motion

• Address arthritis-related bone spurs that block extension or bending

Because the elbow is surrounded by important nerves and blood vessels, it’s especially important that arthroscopy is performed by a specialist trained in advanced techniques. When done for the right conditions, elbow arthroscopy can produce excellent results.

Recovery After Arthroscopy

Recovery time depends on the procedure performed and your individual healing response. It may range from a few weeks to several months, especially if tissue repair is involved.

Successful recovery requires:

• Following your postoperative instructions

• Allowing time for your body to heal

• Working closely with your physical therapy team

Planning ahead is important. Be sure to discuss the expected recovery timeline with your surgeon so you can prepare for time off work, personal obligations, or activity restrictions. Staying committed to your rehab is just as important as the surgery itself for a full return to function.

Commonly performed arthroscopic procedures performed by Dr. Sanders:

• Rotator cuff repair is used to reattach torn rotator cuff tendons back to the bone using sutures and small anchors. It is one of the most frequent shoulder surgeries performed.

• Labral repair (including SLAP and Bankart repairs) involves fixing tears in the cartilage (labrum) that surrounds the shoulder socket, often caused by instability or dislocation.

• Biceps tenodesis is performed to relieve pain from a damaged or inflamed biceps tendon by detaching and reattaching it to a new position on the humerus.

• Subacromial decompression removes inflamed tissue and bony spurs from the space above the rotator cuff to relieve impingement and pain with shoulder motion.

• Distal clavicle resection (AC joint resection) treats arthritis of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint by removing the worn end of the collarbone.

• Capsular release is done to improve motion in a stiff or frozen shoulder by releasing tight areas of the joint capsule.

• Debridement involves removing frayed or damaged tissue inside the shoulder that does not need to be fully repaired.

• Removal of loose bodies addresses small fragments of bone or cartilage that can float in the joint and cause pain, catching, or locking.

• Cartilage injury treatment may be performed to smooth or stabilize damaged joint surfaces, particularly in patients with early arthritis or traumatic injury.

• Shoulder stabilization surgery tightens the joint capsule and repairs torn labrum to prevent recurring shoulder dislocations.

These procedures can often be performed through tiny incisions, with less pain and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery. Dr. Sanders will recommend the procedure that best fits your diagnosis, anatomy, and lifestyle goals.

Shoulder Arthroscopy – Frequently Asked Questions

What is shoulder arthroscopy?

Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery where a small camera (arthroscope) and tiny instruments are inserted into your shoulder through small incisions. It allows the surgeon to diagnose and treat various shoulder problems with less pain and a quicker recovery than traditional open surgery.

What conditions can be treated with shoulder arthroscopy?

Shoulder arthroscopy can treat many common problems, including rotator cuff tears, labral tears, biceps tendon injuries, bone spurs, shoulder impingement, frozen shoulder, cartilage damage, and shoulder instability or dislocations.

Do I need shoulder arthroscopy?

Not everyone with shoulder pain needs surgery. In fact, most shoulder conditions improve with non-surgical care like rest, activity modification, physical therapy, and injections. Arthroscopy is usually recommended only if your symptoms don’t improve or if imaging shows a structural problem that needs repair.

What are the benefits of arthroscopic surgery?

Benefits include:

• Smaller incisions

• Less pain after surgery

• Shorter recovery time

• Lower risk of complications

• Faster return to activities

How long is the recovery after shoulder arthroscopy?

Recovery time depends on what was done during surgery. Some procedures heal in a few weeks, while others (like rotator cuff repair) require several months. You’ll likely wear a sling and follow a physical therapy plan to regain strength and motion. Full recovery may take 3 to 6 months or longer.

Will I need physical therapy?

Yes. Physical therapy is a key part of your recovery. It helps restore motion, rebuild strength, and protect your shoulder repair as it heals.

Is shoulder arthroscopy painful?

Most patients have some discomfort after surgery, but this is usually well-controlled with medications, ice, rest, and physical therapy. Because arthroscopy is minimally invasive, pain is generally less than with traditional open surgery.

Are there risks with shoulder arthroscopy?

As with any surgery, there are risks, but they are low. These include infection, stiffness, nerve injury, or failure of the repair. Dr. Sanders will take steps to reduce your risk and guide your safe recovery.

How do I prepare for shoulder arthroscopy?

You’ll receive detailed instructions before your surgery. This may include stopping certain medications, arranging for a ride home, and preparing your home for limited arm use after surgery. You’ll also meet with your care team to review the plan and answer any questions.

When can I return to work or sports?

This depends on your job, the type of surgery, and how quickly you heal. Desk workers may return in a few days or weeks, while those with physically demanding jobs or athletes may need several months. Your surgeon will give you a personalized timeline based on your procedure and progress.