Shoulder Arthroscopy: Conditions Treated

Repeated overhead movements can inflame your rotator cuff and bursa. A bone spur may also form. This causes pain and problems with certain arm movements. Impingement is also called bursitis or tendinitis.

During surgery, an inflamed bursa may be removed. Bone may be trimmed. And the coracoacromial ligament may be detached. These steps make more room, relieving pressure and allowing the arm to move more freely.

A rotator cuff can tear due to a sudden injury or from overuse. This can cause pain, weakness, and loss of normal shoulder movement.

During surgery, torn rotator cuff tendons may be trimmed. The tendons are then reattached to the humerus. This is done with sutures, anchors, or surgical tacks.

A stretched capsule will remain loose. A loose capsule can't hold the joint firmly in place. The bones of the joint may feel like they move too much.

During arthroscopy, a stretched capsule is folded over itself and sutured in place. (This is done from inside the capsule.) This tightens the capsule, helping make the shoulder joint more stable.

The labrum may tear off the rim of the glenoid. This can cause the joint to catch or feel like it's slipping out of place. The shoulder may even dislocate.

A torn labrum is repaired by reattaching it to the glenoid. This is often done with special anchors put into the glenoid bone. Sutures attached to the anchors are tied to hold the labrum in place. The joint then feels more stable.

Arthritis is damage to joint cartilage with age and use. Injury or disease can also cause it. Wear and tear may also lead to loose bodies (pieces of bone or cartilage) or bone spurs in a joint.

During surgery, bone spurs are removed. Rough parts of the joint are smoothed. Any loose body is removed from the joint. Bone may also be scraped or shaved to promote new cartilage growth.