Arthroscopic shoulder surgery uses a small camera — an arthroscope — inserted through a small incision to examine or repair the tissues inside or around the shoulder joint. It may be used to treat a torn or damaged cartilage ring, ligament, biceps tendon, joint lining, rotator cuff, bone spur, or arthritis at the end of the clavicle.
Read the patient stories below for information and advice on arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Learn about common concerns, including preparation, what to expect during the procedure, pain, and recovery time.
Patient Advice
- Overall Rating
- 7.8
- average of all patients
- Pain

- Inconvenience

Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery Preparation:
Consider asking your surgeon about a nerve block during surgery. I’d always been afraid of the effects of anesthesia. The nerve block may allow the doctors to give you less anesthesia, and it also keeps your arm numb so that you can get a good night’s sleep your first night after surgery.
After Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery:
“Report any pain or discomfort to the doctor or nurses. Do not hesitate to communicate.”

