Shoulder Arthroscopy: Procedures, Benefits and Recovery Timeline
- Dr. Kushalappa Subbiah
- Oct 27, 2025
- 6 min read
In Brief: Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat shoulder injuries such as rotator cuff tears, SLAP lesions, impingement, or dislocations. It involves small incisions, a camera, and specialised instruments, allowing for faster recovery, less pain, and fewer complications than open surgery. For patients in Bangalore, consulting an experienced shoulder specialist or orthopaedic surgeon ensures accurate diagnosis, precise treatment, and an efficient recovery plan.
The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the human body, but this very flexibility also makes it vulnerable to injuries. From athletes involved in cricket, swimming, and tennis to professionals with desk-related posture issues, shoulder pain, and dysfunction are increasingly common.
When conservative treatments like rest, medication, or physiotherapy fail to provide relief, shoulder arthroscopy often becomes the next step. This advanced procedure allows orthopaedic surgeons to both diagnose and repair shoulder problems using small incisions, minimising tissue damage and reducing recovery time.
In Bangalore, specialists like Dr. Kushalappa Subbiah, a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon with expertise in shoulder, elbow, and sports injuries, perform arthroscopic shoulder surgeries with precision and patient-centred care.
What Is Shoulder Arthroscopy?
Shoulder arthroscopy is a keyhole surgical procedure that enables doctors to visualise, diagnose, and treat problems inside the shoulder joint using an arthroscope—a small camera inserted through a tiny incision.
The camera projects high-definition images onto a monitor, allowing the surgeon to see structures like the rotator cuff, labrum, ligaments, and cartilage in detail. This eliminates the need for large cuts and results in:
Less post-operative pain
Quicker rehabilitation
Minimal scarring
Lower risk of infection
Common shoulder injuries treated with arthroscopy include:
Rotator cuff tears
SLAP tears (superior labrum anterior to posterior)
Shoulder instability or dislocations
Shoulder impingement
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
Shoulder arthritis or bone spurs
When Is Shoulder Arthroscopy Recommended?
Not all shoulder pain requires surgery. Arthroscopy is typically recommended when:
Non-surgical treatments (physiotherapy, medications) have failed over 3–6 months.
There is a partial or complete rotator cuff tear confirmed by MRI.
The shoulder repeatedly dislocates or feels unstable.
A patient experiences a painful catching, locking, or clicking sensation.
There’s evidence of bone spurs, cartilage damage, or labral tears.
If you are searching for a shoulder dislocation treatment in Bangalore or dealing with a shoulder ligament injury, an orthopaedic surgeon near you who specialises in arthroscopy can evaluate whether this procedure is the right fit.
Step-by-Step: The Shoulder Arthroscopy Procedure
1. Pre-Surgery Evaluation:
Your orthopaedic surgeon will conduct a detailed clinical examination, often supported by MRI or ultrasound. This helps determine the extent of damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
2. Anaesthesia and Positioning:
The procedure is done under regional or general anaesthesia. The patient is usually positioned in either the “beach chair” or lateral position to provide optimal visibility of the shoulder joint.
3. Creating Small Incisions:
Tiny incisions (called “portals”) are made around the shoulder. The arthroscope is inserted through one incision, and miniature surgical tools are introduced through others.
4. Diagnostic Evaluation:
The surgeon inspects the joint for inflammation, tears, cartilage damage, or instability. In some cases, the procedure begins as a diagnostic arthroscopy but proceeds to repair once a problem is identified.
5. Surgical Repair:
Depending on the diagnosis, the surgeon may perform:
Rotator cuff repair — reattaching torn tendons using suture anchors
SLAP tear surgery — repairing the torn labrum to restore stability
Debridement — removing loose tissue or bone spurs
Capsular release — for frozen shoulder stiffness
Subacromial decompression — relieving pressure on tendons
6. Closure and Recovery:
The small incisions are closed with sutures or sterile strips, and a dressing is applied. The entire procedure usually takes 45–90 minutes, depending on the complexity.
Benefits of Shoulder Arthroscopy
1. Minimally Invasive Technique:
Shoulder arthroscopy uses tiny incisions instead of large surgical cuts. This approach preserves the surrounding tissues, muscles, and tendons, significantly reducing post-surgical trauma. Patients benefit from smaller scars, less bleeding, and faster healing compared to traditional open surgery.
2. Shorter Recovery Time:
Because the surgery causes minimal tissue disruption, patients can begin physiotherapy within days. Most people return to desk jobs or daily tasks within 4–6 weeks, depending on the complexity of their repair. Athletes may resume sport-specific activities much faster under proper rehabilitation.
3. Reduced Post-Operative Pain:
Smaller incisions lead to less muscle and nerve irritation, which translates to significantly lower pain levels after surgery. Most patients can manage discomfort with short-term medication and ice therapy, avoiding the prolonged pain often seen in open procedures.
4. Improved Diagnostic Accuracy:
The arthroscope provides magnified, real-time visuals of internal structures, allowing surgeons to identify subtle damage that scans like an MRI might miss. This leads to a more accurate diagnosis and complete repair in a single procedure.
5. Lower Complication Rates:
With smaller wounds, shorter operation times, and better precision, shoulder arthroscopy has a lower risk of infection, stiffness, and scar formation. The controlled environment and precision instrumentation used also reduce the chance of re-injury or repair failure.
If you are recovering from a sports injury, such as a padel shoulder injury or cricket-related shoulder strain, arthroscopy offers a precise and safe solution under the care of a sports orthopaedic specialist in Bangalore.
Recovery Timeline After Shoulder Arthroscopy
1. Week 1–2: Early Healing Phase:
The arm is kept in a sling to allow the tissues to heal.
Ice therapy and pain medication help manage swelling and discomfort.
Gentle hand, wrist, and elbow movements are encouraged to maintain mobility.
2. Week 3–6: Passive and Assisted Motion:
Physiotherapy begins with passive range-of-motion exercises, where the therapist moves the shoulder without the patient's effort.
The sling may be discontinued gradually as healing progresses.
3. Week 7–12: Active Rehabilitation:
The patient starts active exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff and surrounding muscles.
Light daily activities resume, though overhead or lifting movements are avoided.
4. Month 3–6: Strength and Return to Sport:
Progressive strengthening exercises improve endurance and stability.
Athletes may begin sport-specific drills under supervision.
Most patients achieve full functional recovery by 4–6 months, depending on injury severity and commitment to rehab.
It is essential to follow the orthopaedist’s recovery plan closely; rushing rehabilitation can lead to re-injury or delayed healing.
Shoulder Arthroscopy vs. Open Shoulder Surgery
While both procedures aim to repair shoulder injuries, the main difference lies in how they are performed.
Incision Size: Arthroscopy uses incisions less than 1 cm, while open surgery may require an 8–10 cm cut.
Recovery Time: Arthroscopy patients often recover within 3–6 months, compared to 6–12 months for open surgery.
Pain and Scarring: Smaller cuts mean less pain, minimal scarring, and a smoother recovery.
Hospital Stay: Arthroscopy is often a daycare procedure; open surgery may need a 2–3-day stay.
Return to Sports: Athletes can typically resume training earlier with arthroscopy due to its less invasive nature.
For individuals requiring rotator cuff repair, SLAP tear surgery, or treatment for torn shoulder muscles, arthroscopy offers a modern, efficient alternative with excellent outcomes.
Why Choose a Shoulder Specialist for Arthroscopy in Bangalore
Shoulder arthroscopy demands precision, deep anatomical understanding, and experience with minimally invasive instruments. Consulting a shoulder specialist or the best orthopaedic surgeon in Bangalore ensures:
Accurate diagnosis using advanced imaging
Surgical expertise with minimal trauma
Tailored rehabilitation programs
Lower recurrence of injury
Athletes recovering from cricket injuries, padel shoulder injuries, or shoulder dislocation treatment in Bangalore especially benefit from working with a specialist who combines medical and sports science expertise.
Why Patients Trust Dr. Kushalappa Subbiah
Dr. Kushalappa Subbiah is a Bangalore-based orthopaedic surgeon specialising in shoulder, elbow, and sports injuries. With advanced fellowship training at the Sydney Shoulder Research Institute (Australia) and an IOC Sports Medicine Diploma (2023), he offers evidence-based care for both athletes and everyday patients.
As a Consultant Shoulder Surgeon at NH Hospital, he brings international expertise and a patient-first approach to every case—focusing on precision, rehabilitation, and long-term joint health.
Conclusion: A Minimally Invasive Path to Stronger Shoulders
If you are experiencing chronic shoulder pain or have sustained an injury during sports or daily activity, shoulder arthroscopy can help restore pain-free motion and strength. With modern minimally invasive techniques and guided physiotherapy, recovery is faster and outcomes are better than ever.
Consulting a qualified orthopaedic surgeon in Bangalore, especially one specialising in shoulder arthroscopy, ensures your treatment is accurate, safe, and personalised to your needs. Whether you are an athlete or simply want to move without discomfort again, expert care from a shoulder specialist like Dr. Kushalappa Subbiah can help you regain confidence, mobility, and quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is shoulder arthroscopy used for?
Shoulder arthroscopy is used to diagnose and treat shoulder problems like rotator cuff tears, SLAP lesions, shoulder dislocations, and impingement syndrome. It is a minimally invasive procedure that allows the surgeon to repair tissues through tiny incisions using a small camera and specialised instruments, resulting in faster recovery and less pain than open surgery.
2. How long does it take to recover from shoulder arthroscopy?
Recovery time after shoulder arthroscopy depends on the type of injury and the repair performed. Most patients regain daily function in 6–8 weeks, while complete recovery for athletic activities can take 3–6 months. Following the physiotherapy plan given by your orthopaedic surgeon ensures proper healing and prevents stiffness or re-injury.
3. Is shoulder arthroscopy a major surgery?
No, shoulder arthroscopy is considered a minimally invasive procedure, not a major open surgery. It uses small incisions, causes minimal tissue damage, and usually requires only a short hospital stay or day-care admission. Patients experience less post-surgery pain, faster rehabilitation, and can return to normal activity sooner under proper guidance.
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