Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed on the shoulder joint using a small camera and specialized instruments inserted through very small incisions. Through this technique, doctors can directly visualize the inside of the shoulder joint to establish a diagnosis and treat various shoulder disorders at the same time.
Because it is performed through small incisions, this procedure generally results in less postoperative pain and a faster recovery compared to open surgery. If you experience persistent shoulder pain or an injury that requires repair, shoulder arthroscopy may be one of the treatment options recommended by your doctor.
Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital provides shoulder arthroscopy services performed by an experienced orthopedic shoulder and elbow consultant. Supported by modern technology and a highly skilled medical team, this procedure is carried out with precision to help patients return to their daily activities comfortably and optimally.
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When Is Shoulder Arthroscopy Performed?
Shoulder arthroscopy can be an option for treating almost all shoulder disorders, except for certain emergency conditions or cases requiring total shoulder joint replacement. This procedure is used to address various shoulder joint problems using a minimally invasive approach.
Some conditions that can be treated with shoulder arthroscopy include:
- Biceps tendon disorders, such as tears or chronic tendonitis
- Cartilage tears in the shoulder joint, such as SLAP tears or Bankart lesions, often caused by injury or recurrent dislocation
- Complex shoulder fractures, such as bones broken into multiple fragments
- Rotator cuff disorders (the group of muscles and tendons supporting the shoulder), including large tears or inflammation
- Severe shoulder dislocation or significant sprains leading to joint instability
- Shoulder arthritis (osteoarthritis) causing joint pain and stiffness
In most cases, surgery is not the first line of treatment for shoulder problems. Doctors usually recommend non-surgical treatments first, such as medication, physical therapy, or injections. However, if symptoms do not improve with these approaches, shoulder arthroscopy may be the next step. Because it involves small incisions, both the surgical process and recovery are generally more comfortable compared to open surgery.
How Is Shoulder Arthroscopy Performed?
Shoulder arthroscopy is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning patients can usually go home the same day unless they have certain medical conditions requiring further monitoring. The procedure generally takes about one to two hours.
Below is an overview of the steps involved:
- The medical team positions the patient in a semi-seated or side-lying position. The shoulder area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution to prevent infection, and surrounding hair may be trimmed if necessary.
- The doctor injects a special fluid into the shoulder joint to expand the joint space, making internal structures easier to visualize.
- A small incision, usually about 1–2 cm, is made to insert a tiny camera called an arthroscope.
- The camera transmits images of the inside of the shoulder joint to a monitor, allowing the doctor to clearly identify the source of the problem and perform necessary repairs.
- If needed, additional small incisions are made to insert specialized surgical instruments to repair damaged tissue.
- After the procedure is completed, the incisions are closed and bandaged. The patient is then transferred to the recovery room while the effects of anesthesia wear off.
Patients typically remain in the recovery room for one to two hours under observation. Before discharge, the medical team provides instructions for home care and applies an arm sling to maintain shoulder positioning during the early recovery phase.
What Are the Benefits of Shoulder Arthroscopy?
Compared to open surgery, shoulder arthroscopy offers several advantages because it is performed through very small incisions. This makes the recovery process generally easier and more comfortable for patients.
Key benefits include:
- Smaller surgical wounds: No large incisions are required, resulting in smaller scars and faster skin healing
- Less postoperative pain: Smaller incisions typically cause less pain compared to open surgery
- Lower risk of complications: Smaller wounds reduce the risk of infection and wound-healing problems
- Faster recovery: Patients can usually begin physical therapy or range-of-motion exercises sooner
- Reduced risk of shoulder stiffness: Early mobilization lowers the risk of joint stiffness (contracture)
Overall, shoulder arthroscopy helps patients return to their activities more quickly and comfortably compared to conventional surgical methods.
Profile of dr. Troy, Orthopedic Shoulder & Elbow Consultant at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital
Shoulder arthroscopy procedures at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital are performed by an experienced orthopedic shoulder and elbow consultant, dr. Troydimas Panjaitan, Sp.OT (K).
dr. Troy is an orthopedic specialist with expertise in managing shoulder and elbow disorders. He completed his Orthopedic & Traumatology Specialist training at the University of Indonesia and pursued a Shoulder & Elbow subspecialty fellowship at the Sports Medicine & Joint Center, Funabashi Orthopaedic Hospital, Chiba, Japan.
As a shoulder and elbow consultant, dr. Troy has extensive experience performing various procedures, ranging from arthroscopy (minimally invasive surgery) to arthroplasty (joint replacement surgery) of the shoulder and elbow. He also treats various sports injuries, including those affecting athletes and active individuals with joint problems due to physical activity.
His expertise is further strengthened through participation in numerous national and international workshops, courses, and scientific forums, including:
- Lecturer & Instructor – Workshop on Shoulder Arthroscopy, Shoulder Hemiarthroplasty, and Total Elbow Arthroplasty at the 67th Continuing Orthopaedic Education “All About the Sports Injury in Musculoskeletal System,” Indonesia
- Instructor – Cadaveric Shoulder Arthroscopy Workshop “Bankart Repair & Acromioplasty” at The 5th Annual Meeting ASSA-IOSSMA 2018, Dr. Kariadi Hospital, Semarang
- Moderator & Participant – The 5th Annual Meeting of the ASEAN Society for Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy (ASSA) combined with The 6th Annual Meeting of the Indonesian Orthopaedic Society of Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy (IOSSMA), Semarang
- Participant – The 37th Arthroscopy Association of North America Annual Meeting (AANA18), Chicago
- Lecturer & Instructor – IOSSMA/AANA Shoulder Arthroscopy Workshop & Live Surgery at the CONMED Linvatec Asia Arthroscopy Symposium (CLAAS), Indonesia
With an international educational background and extensive clinical experience, dr. Troy is committed to providing comprehensive, technology-based care to help patients return to optimal function.
Practice Schedule at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital:
- Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Friday: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
To make your visit more convenient, you can use the Chat via WhatsApp feature, Book Appointment service, or the Care Dokter application available on Google Play and the App Store to schedule visits, check queue numbers, and access additional information.
