Diagnostic Shoulder Arthroscopy

Arthroscopic surgery allows diagnosis and treatment of joint problems through small incisions in the skin. A camera attached to a scope is used to see inside your joint.

Incisions

Small incisions (portals) are made around the joint. The scope and surgical instruments will go into these incisions.

Visualization

The scope is inserted into the back of the shoulder. Saline solution flows through a tube (cannula) and into the shoulder to expand the joint and to improve visualization. The image is sent to a video monitor where the surgeon can see inside the joint.

Diagnosis

Using the video monitor as a guide, the surgeon can make a diagnosis. A variety of surgical instruments like this probe can be inserted through other incisions to treat specific problems.