The shoulder joint has a complex structure and provides a wide range of arm movements. Any damage to the tendons, ligaments, or cartilage can limit mobility and cause pain.

Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedure that allows the surgeon to examine the internal structures of the joint through small incisions. Using a camera, the surgeon visualizes a magnified image of the joint on a monitor, which allows the procedure to be performed with high precision and safety for the patient.

Advantages of shoulder arthroscopy

The procedure provides effective treatment without large incisions and long recovery. The main advantages include:

• minimal tissue trauma, resulting in significantly less postoperative pain;
  
• a short hospital stay — in most cases the patient can return home the day after surgery;
  
• significantly faster rehabilitation compared with open surgery;
  
• low risk of complications and rapid wound healing;
  
• accurate diagnosis of minor injuries, such as damage to the labrum or rotator cuff;
  
• high effectiveness in cases where conservative treatment is not successful.
  

Shoulder arthroscopy is used not only for diagnosis but also for restoring the anatomical structures of the shoulder. For this reason, it has become the gold standard in the surgical treatment of many shoulder joint injuries and diseases, replacing open surgery in many cases within orthopedics and traumatology.

However, in cases of fractures, significant bone defects, or when joint replacement is required, classical surgical techniques are still used.

Indications for shoulder arthroscopy

The procedure is prescribed by a physician after a comprehensive examination. The main indications include:

• rotator cuff tears;
  
• injury to the tendon of the long head of the biceps;
  
• adhesive capsulitis that limits shoulder mobility;
  
• shoulder joint instability after injuries or dislocations;
  
• damage to the articular labrum (SLAP lesions);
  
• chronic shoulder pain that does not improve after conservative treatment.
  
  

The decision to perform surgery depends on the patient’s general condition, the severity of pain, and the extent of the injury. If conservative methods such as medication or physiotherapy do not provide sufficient results, an orthopedic traumatologist may recommend arthroscopy to eliminate the source of pain and restore joint mobility.

Contraindications for shoulder arthroscopy

The procedure has standard contraindications. It is not performed in the presence of active infection, acute inflammation, or severe systemic diseases.

Surgery may also be postponed if the patient has significant blood clotting disorders or allergic reactions to anesthesia. Another contraindication may be the inability to follow the postoperative rehabilitation protocol.

How shoulder arthroscopy is performed

The procedure is performed in a sterile operating room under general anesthesia or regional anesthesia. Through small skin incisions, the surgeon inserts an arthroscope — a thin tube equipped with a camera and light source. Surgical instruments are introduced through additional small incisions to repair damaged structures.

During the procedure, the surgeon observes a magnified image of the inside of the shoulder joint on a monitor. This allows precise treatment of tendon tears, stabilization of the joint, or removal of fragments that interfere with movement.

Arthroscopic surgery ensures minimal blood loss. The duration of the procedure usually ranges from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the complexity of the injury.

Preparation before shoulder arthroscopy

Before the procedure, the doctor prescribes a standard set of examinations. These usually include blood tests, an electrocardiogram, and consultations with other specialists if necessary.

Preparation for surgery includes:

• assessment of the patient’s medical history and possible allergies;
  
• temporary discontinuation of medications that affect blood clotting;
  
• fasting for 6–8 hours before the procedure;
  
• preoperative instructions regarding the postoperative recovery period.
  
  

These measures help minimize risks during the procedure. The final decision to proceed with surgery is made by the physician after evaluating the patient’s overall condition.

Rehabilitation and recovery after shoulder arthroscopy

After the procedure, the arm is immobilized in a special sling. During the first few days, mild swelling and discomfort may occur, which can be relieved with cold compresses.

Recovery after shoulder arthroscopy occurs in several stages:

• during the first days, passive movements are performed to prevent stiffness;
  
• after about one week, active rehabilitation begins under the supervision of a physiotherapist;
  
• full shoulder mobility usually returns within 2–6 months, depending on the complexity of the procedure.
  

The overall rehabilitation period depends on the type of injury, the patient’s adherence to medical recommendations, and the proper performance of rehabilitation exercises. In general, full recovery may take 3 to 12 months.

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Why choose Mashtaler Ortho & Trauma Medical Center?

1. Experience and qualifications. Surgeries are performed by orthopedic traumatologists with many years of experience. All specialists have international clinical experience and regularly participate in advanced professional training.
2. Precision and safety of procedures. Shoulder arthroscopy is performed in operating rooms equipped with modern video systems that provide high-resolution visualization of joint structures.
3. Minimally invasive techniques. Modern surgical technologies are used to reduce postoperative pain, shorten the recovery period, and minimize the risk of complications.
4. Comprehensive diagnosis and treatment. Before surgery, patients undergo a thorough examination, including evaluation of the rotator cuff, labrum, long head of the biceps tendon, and other shoulder joint structures.
5. Postoperative monitoring and rehabilitation. Recovery is organized step-by-step — from passive movements to specialized rehabilitation exercises under the supervision of a physiotherapist and physician.

Specialists at Mashtaler Ortho & Trauma Medical Center follow international surgical standards and focus on accurate diagnosis, effective treatment methods, and patient safety at every stage of care.

Price for shoulder arthroscopy in Lviv

The cost depends on the extent of the procedure, the complexity of the injury, and the need for postoperative rehabilitation.

The exact price of shoulder arthroscopy is determined after consultation with an orthopedic traumatologist and selection of the optimal treatment plan.