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Shoulder Arthroscopy

Shoulder Arthroscopy in Whitefield Bangalore by Dr. Krishna Kumar M S

Shoulder Arthroscopy in Whitefield, Bangalore

Shoulder pain, weakness, and limited movement can significantly affect your quality of life — whether you're an athlete, a working professional, or someone dealing with a long-standing shoulder problem. Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows Dr. Krishna Kumar M S to diagnose and treat a wide range of shoulder conditions through tiny incisions, using a small camera (arthroscope) and precision instruments. Dr. Krishna Kumar M S performs shoulder arthroscopy in Whitefield, Bangalore for conditions including rotator cuff tears, SLAP lesions, shoulder impingement, and instability.

Compared to open shoulder surgery, arthroscopic procedures offer faster recovery, smaller scars, and less post-operative pain — making it the preferred approach for most shoulder conditions that require surgical intervention.

What Is Shoulder Arthroscopy?

Shoulder arthroscopy involves making 2–4 small portal incisions around the shoulder joint through which an arthroscope (a thin camera with a light) and specialized instruments are introduced. The camera transmits magnified, high-definition images of the shoulder joint interior to a monitor, allowing the surgeon to precisely identify and treat damage to the tendons, labrum, cartilage, and other structures. The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia, typically in the beach chair or lateral decubitus position.

Conditions Treated with Shoulder Arthroscopy

Shoulder Conditions Treated Arthroscopically

  • Rotator Cuff Tears: Arthroscopic repair of partial or full-thickness tears of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, or teres minor tendons
  • SLAP Tears: Repair or debridement of superior labrum anterior-to-posterior tears causing deep shoulder pain and clicking
  • Shoulder Impingement (Subacromial Decompression): Removal of the bony spur or inflamed bursa causing tendon impingement during arm elevation
  • Shoulder Instability & Dislocation (Bankart Repair): Reattachment of the torn labrum and tightening of the anterior capsule to prevent recurrent dislocation
  • Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): Arthroscopic capsular release for severe frozen shoulder that has not responded to conservative treatment
  • AC Joint Problems: Resection of the distal clavicle for acromioclavicular joint arthritis causing shoulder top pain
  • Bicep Tendon Issues: Bicep tenodesis or tenotomy for long head of biceps tendon pathology

The Shoulder Arthroscopy Procedure

Patient Positioning: You will be placed in either the beach chair position (sitting upright) or lateral decubitus position (side-lying), depending on the surgeon's preference and the procedure being performed.

Portal Creation: Two to four small incisions (5–10 mm) are made around the shoulder. The arthroscope is introduced through the posterior portal for visualization, and working instruments are introduced through additional portals.

Joint Distension: Sterile fluid is continuously pumped into the shoulder to expand the joint space and provide clear visualization of all internal structures.

Surgical Treatment: Dr. Krishna Kumar M S performs the required repair — rotator cuff suture anchor fixation, labral reattachment, bony spur removal, or capsular release — under direct arthroscopic visualization. The procedure typically takes 45–90 minutes depending on the complexity.

Recovery After Shoulder Arthroscopy

Shoulder Arthroscopy Recovery Timeline

  • Week 1–2: Arm in sling; pain managed with medications; gentle pendulum exercises begin
  • Week 4–6: Sling discontinued for most procedures; passive and active-assisted range of motion exercises progress
  • Month 3: Progressive shoulder strengthening begins; light daily tasks resume
  • Month 6: Return to overhead activities and recreational sports (for rotator cuff repair or Bankart repair)

Benefits of Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery

  • Minimal scarring — only 2–4 small portals of 5–10 mm
  • Day-care or short overnight hospital stay
  • Faster recovery compared to open shoulder surgery
  • Less post-operative pain and reduced risk of infection
  • Better visualization of joint structures than open surgery
  • Can diagnose and treat simultaneously in a single procedure

Why Choose Dr. Krishna Kumar M S for Shoulder Arthroscopy?

Dr. Krishna Kumar M S brings specialized arthroscopic expertise and a patient-first approach to every shoulder case:

  • Shoulder Arthroscopy Expertise across the full range of shoulder conditions and procedures
  • Rotator Cuff Repair Specialist with advanced suture anchor techniques for durable tendon healing
  • Instability Surgery (Bankart Repair) for athletes with recurrent shoulder dislocation
  • Comprehensive Rehab Protocol tailored to each procedure's specific healing requirements
  • Minimally Invasive Philosophy — arthroscopic approach preferred wherever clinically appropriate

Frequently Asked Questions — Shoulder Arthroscopy

Shoulder arthroscopy typically takes 45 to 90 minutes depending on the procedure being performed. Subacromial decompression or bicep tenotomy may take 45–60 minutes, while rotator cuff repair or Bankart repair for instability may take 60–90 minutes. Dr. Krishna Kumar M S will give you an accurate time estimate during your pre-operative consultation.

The procedure itself is performed under general anaesthesia, so you will not feel anything during surgery. Post-operatively, most patients experience moderate shoulder discomfort for the first 3–7 days, effectively managed with prescribed pain medications. Because the incisions are very small and muscle damage is minimal, shoulder arthroscopy causes significantly less pain than open shoulder surgery. Most patients find their pain well-controlled within the first week.

Recovery time depends on the procedure performed. Subacromial decompression allows return to light activities within 4–6 weeks. Rotator cuff repair or Bankart repair typically require 4–6 months for full recovery and return to sport or heavy overhead work, as the repaired tendons and labrum need time to heal securely to the bone. Dr. Krishna Kumar M S provides a detailed, personalized recovery protocol from the day of your surgery.

Yes — arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is the gold standard surgical treatment for full-thickness rotator cuff tears. Dr. Krishna Kumar M S uses suture anchors to reattach the torn tendon back to its footprint on the humeral head under arthroscopic visualization. The procedure achieves excellent healing rates, with most patients experiencing significant pain relief and restoration of shoulder strength and movement. Partial-thickness tears may be treated with debridement or repair depending on tear size and patient factors.

Restore Full Shoulder Function

Don't let shoulder pain limit your life. Consult Dr. Krishna Kumar M S in Whitefield, Bangalore for expert arthroscopic assessment and targeted treatment of your shoulder condition.

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