Overview
Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small camera and instruments through tiny incisions to treat problems inside and around the shoulder. For impingement and bursitis, the inflamed bursa is removed and a small amount of bone is smoothed beneath the acromion to give the rotator cuff room to glide.
What the Procedure Involves
- Performed through several small (about 5 mm) incisions with a camera (arthroscope)
- Removal of inflamed bursa (bursectomy) and any loose or frayed tissue (debridement)
- Smoothing of the undersurface of the acromion (acromioplasty) to relieve impingement
- Usually an outpatient procedure under regional or general anesthesia
Who It's For
- Persistent impingement or bursitis that has not improved with therapy and injection
- Painful arc with overhead activity
- Partial-thickness cuff fraying without a full tear
Recovery & Rehabilitation
Most patients go home the same day in a sling for comfort and begin gentle motion within days. Because no tendon is repaired, rehabilitation is relatively quick, with return to most activity over 6–12 weeks.
Physical Therapy Protocol
Rehabilitation protocol PDF ↗This page is for general education and is not a substitute for a medical evaluation. The right procedure depends on your individual diagnosis, anatomy, and goals. Kevin O'Donnell, MD serves Coral Gables, Miami, Brickell, Pinecrest, Coconut Grove.