Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery
Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that allows the surgeon to visualize, diagnose, and treat a wide range of shoulder conditions through small incisions — typically two to four portals, each no larger than a pencil tip — using a camera called an arthroscope and specialized miniature instruments. Compared to traditional open shoulder surgery, the arthroscopic approach produces significantly less tissue disruption, smaller incisions, less post-operative pain, faster healing, and reduced scarring. Most arthroscopic shoulder procedures are performed on an outpatient basis at Midtown Surgery Center, with patients returning home the same day.
Dr. Jonathan Glashow is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and Clinical Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, with fellowship training in arthroscopic surgery at the Southern California Orthopedic Institute/UCLA and a traveling shoulder fellowship under Dr. Charles Rockwood and Dr. Richard Hawkins — two of the most influential shoulder surgeons in the world. A member of the Arthroscopy Association of North America, Dr. Glashow has performed more than 15,000 orthopedic procedures over a career spanning over 30 years, and shoulder arthroscopy represents one of the technical cornerstones of his practice — from rotator cuff repairs and labral reconstructions to complex instability repairs in professional athletes. As Chief Medical Officer for the New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia 76ers, he manages acute and chronic shoulder injuries that demand expert arthroscopic treatment under the highest performance expectations. Named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor every year since 2000, he performs arthroscopic shoulder surgery at his Upper East Side practice in New York City.
Conditions Treated With Shoulder Arthroscopy
Arthroscopic shoulder surgery can be used to diagnose and treat a wide range of shoulder problems, including:
- Torn or damaged labral cartilage, including Bankart lesions and SLAP tears
- Rotator cuff tears — partial and full-thickness
- Shoulder instability and recurrent dislocation
- Subacromial impingement and bone spur removal
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- Biceps tendon tears and tendonitis
- Arthritis of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint
- Loose bodies within the shoulder joint
- Shoulder joint infection requiring debridement and drainage
- Calcific tendonitis of the rotator cuff
Arthroscopic Shoulder Procedures
Arthroscopic Subacromial Decompression: When shoulder pain is caused by rotator cuff impingement — where the tendon is pinched beneath excess bone or a bone spur on the underside of the acromion — decompression removes the excess bone to relieve pressure on the rotator cuff and restore pain-free overhead motion.
Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: Torn rotator cuff tendons can be repaired arthroscopically using suture anchors to reattach the torn tendon to its anatomic footprint on the humerus. Dr. Glashow performs both partial and complete rotator cuff repairs through small portals, preserving the surrounding deltoid muscle and minimizing post-operative pain.
Arthroscopic Shoulder Stabilization: Recurrent shoulder dislocation or instability caused by a torn labrum — such as a Bankart tear — can be repaired arthroscopically by reattaching the labral tissue and tightening the capsular ligaments with suture anchors. In cases involving significant bone loss or severely weakened tissue, an open stabilization procedure may be recommended instead.
What to Expect After Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery
Pain medication is provided to manage post-operative discomfort. A bandage is placed around the operated shoulder and can be removed after 24 hours, with smaller dressings covering the portal incisions. Mild swelling of the shoulder after surgery is normal and expected.
A cold therapy unit — a sleeve that wraps the shoulder in continuous cold without the need for ice — is often recommended to reduce swelling and improve comfort during the first several days. Most patients resume normal day-to-day activities within three to five days of the procedure. A follow-up visit is scheduled within days of surgery to assess healing and begin the rehabilitation plan.
Recovery timelines vary depending on the specific procedure performed. Simple decompression or debridement cases typically allow a return to full activity within four to six weeks. Rotator cuff repairs and labral reconstructions require a more structured rehabilitation program — often three to six months — to protect the repair and progressively restore strength and range of motion. Dr. Glashow provides each patient with a specific recovery plan and coordinates rehabilitation closely with physical therapists.
Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery in New York City
If you are experiencing shoulder pain, weakness, instability, or loss of range of motion that has not responded to conservative treatment, arthroscopic shoulder surgery may offer the minimally invasive solution you need to restore full function. Dr. Glashow provides comprehensive shoulder evaluation with same-day imaging at his Upper East Side practice. Contact our office to schedule your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery
What conditions can be treated with shoulder arthroscopy?
Shoulder arthroscopy can treat rotator cuff tears, labral tears (including Bankart and SLAP lesions), recurrent shoulder instability and dislocation, subacromial impingement and bone spurs, frozen shoulder, biceps tendon injuries, AC joint arthritis, loose bodies, calcific tendonitis, and shoulder joint infections. Dr. Glashow evaluates each patient’s imaging and clinical examination to determine whether an arthroscopic approach is the most appropriate option for their specific condition.
How is arthroscopic shoulder surgery different from open shoulder surgery?
Arthroscopic surgery uses small portals — each roughly the width of a pencil — through which a camera and miniature instruments are inserted to visualize and treat the problem inside the joint. Open surgery requires a larger incision and more extensive dissection of the surrounding muscles and soft tissues to access the shoulder. The arthroscopic approach produces less post-operative pain, faster recovery, smaller scars, and less disruption to the deltoid muscle. However, certain complex conditions — such as shoulder replacement, large bone loss in instability cases, or massive irreparable rotator cuff tears — may still require an open or mini-open approach. Dr. Glashow recommends the least invasive technique that will reliably address the problem.
Is arthroscopic shoulder surgery performed under general anesthesia?
Most arthroscopic shoulder procedures are performed under a combination of a regional nerve block (which numbs the shoulder and arm) and general anesthesia. The nerve block provides excellent pain control during and after surgery — often lasting 12 to 24 hours — which significantly reduces the need for narcotic pain medication in the early post-operative period. Dr. Glashow discusses the anesthesia plan with each patient during the pre-operative consultation.
How long does arthroscopic shoulder surgery take?
The duration depends on the specific procedure being performed. Simple diagnostic arthroscopy, debridement, or subacromial decompression may take 30 to 45 minutes. Rotator cuff repairs typically take one to two hours. Complex labral reconstructions or multi-procedure cases can take two hours or longer. Regardless of the procedure length, most patients go home the same day.
Will I need physical therapy after arthroscopic shoulder surgery?
Yes — physical therapy is an essential part of recovery after virtually all arthroscopic shoulder procedures. For simple debridement or decompression, a short course of guided exercises may be sufficient. For rotator cuff repairs, labral reconstructions, and instability repairs, a structured rehabilitation program lasting three to six months is critical for restoring range of motion, rebuilding strength, and preventing re-injury. Dr. Glashow prescribes a rehabilitation protocol tailored to the specific procedure performed, the quality of the repair, and each patient’s activity goals.
When can I return to sports or overhead activities after shoulder arthroscopy?
Return-to-sport timelines depend on the procedure performed and the demands of the activity. Subacromial decompression and simple debridement cases may allow a return to overhead activities within four to eight weeks. Rotator cuff repairs typically require four to six months before returning to overhead sports or physically demanding work. Labral repairs and instability reconstructions generally require four to six months as well, with sport-specific training introduced progressively. Dr. Glashow uses functional testing and strength assessment — not just a calendar timeline — to determine when each patient is ready to return safely.
