Shoulder Arthroscopy Surgery in Bangalore for Shoulder Joint Conditions
Shoulder pain, instability and certain joint injuries can affect movement and everyday activities. Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to assess and treat selected shoulder conditions. Dr. Raghavendra Kembhavi provides orthopaedic evaluation to help patients understand their diagnosis and suitable treatment options. If you are looking for shoulder arthroscopy surgery in Bangalore, consult the clinic to discuss whether this procedure may be appropriate for your condition.
What shoulder arthroscopy is used for
Shoulder treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Dr. Raghavendra Kembhavi matches the treatment to the cause and severity of your shoulder condition, always starting with the least invasive option that is likely to work.
Rotator Cuff Tears
Tears in the tendons that stabilise and move the shoulder, causing pain and weakness with overhead activity.
Shoulder Dislocation Treatment
Diagnosis and treatment of a dislocated shoulder — from closed reduction and rehab for a first-time injury to stabilisation surgery for recurrent instability.
Shoulder Impingement Treatment
Treatment for pain caused by rotator cuff tendons rubbing under the shoulder blade during overhead movement, from rehab to arthroscopic decompression.
What is shoulder arthroscopy?
Shoulder arthroscopy is keyhole surgery performed inside the shoulder joint. Dr. Raghavendra Kembhavi inserts a thin camera (arthroscope) through a small incision to view the joint on a monitor in real time, then uses narrow surgical instruments through one or two additional small incisions to repair the damage found — all without the large incision an open shoulder operation would require.
Because the joint is viewed directly and magnified on screen, arthroscopy allows precise diagnosis and treatment of problems that are difficult to fully assess on imaging alone.
Shoulder Arthroscopy Surgery: Procedure and Treatment Options
Open shoulder surgery requires a larger incision and more disruption to the muscles surrounding the joint. Shoulder arthroscopy’s small-incision approach means less bleeding, less post-operative pain, a lower infection risk, and a meaningfully faster return to movement and daily activity.
For the right diagnosis — structural problems like rotator cuff tears or impingement rather than advanced arthritis — arthroscopy achieves the surgical goal while preserving the patient’s own natural shoulder joint.
How shoulder arthroscopy is performed
Step 1
Anaesthesia & Positioning
The procedure is performed under general or regional anaesthesia, with the patient positioned to allow safe joint access.
Step 2
Joint Inflation
Fluid is injected into the shoulder to inflate the joint, creating space for the instruments to move safely.
Step 3
Portal Placement
2–3 small incisions are made for the arthroscope (camera) and surgical instruments.
Step 4
Diagnosis & Treatment
The joint is examined directly on screen, and rotator cuff tears, impingement or labral tears are treated as found.
Step 5
Closure & Recovery Room
Small incisions are closed with a stitch or adhesive strip, and the patient is monitored before discharge.
Shoulder arthroscopy vs. open shoulder surgery
| Factor | Shoulder Arthroscopy | Open Shoulder Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Incision size | 2–3 incisions, 5–8mm each | One larger incision (several cm) |
| Muscle disruption | Minimal | Greater |
| Hospital stay | Day-care or 1 night | Several days |
| Time in sling | 1–2 weeks typically | Longer, condition-dependent |
| Return to sport | ~3–4 months | Often longer |
Who benefits most from shoulder arthroscopy
Good candidates typically have:
- Shoulder pain from a rotator cuff tear or impingement confirmed on imaging
- Pain that hasn’t improved with physiotherapy or medication
- Mechanical symptoms — catching, locking or clicking in the shoulder
- Recurrent shoulder dislocations or instability
- Good overall joint space on imaging
Shoulder arthroscopy may not be suitable when:
- Advanced shoulder arthritis with significant joint space loss is present
- Severe structural deformity is better suited to open correction or replacement
- Active joint infection is present
A consultation and imaging review with Dr. Raghavendra Kembhavi will confirm whether shoulder arthroscopy — or an alternative treatment — is right for you.
What to expect after shoulder arthroscopy
Days 1–3
Rest, pain management, sling worn full-time. Ice packs help reduce swelling.
Week 1–2
Sling use continues; gentle passive physiotherapy begins to restore range of motion.
Week 3–6
Sling discontinued; active range of motion and light strengthening begin. Desk work often possible.
Month 3–4
Return to sport and high-impact activity, guided by rehabilitation progress and the specific repair performed.