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Shoulder Arthroscopy Specialist

Kane Orthopedic Institute

Thomas J. Kane, III, MD

Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon & Adult Joint Reconstruction Surgeon located in Honolulu, HI

The arm movement supported by your shoulder makes that joint especially susceptible to injuries, inflammation, and degeneration. When your pain doesn’t improve with nonsurgical treatments, you may need minimally invasive shoulder arthroscopy. At Kane Orthopedic Institute in Honolulu, Hawaii, Thomas Kane, III, MD, is an expert in repairing shoulder injuries using arthroscopy, and then he manages your rehabilitation to ensure you heal and regain optimal strength. To get help for shoulder pain, call the office or schedule an appointment online.

Shoulder Arthroscopy Q & A

What is shoulder arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that’s performed through several small incisions. The procedure is named after the key surgical tool, an arthroscope. Arthroscopes are pencil-thin tubes that easily fit through a tiny incision.

The tube contains lighting and a high-definition video camera that sends magnified images from inside your shoulder to a monitor. Once Dr. Kane inserts the arthroscope, he carefully examines the tissues and structures in the joint and verifies your diagnosis. Then he repairs the problem using long, slender surgical tools inserted through a few more incisions.

What shoulder problems may need arthroscopy?

You may need shoulder arthroscopy when you have shoulder pain that doesn’t improve with nonsurgical treatments such as physical therapy and steroid injections. There are many possible causes of shoulder pain that could ultimately need arthroscopy, including:

  • Rotator cuff tears
  • Labral tears
  • Arthritis
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Impingement
  • Dislocation
  • Fractures

These conditions are most often caused by an injury, overuse, or age-related degeneration. When they’re repaired during shoulder arthroscopy, Dr. Kane may:

  • Remove bone spurs
  • Repair or remove the labrum
  • Repair torn tendons and ligaments
  • Clear away inflamed tissues
  • Trim away loose or damaged cartilage

Dr. Kane may also repair a fracture or release compressed nerves during shoulder arthroscopy.

What are the benefits of shoulder arthroscopy?

Because arthroscopy is performed through small incisions, it’s a minimally invasive procedure that causes significantly less trauma than open surgery. In many cases, arthroscopy allows Dr. Kane to avoid cutting your muscles. Instead, he maneuvers the slim instruments between the muscle fibers.

Shoulder arthroscopy is often an outpatient procedure, so you don’t need to spend the night in a hospital. Arthroscopy also provides other health benefits, such as:

  • Less bleeding during surgery
  • Lower risk of infection
  • Reduced postoperative pain
  • Quicker recovery
  • Faster return to your normal activity

After shoulder arthroscopy, you start rehabilitation to promote healing, regain shoulder strength, and return to optimal functioning. If your goal is to get back to competitive sports, Dr. Kane ensures your rehabilitation is specific to your training needs.

If you suffer a shoulder injury or have chronic shoulder pain, call Kane Orthopedic Institute or schedule an appointment online.