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Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery

Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery Specialist

Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally-invasive surgery performed through tiny incisions using an arthroscope. The many benefits of arthroscopic surgery include minimal scars, less blood loss, speedy recovery with a reduced down time. Brody Flanagin, MD is an arthroscopic shoulder surgery specialist in Dallas and Frisco, Texas. To know more about arthroscopic surgery, contact to book an appointment today!

Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery

Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery - Shoulder Pain (DFW-Dallas, TX)

About Arthroscopic Surgery

Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is the preferred method of surgical treatment for the vast majority of shoulder injuries. It is one of the most common, safest, and effective ways to repair a shoulder injury. Dallas area orthopedic shoulder surgeon, Dr. Brody Flanagin, uses this approach to treat numerous injuries and conditions, and the outcomes are generally well-received by many patients. Considered minimally-invasive, arthroscopic shoulder surgery uses tiny incisions that allow a small arthroscope to enter the shoulder joint. This device is built with a telescope camera so that the surgeon can get a clear view of the inside of the shoulder. This allows for accurate placement of the surgical tools to repair the joint. Our orthopedic practice uses arthroscopic surgery when possible, however, some surgical cases will require an open surgical technique.

Conditions Treated

Arthroscopic surgery is used to treat a wide range of shoulder conditions and injuries. It is usually recommended when nonsurgical methods have not worked in curing the shoulder pain. Some of the injuries arthroscopic shoulder surgery repairs includes:

  • Rotator cuff injuries
  • AC joint injuries
  • Shoulder arthritis
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Shoulder instability
  • Shoulder fractures
  • Biceps tendon injuries
  • Dislocated shoulder
  • Labral and SLAP tears
  • Removal of bone spurs, damaged cartilage, loose bone

Each condition mentioned above will be assessed and in most mild to moderate cases, arthroscopic surgery works well. For complex cases and severe ligament or tendon damage, an open surgical approach may be required.

What to Expect

Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. During surgery, very tiny incisions are made in the area on the shoulder where the injury is located. These incisions resemble puncture holes and are large enough to fit the arthroscope, as well as the surgical tools used by the surgeon. This minimally-invasive approach leaves small scars and allows patients to recover faster than when larger incisions are required. During arthroscopic surgery, tendons and muscles are not cut and nearby tissue is not affected during the procedure, which helps minimize swelling, bleeding, and post-operative pain. Absorbable sutures are used to close the small puncture holes and will not need to be removed after surgery. We will provide a full post-operative treatment plan that can be followed at home, as well as instructions for rehab and physical therapy, which typically begins about a week after surgery.

After Surgery

It is normal to have bruising, swelling, and some discomfort after shoulder surgery. We will provide prescriptions for pain and inflammation that should be filled prior to surgery. Within the first 48 hours after treatment, patients should rest at home and keep their arm elevated. Ice should be applied in intervals of 20 minutes. The bandages and dressings can be removed 2-3 days after surgery, but it is recommended to try and keep the incisions dry for 1-2 weeks. The most important rules for a speedy and effective recovery are to follow the post-care protocol provided by our office. Physical therapy will begin promptly and your shoulder will be on its way to a pain-free, healthy existence.

Schedule a Consult Today

If you have an injured shoulder and nonsurgical treatments have failed to work, we invite you to call our orthopedic practice and schedule a consult for surgery. We use the latest advancements in arthroscopic shoulder surgery that allow patients to get back into the game of life quickly and effectively. Our dedicated team of medical assistants, nurses, anesthesiologists, and board-certified shoulder surgeon are here to help get you back on the road to recovery.

*Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person. Images may contain models.

Arthroscopic surgery is a commonly performed shoulder surgery for several conditions that include rotator cuff injuries, AC joint injuries, shoulder arthritis, frozen shoulder, shoulder instability, shoulder fractures, biceps tendon injuries, dislocated shoulder, labral and SLAP tears and removal of bone spurs, damaged cartilage or loose bone. Brody Flanagin, MD is an arthroscopic shoulder surgery specialist in Dallas and Frisco, Texas. Contact Dr. Flanagin’s team at to know about arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

Related Topics:

Surgical Treatments

Non-surgical Treatments

Office Facilities
  • American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons
  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  • American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
  • Arthroscopy Association of North America