Shoulder Arthroscopy Surgery In Houston, TX
Chronic shoulder pain can disrupt every part of your daily routine, from reaching overhead to getting a good night’s sleep. When conservative treatments like rest, medication or physical therapy fail to bring relief, shoulder arthroscopy offers a proven, minimally invasive solution.
Dr. Barrett S. Brown is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in Houston with nearly 20 years of experience helping patients preserve shoulder function and return to the activities they love. His conservative-first approach means he only recommends arthroscopic shoulder surgery when it’s truly the best path forward.
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What is Shoulder Arthroscopy
Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which a small camera called an arthroscope is inserted through a tiny incision to view the interior of your shoulder joint. The camera allows Dr. Brown to clearly visualize the joint’s surrounding structures, including the humerus and glenoid.
Unlike traditional open surgery, which requires large incisions and significant muscle dissection, arthroscopic techniques use buttonhole incisions. Shoulder arthroscopy also allows for more accurate diagnoses than imaging alone, especially for soft tissue injuries that may not be clearly visible on X-rays.
When Is This Procedure Recommended?
When nonsurgical treatments, such as rest, anti-inflammatory medication, corticosteroid injections or physical therapy, have not provided adequate relief, Dr. Brown may recommend shoulder arthroscopy. Especially if pain or weakness interferes with your quality of life.
Arthroscopic shoulder surgery can help with the following conditions:
- Rotator cuff tears: Repairing torn tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and enable lifting movements
- Shoulder impingement: Removing bone spurs or inflamed tissue that pinches tendons during arm movement, a common issue requiring shoulder impingement treatment in Houston
- Labral tears and instability: Addressing damage to the cartilage ring around the socket, often caused by shoulder dislocations or repetitive overhead motion
- Biceps tendon issues: Repairing or rearranging damaged tendons that attach the biceps muscle to the shoulder
- Bone spurs: Removing excess bone growth that rubs against surrounding soft tissues
- Frozen shoulder: Releasing tight capsule tissue to restore mobility when the joint becomes stiff and painful.
Questions About Shoulder Arthroscopy Surgery?
The Benefits of Minimally Invasive Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery
When you visit our Houston clinic, Dr. Brown and the team will discuss the benefits of shoulder arthroscopy over more traditional surgical techniques, including:
- Less post-operative pain and less trauma to the surrounding muscles and tissues
- Fewer complications compared to open procedures
- An outpatient procedure usually not requiring an overnight hospital stay
- Faster recovery compared to open shoulder reconstruction
- Minimal scarring
What to Expect During Your Procedure
Understanding what happens during shoulder arthroscopy can help ease anxiety about the surgery.
Preparation
You’ll receive a regional nerve block combined with general anesthesia, keeping you comfortable and unaware during surgery. You’ll be placed in a semi-seated, or “beach chair” position.
The Process
Dr. Brown, our Houston arthroscopy specialist, inserts the arthroscope through a small incision to examine the joint structures. Additional small incisions allow specialized, miniature instruments to be inserted to cut, shave, smooth or stitch damaged tissue as needed.
Duration
The procedure typically takes less than an hour, though more complex repairs may require additional time.
Recovery and Rehabilitation Timeline
Our team will guide your recovery journey after shoulder arthroscopy, providing you with a structured timeline that protects the repair while restoring function:
- Immediate post-op: You’ll spend a short time in the recovery area before heading home. Most patients wear a sling to protect the repair and reduce strain on the shoulder. Your pain management plan, including prescribed medication and icing, helps control discomfort in the first few days.
- First few weeks: Rest is critical during this phase to allow tissues to heal properly. Protecting the repair by following Dr. Brown’s activity restrictions ensures the best long-term outcome.
- Physical therapy: PT may play a large role in your recovery by gradually rebuilding range of motion, strength and stability. Your therapist will guide you through exercises designed specifically for your repair.
- Return to activity: Timelines vary based on your procedure and lifestyle. Desk work can often resume within a few days to a week. Heavy lifting and competitive sports typically require three to six months before returning to full activity.
What Our Patients Are Saying
Shelia Briggs
Cathy Arroyo
Karen Larocca
Lynn Russell
Kimberley Gomez
Karen Larocca
Mary Isern
Jenna Hunter
Why Choose Dr. Barrett S. Brown for Your Shoulder Care?
Even though shoulder arthroscopy is less invasive than open surgery, physical therapy is still important for your recovery. Our orthopedic surgeon will create a personalized exercise plan to strengthen your shoulder and help you heal faster.
Will My Shoulder Arthroscopy Results Be Permanent
Dr. Brown takes a personal approach to orthopedic care for every patient he treats. He is highly trained and a partner in Fondren Orthopedic Group, one of Houston’s most highly respected orthopedic surgery associations. His skill, compassion and commitment to conservative treatment when possible have earned Dr. Brown a trusted reputation throughout the Houston medical community.
Whether you’re a local athlete looking to return to competition or someone simply wanting to lift your arm without pain, Dr. Brown’s patient-centric philosophy prioritizes listening to your concerns and creating personalized care plans tailored to your unique needs and goals.
Schedule Your Shoulder Evaluation Today
Don’t let persistent shoulder pain dictate how you live your life. Take the first step toward relief by scheduling a consultation with Houston’s own Dr. Barrett S. Brown to learn if shoulder arthroscopy is right for you.
Call (346) 247-2531 to speak with a member of our team, or request an appointment online.
