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Consultation · Kanakapura Road, Bengaluru
Discuss your treatment options with Dr Vijay Chandar
Assessment and follow-up at VBJ Bone & Joint Clinic, Vajarahalli. Indicated surgery at Manipal Hospitals, Kanakapura Road; rehabilitation coordinated with the physiotherapy team.
Monday–Saturday: 9:30 AM–1:30 PM and 5:00 PM–8:30 PM. Sunday closed.
Doctor consultations: 10:30 AM–1:30 PM and 5:30 PM–8:30 PM.
Shoulder arthroscopy is a keyhole surgical approach that uses small incisions and a camera to diagnose and treat a range of shoulder conditions. It is typically day-care or short-stay surgery, followed by a structured rehabilitation programme guided by a physiotherapist.
Whether arthroscopy is appropriate for a specific shoulder problem is a clinical decision that depends on the diagnosis, imaging findings, functional limitation and the patient’s goals. Not every shoulder condition requires surgery, and non-operative management is appropriate for many patients.
Conditions commonly managed arthroscopically
Rotator cuff tears
Repair of torn tendons back to the bone using small-incision techniques, in selected patients where the tear pattern, tissue quality and symptoms support repair.
Shoulder instability
Arthroscopic repair of the labrum (Bankart lesion) and related soft-tissue structures in patients with recurrent shoulder dislocation.
SLAP and labral lesions
Debridement or repair of superior labral tears depending on the specific pattern and the patient’s symptoms.
Frozen shoulder
Capsular release in appropriately selected patients where conservative management has not produced adequate improvement.
Impingement and subacromial pathology
Subacromial decompression where the clinical picture and imaging indicate it is appropriate.
AC joint and biceps-related pathology
Addressed arthroscopically in selected cases.
Rehabilitation is central to the outcome
Structured post-operative physiotherapy is an essential part of recovery after shoulder arthroscopy. Timelines depend on the specific procedure performed, the quality of the tissues, the patient’s general health and adherence to the rehabilitation programme. Return to overhead work and overhead sport is criteria-based and progressed under supervision.
Realistic expectations. Shoulder arthroscopy can meaningfully improve pain and function in appropriately selected patients. It is not a guarantee of complete pain elimination, full range of motion or a fixed recovery timeline. Recognised risks include infection, stiffness, nerve-related symptoms, re-tear and the usual risks of anaesthesia. These are discussed in detail at consultation.
Start with the diagnosis
Shoulder pain may arise from the rotator cuff, stiffness, instability or other problems. Assessment combines symptoms, strength and movement testing with imaging when useful. An ultrasound or MRI may clarify a suspected tendon tear; the scan alone does not determine the treatment.
When repair may be discussed
A rotator cuff tear is assessed in the context of pain, weakness, injury history, tissue quality and functional goals. Physiotherapy and other non-surgical treatment can help many patients. Some tears are suitable for repair; others need a different plan. Ask how the proposed option relates to your particular shoulder.
Protect the repair, then rebuild function
Sling use, shoulder movement and strengthening are progressed according to the procedure and the surgeon’s instructions. A tendon repair requires a different rehabilitation plan from a release for stiffness. Overhead work, lifting and sport return when the shoulder is ready for those tasks.
Rotator cuff surgery or physiotherapy? · Shoulder rehabilitation · Rotator cuff tear guide
Practical questions before surgery
Discuss which tendon or structure needs treatment, the expected sling period, help with dressing and bathing, sleep positions, work restrictions and follow-up. The clinic and physiotherapy team can coordinate the plan around the operation performed.
Further patient information: AAOS OrthoInfo. General education supports an individual consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Is shoulder arthroscopy a day-care procedure?
Many arthroscopic shoulder procedures are performed as day-care or short-stay surgery, though this depends on the specific procedure, the anaesthesia used and the patient’s medical status. Your surgical team will advise what applies to your case.
How long is recovery after rotator cuff repair?
Recovery is progressive and criteria-based rather than a fixed number of weeks. A sling is typically used in the early weeks, followed by a structured physiotherapy progression. Return to overhead work and sport takes several months and depends on how the shoulder responds to rehabilitation.
Can every shoulder problem be fixed arthroscopically?
No. Arthroscopy is one tool among several. Some conditions are best managed non-operatively; some may require open surgery; some require combined approaches. The appropriate approach is decided after examination and imaging review.
Dr. Vijay Chandar R.
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and founder of VBJ Bone & Joint Clinic on Kanakapura Road, Bengaluru. More than 15 years of clinical practice and over 2,000 orthopaedic procedures performed. Consultations are at VBJ Bone & Joint Clinic; indicated surgical procedures are performed at Manipal Hospitals, Kanakapura Road.
No. 65/3, 100 Feet Road, Kanakapura Main Road, Vajarahalli, Balaji Layout, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560109 · +91 89711 02779
Need an orthopaedic assessment?
Bring recent X-rays, MRI reports or medical records to your consultation. We'll examine you, review your imaging and recommend an appropriate treatment path.