What is Shoulder Arthroscopy? Hollywood, FL Surgeon Explains

When shoulder pain or limited mobility starts interfering with your daily life, rest and therapy may not be enough. For many patients, advanced surgical care is the key to restoring comfort and function.

At Kevin McCarthy, MD Orthopedics in Hollywood, FL, we offer shoulder arthroscopy—a minimally invasive procedure that allows Dr. Kevin McCarthy to diagnose and treat joint problems through small incisions, reducing recovery time and discomfort compared to traditional surgery. Using advanced visualization and Enovis surgical technology, Dr. McCarthy delivers precise, effective results while keeping patient comfort a top priority. Schedule your appointment or call 954-963-3500 to learn if arthroscopic shoulder surgery is right for you.

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Let’s take a closer look at what shoulder arthroscopy involves, the conditions it can treat, and how it compares to other types of shoulder surgery.

Understanding Shoulder Arthroscopy

Shoulder arthroscopy is a type of minimally invasive shoulder surgery that uses a small camera, called an arthroscope, to view the inside of your shoulder joint. Through tiny incisions, specialized instruments can repair or remove damaged tissue without the need for large surgical openings.

This technique is often preferred because it:

• Reduces trauma to muscles and soft tissues
• Allows for more accurate diagnosis and treatment
• Typically results in less postoperative pain and faster recovery

Arthroscopy is both a diagnostic and treatment tool, making it one of the most versatile shoulder surgery types available.

Conditions Treated with Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery

Dr. McCarthy performs arthroscopic shoulder surgery to diagnose and treat a wide range of shoulder problems, including:

• Rotator cuff tears – Repairing torn tendons that attach muscles to the shoulder bone.
• Labral tears – Fixing damage to the cartilage rim that stabilizes the joint.
• Shoulder impingement syndrome – Removing inflamed tissue or bone spurs that pinch tendons.
• Shoulder instability – Tightening stretched ligaments to prevent recurrent dislocations.
• Bone spurs or loose bodies – Removing debris that causes pain or limits movement.

If you’ve been searching for the best shoulder surgeon near me for these conditions, Dr. McCarthy’s combination of expertise and cutting-edge technology makes him a trusted choice for patients in Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, and surrounding communities.

How Shoulder Arthroscopy Is Performed

At Kevin McCarthy, MD Orthopedics, every patient begins with a thorough preoperative evaluation, which may include advanced imaging, a detailed physical exam, and a discussion of your medical history and goals. This ensures the surgical plan is tailored to your specific condition.

During the procedure:

1. Anesthesia for Comfort – You’ll receive either general anesthesia or a regional nerve block, so you remain comfortable and pain-free throughout the surgery.
2. Small, Strategic Incisions – Dr. McCarthy makes tiny incisions around the shoulder joint, minimizing trauma to surrounding muscles and tissues.
3. Inserting the Arthroscope – A thin camera, called an arthroscope, is placed through one incision. This camera sends high-definition images to a monitor, giving Dr. McCarthy a clear, magnified view inside the joint.
4. Precision Repairs with Enovis Technology – Using specialized surgical tools through other small incisions, Dr. McCarthy repairs damaged tissue, removes bone spurs or loose fragments, and addresses any structural problems—all with the guidance of advanced Enovis surgical systems for exceptional precision.
5. Closure and Protection – Once repairs are complete, the incisions are closed with sutures or surgical strips, and a sterile dressing is applied.

Because shoulder arthroscopy is minimally invasive, the procedure often takes less time than traditional open surgery, and most patients return home the same day. This approach not only reduces hospital time but also supports a smoother, faster recovery.

Recovery After Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery

Your recovery will depend on the type of repair performed, the condition of your shoulder before surgery, and your overall health. Dr. McCarthy tailors every rehabilitation plan to the individual, ensuring you progress safely while regaining strength and mobility.

Here’s what you can typically expect:

• First few days: You’ll likely wear a sling to protect the shoulder and minimize swelling. Pain and discomfort are common but generally mild compared to open surgery, and they can be managed with medication, ice therapy, and rest.
• First few weeks: Physical therapy often begins early—sometimes within the first week—to gently restore range of motion and prevent stiffness. Exercises will be progressive and closely monitored to protect the surgical repair.
• 2–3 months: Most patients regain functional movement for daily activities during this time. However, full recovery for sports, heavy lifting, or physically demanding work may require several additional months.
• Long-term care: Following Dr. McCarthy’s instructions for home exercises and activity modifications is essential for optimal healing and reducing the risk of reinjury.

Dr. McCarthy incorporates Enovis rehabilitation protocols into each recovery plan, combining advanced orthopedic technology with evidence-based therapy to promote faster healing, better function, and a safe return to the activities you enjoy.

Advantages of Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery Over Open Surgery

For many patients, minimally invasive shoulder surgery offers clear benefits compared to traditional open techniques. Arthroscopy uses tiny incisions and specialized instruments, which means less disruption to surrounding tissues and a more comfortable recovery.

Key benefits include:

• Smaller incisions with minimal scarring – The surgical openings are typically less than a centimeter, resulting in reduced cosmetic impact and faster healing of the skin.
• Reduced postoperative pain – Because muscles and soft tissues are not cut as extensively as in open surgery, most patients experience less discomfort and require fewer pain medications.
• Quicker return to daily activities – The less invasive approach often allows patients to resume light activities sooner and return to work or sports more quickly.
• Lower infection risk – Smaller surgical sites mean fewer opportunities for bacteria to enter, reducing the likelihood of postoperative infection.
• Enhanced precision – The arthroscope’s high-definition camera provides a magnified, detailed view of the inside of your joint, allowing for highly accurate diagnosis and repair.

For many shoulder conditions—such as rotator cuff tears, labral injuries, and impingement—arthroscopy can achieve the same or even better outcomes than open surgery, while offering a smoother, faster recovery process.

Why Choose Dr. Kevin McCarthy for Shoulder Arthroscopy?

If you’re looking for the best shoulder surgeon near you in the Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale area, Dr. Kevin McCarthy offers the expertise, technology, and compassionate care you can trust. His approach combines advanced surgical precision with a genuine commitment to patient comfort and long-term results.

What sets Dr. McCarthy apart:

• Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon – Recognized for his advanced training and dedication to orthopedic excellence.
• Specialist in Arthroscopic & Minimally Invasive Shoulder Surgery – Focused on techniques that reduce recovery time, scarring, and discomfort.
• Utilizes Enovis Surgical Technology – Incorporates state-of-the-art tools for greater precision, efficiency, and surgical outcomes.
• Clear, Patient-Centered Communication – Ensures you understand your diagnosis, treatment options, and recovery process every step of the way.
• Convenient Location – Serving patients throughout Broward County with easy access for those in Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, and surrounding communities.

Whether you need relief from persistent shoulder pain, improved mobility, or repair of a specific injury, Dr. McCarthy is here to help you return to an active, pain-free lifestyle.

📞 Call 954-963-3500 or request an appointment online to get started with a personalized consultation.

Regain Shoulder Strength and Motion with Dr. Kevin McCarthy

Shoulder arthroscopy offers a less invasive way to address joint damage while reducing pain and speeding recovery. With the expertise of Dr. McCarthy and the precision of Enovis technology, you can feel confident in your treatment plan.

Ready to improve your shoulder health? Request your consultation with Kevin McCarthy, MD Orthopedics in Hollywood, FL, and learn how ourminimally invasive shoulder surgery can help you return to an active, pain-free lifestyle.
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FAQs About Shoulder Arthroscopy