Shoulder arthroscopy in the athlete. Practical applications.

Shoulder arthroscopy may be a useful tool to the surgeon in confirming a diagnosis for therapeutic treatment of a diagnosed condition. Shoulder arthroscopy has provided valuable information in establishing a diagnosis in the athletic individual when overlapping symptoms make a clinical diagnosis difficult. Shoulder arthroscopy for shoulder instability is in its developmental stages with early studies showing a high redislocation rate. Impingement syndrome is initially treated with conservative methods; however, if this is unsuccessful acromioplasty can be considered. Arthroscopic acromioplasty allows a thorough examination of the glenohumeral joint. Patients with rotator cuff tears may get pain relief with arthroscopic debridement. Inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis can be treated with arthroscopic synovectomy. Shoulder arthroscopy is a valuable tool in the treatment and diagnosis of shoulder disorders.