Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat a wide range of shoulder conditions that cause pain, stiffness, weakness, or instability. Because the shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body and relies heavily on soft tissues such as tendons, ligaments, and cartilage for stability, problems may not always be fully explained by physical examination or imaging alone. Shoulder arthroscopy is often recommended when symptoms persist despite rest, physical therapy, medications, or injections, or when imaging suggests damage that may benefit from surgical repair. The procedure allows the surgeon to directly visualize the inside of the shoulder joint and, in many cases, treat the problem during the same operation. Before surgery, patients typically undergo a detailed evaluation that includes a physical examination, review of symptoms and medical history, and imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI scans. Shoulder arthroscopy is usually performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia, often combined with a regional nerve block to improve pain control after surgery. During the procedure, the surgeon makes several small incisions around the shoulder, known as portals. A small camera called an arthroscope is inserted through one portal, providing a magnified view of the joint on a video monitor, while specialized instruments are inserted through other portals to examine and treat damaged structures. Sterile fluid is introduced into the joint to improve visualization and allow precise surgical work. Shoulder arthroscopy can be used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Common conditions treated include rotator cuff tears, shoulder impingement caused by bone spurs or inflamed tissue, labral tears such as SLAP lesions, recurrent shoulder dislocations or instability, frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), cartilage damage, and loose bodies within the joint. Depending on the findings, the surgeon may repair torn tendons using sutures and anchors, remove inflamed tissue or bone spurs, stabilize the shoulder by repairing the labrum, release tight joint capsule tissue, or smooth damaged cartilage. Arthroscopy allows these repairs to be performed with minimal disruption to surrounding muscles and soft tissues compared to open surgery. After surgery, the incisions are closed with stitches or adhesive strips and covered with dressings. Most patients go home the same day with the arm supported in a sling. Early recovery focuses on pain control, swelling reduction, and protecting the surgical repair. Ice, elevation, and prescribed medications are commonly used in the first days after surgery. Physical therapy plays a critical role in recovery and typically begins shortly after surgery, starting with gentle, guided motion to prevent stiffness and gradually progressing to strengthening exercises as healing allows. Recovery time varies based on the complexity of the procedure, ranging from several weeks for simpler procedures to several months for tendon or labral repairs. Overall, shoulder arthroscopy has favorable outcomes, particularly when paired with proper rehabilitation, allowing many patients to return to daily activities with improved comfort, strength, and shoulder function.