In the past, diagnosis of shoulder problems such as rotator cuff tears required an imaging study such as an MRI. Recently technological advances have allowed for miniaturization of cameras to the point where a camera can be put at the end of a needle. These super-small cameras can be painlessly inserted into the shoulder, allowing the surgeon to evaluate the inside of the joint by directly looking. This tool is extremely useful, safe, and more accurate than MRI. This short video demonstrates the procedure: In-Office Arthroscopy video demo The shoulder is numbed with anesthetic and the camera is inserted. At the end of the procedure, a cortisone injection is given.
