Shoulder arthroscopy, anatomy and variants – part 2

In part 1 of this article we have described the history of shoulder arthroscopy and its current indications. We introduced concepts useful in the execution and interpretation of shoulder arthroscopy and introduced some technical tips to help those starting out, or developing their expertise, in this surgical skill. In part 2 we will focus on the range of findings that arthroscopy can yield, which can at first be daunting and confusing. The spectrum of normal findings is quite wide and substantial experience is needed simply to recognise what is within this spectrum and what should be considered pathological. Furthermore some pathological findings can be subtle or obscure, and easily missed if the arthroscopy is not complete and correlated carefully with the examination under anaesthesia.