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Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure during which the internal structure of a joint is examined for diagnosis and treatment of problems inside the joint. The advancement in Arthroscopic techniques and equipments has led to using this surgical method for correcting fractures. About 10% to 20% of scapula fractures need surgery andArthroscopic fracture fixation is using this procedure to treat a fracture of shoulder bones in a minimal invasive process with the aid of metal instrumentation.Glenoid fractures (intrarticular), greater tuberosity fractures, lateral end clavicle fractures are the ones that can be managed arthroscopically .

The major advantages of arthroscopic fracture fixation over open methods are direct visualization of the intra-articular space, decreased invasiveness, and the possibility for multitask interventions through which fixation of the fracture, and repair of the soft tissues and the cartilage can be performed simultaneously.As this method enables the direct imaging of the fracture in an external monitor, Arthroscopic Fracture Fixation has so far successfully used for the treatment of fractures of the tibial plateau, tibial eminence, malleoli, pilon, calcaneus, femoral head, glenoid, greater tuberosity, distal clavicle, radial head, coronoid, distal radius, and scaphoid. 

Shoulder arthroscopic fracture fixation procedure uses the guidance of a small camera attached to an arthroscope that enables the surgeon to view and repair the damaged tissues and cartilage around the shoulder joint in a minimal invasive technique.Before the surgery, the surgeon takes the assistance of an anesthetic to give a general or regional anesthetic.  The arthroscope is then inserted through a small incision made in the location for investigation, and later more incisions are made to insert the surgical tools to rectify the damage caused in the shoulder joint. After the fracture fixation, the incisions are closed and stitched.Arthroscopic fracture fixation uses a set of metal screws, pins and suture anchors to fix the fracture in the shoulder bone. There are 3 major bones in the shoulder named as the collar bone, shoulder blade and arm bone. These bones are held together with the help of muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints to create movement. A direct fall, accidents or any kind of sports injury can cause a fracture in the shoulder bones losing the alignment and restricting the movement of the arms.

While not for every fracture, arthroscopy is less of a blow to the body, is easier to heal, has less potential wound complications and less potential blood loss. It enables the patients to have a shorter hospital stay and retaining of shoulder and arm movements and reduces the chances for improper healing. It also reduces the risk of healing in improper positions as the fracture repair is aided by metal instrumentation inserted during the surgery.Most people need 6 weeks or longer to recover. The time needed to recover depends on the surgery that was done. Until the shoulder strength and range of motion has returned to normal, the range of activity will have to be limited.The use of arthroscopy in all joints is increasing because it reduces morbidity and has a proven ability to treat certain conditions. Arthroscopy can be a useful adjunct to treat many of the fractures and minimize the problems associated with an intra-articular injury in ankle fractures.

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