Summary:Uses of shoulder arthroscopy for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes have greatly expanded in recent years. As applications of this procedure increase, so do potential problems and complications associated with its use. General pitfalls associated with preoperative diagnoses, positioning, traction, optics, irrigation, and cauterization are discussed. Procedure-specific complications are reviewed, and the relevant literature is summarized. Known postoperative complications of shoulder arthroscopy are also cited, illustrated by pertinent references. Discussion of each of these issues has been expanded to include appropriate preventative strategies.