Shoulder arthroscopy has become a popular diagnostic and therapeutic procedure during the past two decades. In many centers shoulder arthroscopy has become a standard procedure. Complications associated with shoulder arthroscopy are relatively rare. Most of the complications can be minimized through proper surgical technique, good instrumentation, clinical experience and familiarity with anatomy. We evaluated cases from own clinical experience and reviewed the literature on complication of arthroscopic shoulder surgery and their management. Complications can be divided into general, generic to all shoulder procedures, and the type of procedure performed. Complications specific to shoulder arthroscopic procedures may affect articular capsule, brachial plexus nerves and wound healing. Serious and rare complications, like upper limb DVT, pneumothorax or rotator cuff jatrogenic injury require immediate recognition and treatment. Proper patient selection, attention to operative procedure (patient positioning, proper traction, anatomic portal placement), and careful post-operative care can minimize the morbidity associated with complications if they occur.