Shoulder arthroscopy

Shoulder arthroscopy is a routine operation and most people don’t experience complications.

However, as with any surgery there is a slight risk of:

• Infection
• Excessive bleeding
• Blood clots
• Nerve or blood vessels damage
• Small risk from the anaesthetic

In a small number of cases, shoulder arthroscopy may not be successful. Factors such as disease severity and poor aftercare can sometimes hinder results.

At The London Clinic, we provide a range of rehabilitation options including access to highly trained physiotherapists who specialise in this type of care and state-of-the-art equipment such as our hydrotherapy pool.

Shoulder arthroscopy is normally a same-day procedure, where you’ll have either a regional block anaesthetic or a light general anaesthetic. It usually takes around one to two hours to perform.

After injecting a sterile fluid into your shoulder to inflate the joint, your surgeon will make a small cut (incision) in the skin on your shoulder, about the size of a small button hole. 

Your surgeon then inserts the arthroscope (camera) into your joint, so they can see and assess its condition. The camera projects the images of your joint onto a computer screen.

A second small cut  is made on your skin, so your surgeon can insert specialised miniature surgical tools into your joint. 

Your surgeon will use the tools to repair, shave, cut or stitch the joint tissues.

Once complete, your surgeon will close the cuts with dissolvable stitches or steri-strips (thin sticky bandages) and apply a waterproof dressing. 

After surgery, we’ll take you to the recovery suite where your nurse will monitor you to check you’re doing well.

When you’re awake from the anaesthetic, your consultant will check on you and give you advice about starting your recovery before you leave to go home.

Shoulder arthroscopy (keyhole) surgery has several advantages over standard open surgery, including:

• Less pain post-operation
• Less scarring
• Less risk of infection
• Normally same day surgery
• Faster recovery 
• Quicker return to work

After surgery, you should find that you have less pain and stiffness in your shoulder, more stability and that you can move it much more easily.

At The London Clinic, the orthopaedic surgeons who offer shoulder arthroscopy are world leaders in their field. 

You will have your surgery in one of The London Clinic’s state-of-the-art operating theatres near Harley Street. 

Shoulder arthroscopy is normally a same-day procedure, so you can go home a few hours after the operation. 

To make you feel more comfortable while you’re with us, we offer extra touches like a personalised food menu and concierge service.

After your surgery, you’ll receive advice from your dedicated care team about looking after your shoulder. 

Your physiotherapist will give you a specialised sling, which they will show you how to put on and take off. They will also give you an exercise plan to follow at home.

Throughout your recovery, your personal care team will give you ongoing support, to make sure you’re happy and everything is going smoothly. 

Shoulder arthroscopy is a surgical treatment to repair shoulder injuries that cause pain, weakness or limit movement in the shoulder joint. 

Injury, overuse and conditions like arthritis can cause shoulder problems.

Shoulder arthroscopy can successfully treat:

• Shoulder dislocation
• Shoulder instability
• Rotator cuff tears
• Cartilage tears (SLAP lesions of the labrum)
• Cartilage erosion
• Trapped nerves or ligaments (impingement)
• Frozen shoulder
• Bursitis
• Fractures
• Cyst removal
• Bone spurs 
• Excess fluid

Although recovery from shoulder arthroscopy is normally faster than recovery from standard shoulder surgery, it can still take several months for your shoulder to completely heal.

For the first few weeks your shoulder will be quite bruised and swollen and you’ll need to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) to manage the pain and speed up repair. 

During the first few weeks, you’ll need to wear a specialised sling or immobiliser, to protect your shoulder.

Your physiotherapist will show you how to put the sling on and take it off correctly, so that you can wash and do your daily exercises. 

Physical therapy is an important part of your recovery and your physiotherapist will guide you through a tailored exercise routine after your surgery. 

You’ll need to practice these exercises several times a day for the first six weeks and then intermittently for up to nine months, until your shoulder stabilises. 

Depending on the complexity of your surgery you may need to avoid certain activities, such as raising your arm above your head or putting pressure through your arm and shoulder. Your surgeon and physiotherapist will talk to you about this.

More strenuous activities, like running and swimming, are normally okay two to three months after surgery.

Your physiotherapist and care team will always be on hand to help and if there’s anything you’re worried about, you can contact them at any time.