Shoulder arthroscopy

Shoulder arthroscopy is often performed on patients experiencing persistent pain, swelling or stiffness in their shoulder, and who have not improved with conservative treatments.

Keyhole shoulder arthroscopy surgery usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour and is performed by an orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in treating these conditions.

Your surgeon will make a small surgical cut in your shoulder, and place a small telescope called arthroscope into your shoulder joint. An arthroscope is a tiny tube with a camera attached to its tip that allows the surgeon to see inside of your shoulder. This view will allow the surgeon to explore your shoulder joint and to guide miniature surgical instruments to repair or remove damaged tissue. 

Our shoulder surgeons will discuss the procedure in detail with you before your surgery. 

Your surgeon will discuss with you how to prepare prior to the surgery. However, common preparations for shoulder arthroscopy surgery may include routine tests such as bloods, X-rays and other scans requested by your surgeon. 

You can usually go home on the same day after shoulder arthroscopy procedure, although some patients might require an overnight stay in hospital. 

Following shoulder arthroscopy, it might take up to three months to get back to your usual activities. Recovery depends on many factors including injury severity and your fitness levels.  

Your shoulder surgeon will provide a recovery plan that is tailored to your needs.