Arthroscopy of the shoulder is keyhole surgery, so it is carried out through a very small incision near your shoulder and a tiny camera is inserted into your shoulder joint to allow your orthopaedic surgeon to see inside.
Shoulder arthroscopy is often used for shoulder injuries, overuse, arthritis and some other health conditions.
It can confirm a diagnosis suggested by your physical health and previous diagnostic tests as well as investigate pain where there is no apparent cause or if you have a painful condition that has not responded to non-surgical treatment.
Common arthroscopic shoulder treatments include:
• Shoulder stabilisation – repair and tightening of your shoulder ligaments to prevent dislocation.
• Shoulder impingement decompression – also known as sub-acromial decompression or acromioplasty. Inflamed soft tissues (bursa and ligaments) and bone spurs are removed to take the pressure off your rotator cuff tendons.
• Rotator cuff tendon repair – repair of rotator cuff tears caused by injury or wear and tear. May be performed at the same time as shoulder decompression.
• Frozen shoulder treatment - release of the tight structures within your shoulder, known as shoulder arthroscopic release.
• Shoulder debridement - removal of loose fragments of bone or cartilage.
• Cartilage repair – caused by wear and tear arthritis.
A benefit of shoulder arthroscopy is that it can be used to confirm your shoulder problem and often treat it as the same time.
Tiny equipment is used in shoulder arthroscopy that require small and minor cuts to your skin. It has many benefits over traditional open surgery including:
• Faster healing time.
• Less post-surgery pain.
• Less infection risks.
• Patients usually go home the same day.
• Quicker recovery and return to normal activities.
Arthroscopy of the shoulder is normally performed by an orthopaedic surgeon under a general anaesthetic. It can take up to an hour depending upon the amount of work required to your shoulder joint.
Your shoulder surgeon will make small cuts in the skin around your shoulder joint and insert the arthroscope, a tiny camera to see inside your shoulder joint.
The camera displays pictures on a television monitor, and your surgeon uses these images to explore your shoulder joint and to guide miniature surgical instruments to repair or remove damaged tissue that is causing your shoulder pain. They will finally close and dress your cuts.
Your shoulder surgeon will discuss the procedure in detail with you and answer any questions you may have, beforehand.
As shoulder arthroscopy is an operation it carries the chance of general complications of surgery such as: an unexpected reaction to the anaesthetic, pain, wound infection, excessive bleeding or developing a blood clot.
Arthroscopy is generally a safe and routine procedure. However, complications may occur and those specific to shoulder arthroscopy include:
• Accidental damage to the inside of your shoulder joint and surrounding nerves or blood vessels.
• Shoulder joint infection.
• Excessive bleeding into your joint.
• Failure of the operation to work and you may need to have it again.
• Severe pain, stiffness and loss of use of your arm and hand (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome).
If you decide to pay for your treatment, Ramsay offer an all-inclusive Total Care package, where a single one-off payment at a pre-agreed price, delivering direct access to all the treatment you need for complete reassurance. You can also spread the cost of your treatment with finance options available.
An Arthroscopy of the shoulder may be covered by your medical insurance policy. We advise you to check directly with your insurance provider and get written confirmation before commencing treatment.
You can usually go home the same day of an arthroscopy of the shoulder. One of our experienced physiotherapists will give you advice and exercise suggestions that will help speed up your recovery, before you leave.
It usually takes up to three months to get back to normal activities following shoulder arthroscopy. Your recovery time will depend on: if you have treatment and if so what treatment is performed, the severity of your shoulder pain and, your fitness. You should always follow your surgeon’s post-surgery advice.
Most people regain full movement of their shoulder after a shoulder arthroscopy.
Shoulder arthroscopy at Ramsay Health Care is easily accessed at a hospital local to you. The procedure is regularly performed by our highly experienced and qualified consultant orthopaedic surgeons with a special interest in shoulders. Our skilled physiotherapists offer all the support you need to ensure a speedy recovery following your shoulder arthroscopy.
Spread the cost of your treatment with fixed, monthly payments over a time period to suit you.
Find out more
We offer an alternative range of ways to pay, so you can choose which one best suits you and your finances.
Find out more
Use your private medical insurance to fund your treatment through our simple referral process.
Find out moreTotal shoulder replacement is shoulder surgery to relieve pain, restore motion, and increase strength and function in your shoulder.
Shoulder and elbow surgery treats pain and stiffness in your upper limbs that may be due to injury, wear and tear, or a long-term condition. It aims to restore the full use of your shoulder or elbow without pain.
Rotator cuff surgery is shoulder surgery performed to repair torn and damaged tendons and muscles in the rotator cuff of your shoulder and, aims to alleviate shoulder pain and improve functionality.
Ramsay Health Care UK are celebrating after being named as a Gold National Joint Registry (NJR) Quality Data Provider after successfully completing a national data quality audit programme for 25 of their hospitals offering orthopaedic procedures.
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material, contained on this website is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
No warranty or guarantee is made that the information contained on this website is complete or accurate in every respect. The testimonials, statements, and opinions presented on our website are applicable to the individuals depicted. Results will vary and may not be representative of the experience of others. Prior patient results are only provided as examples of what may be achievable. Individual results will vary and no guarantee is stated or implied by any photo use or any statement on this website.
Ramsay is a trusted provider of plastic or reconstructive surgery treatments as a part of our wrap-around holistic patient care. Our personal, friendly and professional team are here to support you throughout to ensure the best possible care. All procedures we perform are medically justified, and we do not offer treatments that are purely aesthetic / to change your appearance.
Ramsay Health Care UK is not currently recruiting for any roles based outside of England. If you are interested in applying for a role with Ramsay Health Care UK, please note that all available positions are advertised exclusively on our official website: https://www.ramsayhealth.co.uk/careers. Be cautious of individuals or organisations that approach you directly for remotely-based roles. Always verify the authenticity of the job offer and be careful with whom you share your personal information. For more information and advice on employment fraud, please visit: https://www.ramsayhealth.co.uk/careers/recruitment-fraud