Shoulder Arthroscopy

What is a Shoulder Arthroscopy Surgery?

Shoulder Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure in which an arthroscope is inserted into the shoulder joint.


The procedure is a very common minimally invasive procedure and is used for either:

  • Diagnosis - to clearly visualise, inspect and evaluate the affected area, and/or
  • Treatment - to attach, cut, shave, remove, smooth, position, repair, secure or suture

the affected areas including the tendons, ligaments, cartilage, muscles, joints and bones.


Arthroscopy uses smaller incisions that allow faster healing, quick recovery and less scarring.

What is an Arthroscope

The term ‘arthroscope’ comes from two Greek words, arthro-, meaning joint, and -skopein, meaning to examine.


Arthroscope is a small fiber-optic viewing instrument made up of a tiny lens, light source and video camera that is connected to a TV screen used by your surgeon to see inside your joint. If necessary other surgical instruments can be inserted through the arthroscope or through additional small incisions.


These other instruments can be used to perform cleaning, cutting, tying knots or removal of material from the joint. 


What Does Shoulder Arthroscopy Treat

Arthroscopy may be recommended for shoulder problems such as:

  • Evaluation and treatment of instability
  • A torn or damaged cartilage ring (labrum) or biceps tendon
  • A torn rotator cuff
  • Stiffness of the shoulder
  • Subacromial decompression
  • Arthritis of the end of the clavicle
  • Treatment of frozen shoulder
  • Removal of loose bodies
  • Debridement / drainage of shoulder joint infection
  • Inflammation causes swelling, pain, and stiffness in a damaged or diseased shoulder joint.


When is Shoulder Arthroscopy Indicated

The majority of shoulder problems are caused by injury, overuse, and age-related wear and tear. If you have a painful condition that is not responding to non-surgical treatment, your doctor may recommend Shoulder Arthroscopy


Shoulder arthroscopy can help relieve the pain caused by a variety of issues that affect the rotator cuff tendons, labrum, articular cartilage, and other soft tissues surrounding the joint. The following are examples of common arthroscopic procedures:

  • Repair of the rotator cuff
  • The labrum can be removed or repaired.
  • Ligament reconstruction
  • Surgical removal of inflamed tissue or slack cartilage
  • Recurrent shoulder dislocation repair

Shoulder Arthroscopy Benefits

There are clear advantages to having shoulder arthroscopy. Not only will you benefit from a repaired shoulder, but the arthroscopic procedure less traumatic to the muscles, ligaments and tissues than the traditional method of surgically opening the shoulder with long incisions (open techniques).


The procedure's minimal invasiveness allows:

  • reduced scarring and scar tissue,
  • less stiffness and allowing more range of motion
  • less blood loss and reduced bruising 
  • faster healing and recovery with less pain
  • lower complication rates


When compared to living with the damage or inflammation that was impeding its use, you will be able to regain more use of your arm and shoulder.


Shoulder Arthroscopy Procedure Steps

Arthroscopic surgical procedures are often performed on an outpatient basis and the patient is able to return home on the same day. The procedure is performed after appropriate diagnostic assessments, pre surgery checks and preparations are complete in a hospital or day surgery and can take less than an hour, but the duration depends of other specific surgical outcomes


The procedure is normally performed under a general anaesthetic and includes the following steps:

  • A small incision(s) is made, and an arthroscopic camera is inserted through one of them.
  • A sterile solution is pumped to the joint which expands the shoulder joint
  • The area is clearly viewed by the surgeon from a nearby monitor in the operating room.
  • Once the problem has been identified, your surgeon can treat the problem by inserting surgical instruments through other portals
  • Surgical actions including shaving, cutting, grasping, suture passing, and knot tying can be achieved arthroscopically.
  • Special devices are frequently used to anchor stitches into bone.


Shoulder Arthroscopy Surgery Preparation

Once you and the doctor have decided that surgery is required, preparation is necessary to achieve the best results and a quick and problem free recovery. 

  • Infections - Treat any tooth, gum, bladder or bowel problems before surgery to reduce the risk of infection
  • Smoking - Stop or cut down smoking to reduce your surgery risks and improve your recovery
  • Weight - Consider losing weight (if overweight) before surgery
  • Medications - Refrain from taking medications or dietary supplements that may increase your risk of bleeding - refer Medication Information
  • Fasting - Depending on the type of anaesthesia used, your doctor may advise you to refrain from eating and drinking six to twelve hours before the procedure.
  • Getting Home - You will not be allowed to drive yourself home after the procedure, so make arrangements for someone to pick you up. If you live alone, arrange for someone to check on you that evening or, ideally, to stay with you for the rest of the day.
  • Loose Clothing - If you're having surgery, wear loose, comfortable clothing, such as baggy gym shorts and slip-on shoes, so you can easily undress and dress.
  • Day of Surgery
    • Report any infections to me prior to surgery as the procedure cannot be performed until all infections have cleared up.
    • Do not consume alcohol 24 hours prior to treatment,
    • Do not eat or drink anything, including water, for 6 hours before surgery
    • Avoid vigorous physical activity or exercise 24 hours prior to surgery
  • Surgery Recovery
    • Maintain the operative arm in a sling as directed. The day after surgery, you can start doing pendulum exercises.
    • If you had a nerve block, keep your arms safe while it is numb.
    • Dressings should be kept clean and dry for three days after surgery. The dressings can then be removed and you can shower. There will be no soaking in a bath, pool, or hot tub.
    • Apply an ice pack to minimize pain and swelling.

    Call your doctor if

    • You develop a fever of more than 101 degrees
    • The pain is excruciating and unrelieved by medication.
    • Do you have any questions or concerns.

    The subtle effects of general anaesthesia combined with regional/local anesthesia can last up to 24.


    It is normal to experience generalized aching and sore muscles for 24 hours after a general anesthetic. A sore throat is possible.

  • During Surgery

    During the surgery, your doctor

    • The arthroscope is inserted into your shoulder through a small incision. In the operating room, the scope is linked to a video monitor.
    • Examines all of the tissues in your shoulder joint as well as the area above the joint. The cartilage, bones, tendons, and ligaments are examples of these tissues.
    • Repairs any tissues that have been damaged. Your surgeon will make 1 to 3 more small incisions and insert other instruments through them to accomplish this. A muscle, tendon, or cartilage tear is repaired. Any damaged tissue is extracted.

    During your operation, your doctor may perform one or more of these procedures.

    • Rotator cuff repair
    • Surgery for impingement syndrome
    • Surgery for shoulder instability
  • Post Surgery Care

    You must follow any discharge and self-care instructions that are given to you.


    • Recovery can take anywhere from one to six months. For the first week, you will most likely need to wear a sling. If you had a lot of repairs done, you may have to wear the sling for a longer period of time.
    • You can take pain medication to alleviate your discomfort.
    • When you can return to work or play sports will be determined by the nature of your surgery. It can last anywhere from a week to several months.
    • Physical therapy may assist you in regaining shoulder motion and strength. The length of your therapy will be determined by the procedures performed during your surgery.

Returning Home After Surgery

When you go home you need to take special precautions around the house to make sure it is safe. Your post operative plans should include:

  • Mobility or Stability - changes (rails in your bathroom, ramps for stairs)
  • Sleeping - modify your sleeping arrangements (especially if you are sleeping upstairs) for easy access
  • Access - ensure you have easy access to food, water, medications and any other essentials
  • Showering - will be allowed once the wound is healed, or as indicated 


Assess your home situation to ensure you have adequate home support in the first few weeks following surgery. If you live alone it may be necessary to arrange a package of community care to help during the first few weeks at home.


Shoulder Arthroscopy Surgery Process

  • Day of Surgery
    • Report any infections to me prior to surgery as the procedure cannot be performed until all infections have cleared up.
    • Do not consume alcohol 24 hours prior to treatment,
    • Do not eat or drink anything, including water, for 6 hours before surgery
    • Avoid vigorous physical activity or exercise 24 hours prior to surgery
  • Surgery Recovery
    • Maintain the operative arm in a sling as directed. The day after surgery, you can start doing pendulum exercises.
    • If you had a nerve block, keep your arms safe while it is numb.
    • Dressings should be kept clean and dry for three days after surgery. The dressings can then be removed and you can shower. There will be no soaking in a bath, pool, or hot tub.
    • Apply an ice pack to minimize pain and swelling.

    Call your doctor if

    • You develop a fever of more than 101 degrees
    • The pain is excruciating and unrelieved by medication.
    • Do you have any questions or concerns.

    The subtle effects of general anaesthesia combined with regional/local anesthesia can last up to 24.


    It is normal to experience generalized aching and sore muscles for 24 hours after a general anesthetic. A sore throat is possible.

  • During Surgery

    During the surgery, your doctor

    • The arthroscope is inserted into your shoulder through a small incision. In the operating room, the scope is linked to a video monitor.
    • Examines all of the tissues in your shoulder joint as well as the area above the joint. The cartilage, bones, tendons, and ligaments are examples of these tissues.
    • Repairs any tissues that have been damaged. Your surgeon will make 1 to 3 more small incisions and insert other instruments through them to accomplish this. A muscle, tendon, or cartilage tear is repaired. Any damaged tissue is extracted.

    During your operation, your doctor may perform one or more of these procedures.

    • Rotator cuff repair
    • Surgery for impingement syndrome
    • Surgery for shoulder instability
  • Post Surgery Care

    You must follow any discharge and self-care instructions that are given to you.


    • Recovery can take anywhere from one to six months. For the first week, you will most likely need to wear a sling. If you had a lot of repairs done, you may have to wear the sling for a longer period of time.
    • You can take pain medication to alleviate your discomfort.
    • When you can return to work or play sports will be determined by the nature of your surgery. It can last anywhere from a week to several months.
    • Physical therapy may assist you in regaining shoulder motion and strength. The length of your therapy will be determined by the procedures performed during your surgery.

Shoulder Arthroscopy Rehabilitation Program


  • 1 Week - Post Op Rehab
    • Restore full passive range of motion (PROM) and active assistive range of motion (AAROM) in the post-surgical shoulder 
    • Activation of the stabilizing muscles of the glenohumeral and scapulothoracic joints

    Avoid activities that may impinge on the acromion's denuded bone 

    • Use a sling as needed for comfort 
    • Relative rest to reduce inflammation
  • 6 Weeks - Post Op Rehab

    Rehabilitation appointments are once every 2-3 weeks


    Rehabilitation Goals

    • Rotator cuff strength (5/5) normal at 90° abduction and with supraspinatus testing
    • AROM with full multi-planarity
    • Retraining of advanced proprioceptive and dynamic neuromuscular control
    • Work and sport-specific tasks can be used to correct postural dysfunctions.
  • 32 - Weeks Post Rehab

  • 4 Weeks - Post Op Rehab

    Every 1-2 weeks, you will have a rehabilitation appointment.


    Rehabilitation Goals

    • AROM restoration under strict control
    • In a protected position (0° - 45° abduction), strengthen the shoulder and scapular stabilizers.
    • Begin retraining proprioceptive and dynamic neuromuscular control.
    • Restore postural dysfunctions
  • 10 Weeks - Post Op Rehab

    Rehabilitation appointments are once every 2-3 weeks


    Rehabilitation Goals

    • Rotator cuff strength normal at 90° abduction and with supraspinatus testing
    • Retraining of advanced proprioceptive and dynamic neuromuscular control
    • Work and sport-specific tasks can be used to correct postural dysfunctions.
    • Develop the strength and control needed for work or sports movements.
  • 52 Weeks - Post Op Rehab

Shoulder Arthroscopy Risks & Complications Associated

  • General Surgery Risk

    Complications are not common but can occur. Prior to making any decision to have surgery, it is important that you discuss any concerns with your surgeon and understand the potential risks so that you can make an informed decision regarding the surgery’s advantages and disadvantages. 


    Risks from arthroscopic surgery include: 

    • risk of infection <1%, 
    • Stiffness or frozen shoulder: incidence varies with specific operation and rehabilitation. Stiffness is more common in patients with diabetes.
    • postoperative bleeding (rare)
    • Nerve injury (rare)

    Rarely do these complications prevail over the long term? 

  • Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019
    Specific Surgery Risk

    Rarely do these complications prevail over the long term. 


    Other general medical and surgical risks can include: 

    • Stiffness or frozen shoulder: incidence varies with specific operation and rehabilitation. Stiffness is more common in patients with diabetes.
    • Chest infection clotting in the leg (deep vein thrombosis - DVT) or lung. (very rare)
    • allergies and anaesthetic complications can occur 
    • If there are any postoperative concerns or pain, please do not hesitate in contacting [doctor] or the rooms or hospital.

Surgical Follow Ups

  • 1 Week After Surgery

    Your Rehab Program starts soon after your procedure, it involves


    Physical therapy to help you regain strength and control

    Setting recovery goals for pain relief, movement, strength


    Rehabilitation. Patients may need to undergo a series of rehabilitation treatments, such as electrical stimulation and ultrasound, as well as strengthening exercises to help decrease pain and support the development of new tissue. Isometric strengthening exercises that promote proprioception (body/joint position awareness) are especially important in Grade 3 sprains and strains to help reduce the chance of re-injury. Therapeutic exercises may be land-based or water-based, with water-based exercises usually reserved for those with severe injury.

  • 12 Weeks After Surgery
    • You will need to return to the office every 4-6 weeks until you are completely healed.
    • You may continue to use your arm for daily activities, but no more than a few pounds should be lifted.
    • Strengthening begins with light weights and increases slowly with the help of your physical therapist.
  • 1 Year After Surgery

  • 6 Weeks After Surgery
    • Do easier daily activities
    • Most people with desk jobs can return to work at this time.
    • Lifting anything heavier than a plate or a glass with your affected arm is not recommended.
  • 32 Weeks After Surgery

    You will almost certainly complete physical therapy, but you should continue with your home exercises to improve range of motion, strength, and function.

  • Ongoing Care
    • Physical therapy as well as stretches and exercises at home
    • Appointments with your surgeon or orthopedic physician for follow-up

How Risks Are Minimised

Get Moving Quickly

Early mobilisation is a major preventive measure. We strongly encourage you to get moving and out of bed as soon as possible after the operation to restore normal blood flow in the legs. 


How Can I Minimise Post Operative Complications

Blood clots (DVT or PE)

All patients receive a number of treatment measures to reduce the risk of blood clots. These include 

  • Injections of heparin during and after surgery,
  • Sequential calf compression device (SCD) whilst on the operating table, and
  • Special leg stockings (TEDS)


As a result of these measures, we have never had a patient develop a deep venous thrombosis. Any patient who is at high risk of a blood clot (such as a history of blood clots or clotting disorders) may be asked to continue heparin (Clexane) injections for 10 days after the surgery in addition to the other measures. This can be done at home, and we will show you how.


What Are the Consequences of Surgery? 

Sometimes the potential risks and consequences of your surgical procedure need to be weighed against the benefits of a successful surgical outcome.


Like most surgery these benefits can include:

  • Freedom from pain
  • Increase movement
  • Greater Flexibility, 
  • Maintained Independence
  • Improved outlook, and
  • Longer more enjoyable life


Although the recurrence of the presenting problem is not very common, after surgery, you would need to follow preventive measures.


It is important to avoid high impact activities during the early phase of recovery to minimise the risk of further injury. If there are any postoperative concerns or pain, please do not hesitate in contacting our rooms.

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