What is shoulder arthroscopy?
Shoulder arthroscopy uses a small camera and specialised instruments inserted through tiny cuts to see and repair structures inside the shoulder. It allows precise treatment with less pain and faster rehabilitation than traditional open surgery.
Conditions treated
- Rotator cuff tears
- Recurrent shoulder dislocation (Bankart repair)
- Impingement and bone spurs (subacromial decompression)
- Labral (SLAP) tears and biceps tendon problems
- Stiff shoulder not responding to treatment
The procedure
Surgery is performed under anaesthesia, often combined with a nerve block for comfortable pain control. Most patients go home the same or the next day with the arm in a sling.
Rehabilitation
A carefully staged physiotherapy programme protects the repair while gradually restoring movement and strength. Your recovery plan depends on the procedure performed and your work or sport.
This page explains the treatment in general terms. Whether it is right for you is decided only after an examination and review of your X-ray or MRI.