What conditions can be treated with shoulder arthroscopy?

Conditions commonly treated with shoulder arthroscopy include rotator cuff tears, shoulder impingement, AC joint arthritis, labral tears, frozen shoulder, shoulder instability, and removal of loose bodies or calcium deposits.

What are the benefits of arthroscopic shoulder surgery?

The benefits include smaller incisions, less pain after surgery, faster recovery, reduced scarring, and a lower risk of infection compared with open shoulder surgery.

How long does recovery take after shoulder arthroscopy?

Recovery depends on the procedure performed. Minor procedures may allow return to desk work in a week, while rotator cuff or labral repairs may require 3–6 months of physiotherapy before returning to sport or heavy work.

What are the risks of shoulder arthroscopy?

Shoulder arthroscopy is generally safe, but risks include infection, bleeding, nerve or vessel injury, stiffness, ongoing pain, or failure of tendon or labral repair in some cases.

When should I see a specialist for shoulder arthroscopy?

If you have ongoing shoulder pain, weakness, or instability that does not improve with physiotherapy, rest, or injections, a shoulder specialist can assess whether arthroscopic surgery is right for you.

Shoulder Arthroscopy:
Keyhole Surgery for Shoulder Pain & Injuries

Shoulder arthroscopy, also called keyhole shoulder surgery, is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat a wide range of shoulder problems. Using tiny incisions and a small camera (arthroscope), surgeons can treat damaged tissue, repair tendons, and restore shoulder function with less pain and faster recovery than traditional open surgery.

What Is Shoulder Arthroscopy?

Shoulder arthroscopy allows surgeons to look inside the shoulder joint and subacromial space using a camera connected to a video monitor. Specialised instruments are inserted through small cuts—usually 2 to 3 incisions less than 1 cm long—making it possible to repair or remove damaged structures with precision. This approach reduces scarring and shortens recovery time compared with open surgery.

Conditions Treated with Shoulder Arthroscopy

Rotator cuff tears (repair of torn tendons)
Shoulder impingement (removal of bone spurs or inflamed tissue)
AC joint arthritis (distal clavicle excision / Mumford procedure)
Shoulder instability or recurrent dislocation (labral repair, stabilisation)
Frozen shoulder (arthroscopic release of tight capsule)
Cartilage or labral tears (SLAP repair, debridement)
Removal of loose bodies or calcific deposits

Benefits of Arthroscopic Surgery

Smaller incisions and less scarring
Less post-operative pain
Faster recovery and return to activity
Lower risk of infection compared with open procedures
Outpatient or short-stay surgery in most cases

How the Procedure Is Performed

Shoulder arthroscopy is usually performed under general anaesthetic with regional nerve block for pain relief. The steps typically include:

Small incisions are made around the shoulder.
The arthroscope is inserted, projecting images onto a screen.
Surgical instruments are introduced to repair, trim, or remove damaged tissue.
The wounds are closed with dissolving sutures or small dressings.

The procedure usually takes 30–90 minutes depending on the type of repair required.

Recovery After Shoulder Arthroscopy

Recovery depends on the type of surgery performed. General guidelines include:

Sling use: Typically worn for 1–4 weeks, depending on the repair.
Physiotherapy: Begins within the first week to restore motion and prevent stiffness.
Desk work: Return in a few days to 1 week for simple procedures, longer for repairs.
Manual labour or sport: May require 3–6 months of rehabilitation for tendon or labral repairs.

Your recovery plan will be tailored by your surgeon and physiotherapist, focusing on safe return to daily activities, work, and sport.

Risks and Complications

Shoulder arthroscopy is considered very safe, but like any surgery, risks include:

Infection
Bleeding or blood clots
Stiffness or ongoing pain
Nerve or vessel injury (rare)
Failure of tendon or labral repair in some cases

When to See a Shoulder Specialist

If you have persistent shoulder pain, weakness, or instability that does not improve with rest, physiotherapy, or injections, an assessment by a shoulder specialist is recommended. They will guide you through non-surgical care and discuss whether arthroscopic surgery is the right option for you.