Arthroscopy shoulder

Overview

Shoulder arthroscopy is a type of keyhole surgery where a surgeon uses a tiny camera and small instruments to look inside your shoulder joint and fix problems without making large cuts.

Yes, shoulder arthroscopy is a common procedure performed worldwide. Many thousands of people have it each year for various shoulder issues.

It is most often done for adults who have shoulder pain or instability (the joint feels loose) from overuse, injury, or aging. It can also help younger people with sports injuries.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Persistent shoulder pain, especially when lifting your arm or at night
• Stiffness or difficulty moving your shoulder fully
• A feeling of weakness or giving way in the shoulder
• Clicking, popping, or grinding sensations when moving your arm
• The shoulder feeling unstable or like it might pop out of joint

Symptoms in children

• Recurrent shoulder dislocations (the joint pops out) after a fall or sports injury
• Pain or clicking with overhead activities like throwing
• A feeling of looseness in the shoulder

Symptoms in older adults

• Aching pain in the shoulder that worsens with use
• Gradual loss of strength and range of motion
• Sometimes a tearing sensation followed by difficulty lifting the arm (possible rotator cuff tear)

Causes

Main causes

• Overuse from repetitive overhead activities (like painting, swimming, or throwing sports)
• Acute injury from a fall or direct blow to the shoulder
• Age-related wear and tear, such as thinning of the rotator cuff tendons or osteoarthritis

Risk factors

• Participating in sports that involve throwing, swimming, or weightlifting
• Jobs that require repeated overhead work (construction, hairdressing, etc.)
• Previous shoulder injury or dislocation
• Age over 40, which increases the chance of rotator cuff problems

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you suddenly cannot lift your arm or have severe weakness after an injury
• If your shoulder feels out of place and you cannot move it normally
• If you have intense pain with fever or redness (possible infection)

Book a routine appointment if:

• If shoulder pain or stiffness has lasted more than a few weeks despite rest and over-the-counter pain relief
• If you have ongoing clicking, locking, or a feeling of instability
• If your shoulder problems affect your sleep or daily activities

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, do a physical exam to check strength and range of motion, and may order imaging tests to look inside your shoulder.

Tests that may be done

• X-ray: checks for bone problems like arthritis or fractures.
• Ultrasound: looks at soft tissues like rotator cuff tendons and fluid.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): gives detailed pictures of tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor will explain your condition and whether arthroscopy might help. Sometimes arthroscopy is used both to diagnose and treat the problem in one procedure.

Treatment

Treatment depends on what is causing your shoulder pain. It often starts with non-surgical options. If those don’t help, arthroscopy may be recommended to repair the underlying issue.

Self-care at home

• Rest the shoulder for a few days, but avoid complete immobilisation (gentle movement helps healing).
• Apply ice packs for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce pain and swelling.
• Do gentle range-of-motion exercises as advised by your doctor or physiotherapist.

Medical treatments

Non-surgical treatments include physiotherapy (exercise programmes to strengthen muscles and improve movement), pain relief such as paracetamol or anti-inflammatory medicines (always follow your doctor’s or pharmacist’s advice), and sometimes injections of steroids to reduce inflammation.

When is surgery considered?

Arthroscopy is usually considered when non-surgical treatments have not helped after several months, or for certain problems like a torn rotator cuff, a torn labrum (the cartilage rim), or chronic instability (dislocations). The surgeon makes small cuts, inserts a camera, and uses tiny tools to repair or remove damaged tissue.

Living with this condition

Recovery from shoulder arthroscopy takes time. You may need to wear a sling for a few weeks and then gradually return to activities under the guidance of a physiotherapist. Most people can drive and return to desk work within 2-4 weeks, but heavy lifting or sports may take several months.

Lifestyle tips

• Follow your physiotherapist’s rehab plan closely – doing your exercises is key to a good recovery.
• Avoid heavy lifting or overhead activities until your surgeon says it’s safe.
• Sleep with a pillow under your arm to support your shoulder.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins C and D, and calcium can support healing. Gentle aerobic exercise like walking is encouraged, but avoid any activity that strains the shoulder until cleared.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Recovery can feel slow, which may be frustrating or lead to low mood. It is normal to feel this way. Talking to your healthcare team, family, or a counsellor can help.

Prevention

You cannot prevent all shoulder problems, but you can lower your risk. Use proper technique when exercising or lifting, strengthen your shoulder muscles with regular exercise, and warm up before sports. Taking rest days and listening to pain signals also helps.

Vaccines

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Screening programmes

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Complications

If left untreated

• Chronic pain and stiffness that limits daily activities
• Progressive weakness and loss of function
• Recurrent dislocations or feelings of instability

Long-term outlook

For most people, shoulder arthroscopy is very effective and leads to significant improvement in pain and function. With proper rehab, many return to their previous activities, including sports. The outlook is generally very good, though full recovery can take several months.

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