Day of shoulder arthroscopy

Overview

Shoulder arthroscopy is a type of keyhole surgery. The surgeon makes small cuts (incisions) around your shoulder and uses a tiny camera and special instruments to look inside the joint and repair any damage. You will go home the same day in most cases.

Yes, shoulder arthroscopy is a common procedure in the UK and around the world. Many people have it for problems like rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder, or loose cartilage.

It can affect people of any age who have shoulder problems that do not get better with rest, physiotherapy, or other treatments. It is often done for people with sports injuries or age-related wear and tear.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Pain in the shoulder that does not go away with rest or physiotherapy.
• Difficulty lifting your arm or reaching behind your back.
• A feeling that your shoulder is catching, locking, or giving way.

Symptoms in children

• Shoulder pain or instability after a sports injury or fall.

Symptoms in older adults

• Persistent shoulder pain, especially when sleeping, and trouble doing everyday tasks like dressing or combing hair.

Causes

Main causes

• Rotator cuff tears – the tendons that help lift and rotate your arm are torn.
• Labral tears – the ring of cartilage around the socket of your shoulder joint is damaged.
• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) – the joint capsule tightens and limits movement.
• Loose bodies – bits of bone or cartilage floating in the joint.
• Shoulder instability – the joint dislocates or slides out of place.

Risk factors

• Overhead sports like swimming, tennis, or throwing.
• Age – wear and tear increases as you get older.
• Previous shoulder injury.
• Activities that involve repetitive shoulder movements.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have shoulder pain with a fever or swelling (could be an infection).
• If you cannot move your shoulder at all after an injury.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Persistent shoulder pain that does not improve after a few weeks of rest and over-the-counter pain relief.
• Difficulty doing daily activities due to shoulder stiffness or weakness.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine your shoulder. They may also use imaging tests to see the inside of your joint.

Tests that may be done

• Physical examination – checking movement, strength, and stability.
• X-ray – to look for bone changes or arthritis.
• Ultrasound or MRI scan – to see soft tissues like tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.

What to expect at your appointment

You will be referred to an orthopaedic specialist (bone and joint doctor) who will decide if arthroscopy is right for you. Before the day of surgery, you will have a pre-assessment appointment to check your health and plan for the procedure.

Treatment

On the day of your shoulder arthroscopy, you will arrive at the hospital and be prepared for surgery. You will usually be given a general anaesthetic (you will be asleep) or a regional block (numbing the shoulder area). The surgery itself takes about 1-2 hours. After surgery, you will wake up in a recovery area, and staff will monitor your pain and vital signs. You can go home once you are stable, usually later that day.

Self-care at home

• Arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours.
• Follow the hospital's instructions about eating and drinking before surgery (usually you cannot eat for 6 hours before).
• Have your shoulder sling and ice packs ready at home if provided.

Medical treatments

Your doctor may prescribe pain relief medication to take at home. They may also give you antibiotics through a drip during surgery to prevent infection. It is important to take all medicines exactly as directed. Do not stop or change any medicines without talking to your doctor.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is recommended when non-surgical treatments have not helped and your shoulder problem is affecting your quality of life. The decision is made together with your orthopaedic surgeon after discussing the risks and benefits.

Living with this condition

After shoulder arthroscopy, you will need to rest your shoulder and wear a sling for a few days to weeks. You can remove the sling for gentle exercises as advised by your physiotherapist. Most people need 4-6 weeks before returning to light activities and 3-6 months for full recovery.

Lifestyle tips

• Sleep with pillows to support your arm and avoid rolling onto the operated shoulder.
• Avoid heavy lifting or overhead movements until your doctor says it is safe.
• Attend all follow-up appointments and physiotherapy sessions.

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet with plenty of protein to help healing. Drink plenty of water. Start gentle pendulum exercises (bending forward and letting your arm hang) as instructed. Your physiotherapist will give you a specific exercise plan to regain movement and strength.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Recovery can be frustrating, especially if you are used to being active. It is normal to feel down or anxious. Talk to your healthcare team about any worries. Many people find it helpful to connect with others who have had similar surgery.

Prevention

Some shoulder problems can be prevented by avoiding injuries and doing regular shoulder-strengthening exercises. However, age-related wear and tear may not be preventable.

Complications

If left untreated

• If the underlying problem (like a rotator cuff tear) is not treated, you may have long-term pain, weakness, and stiffness.
• The tear may get larger over time, making surgery more complex.

Long-term outlook

Most people have a good outcome after shoulder arthroscopy. Pain often improves significantly, and you can return to most activities. Full recovery takes patience and following your rehabilitation plan. Your surgeon will explain your personal outlook based on your condition.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.