Two to five small incisions (portals, each 5–8 mm) are made around the shoulder. An arthroscope (a small camera) is inserted into the joint, displaying the image on a monitor. Saline fluid distends the joint for visibility. Surgical instruments are inserted through additional portals to perform the required procedure. Common arthroscopic procedures include subacromial decompression, rotator cuff repair, labral repair (Bankart), SLAP repair, capsular release, biceps procedures, AC joint excision, and diagnostic assessment. Operating time varies from 20 minutes (simple diagnostic) to two hours (complex cuff repair).
Arthroscopy is recommended when imaging and clinical assessment suggest an intra-articular or subacromial pathology that would benefit from surgical treatment, or when the diagnosis is uncertain and direct visualisation would help.
Physiotherapy, corticosteroid injection, activity modification, and time. Many shoulder conditions improve without surgery. Arthroscopy is reserved for conditions that have not responded to adequate conservative management.
MRI or ultrasound to assess the pathology. Standard pre-assessment. Day-case for many procedures.
Minimally invasive access to the shoulder joint with smaller scars, less pain, and faster recovery than open surgery for many conditions. Excellent visualisation of the joint.
Shoulder stiffnessCommon
Temporary. Physiotherapy is essential.
Portal site sorenessExpected
Discomfort at the small incision sites.
SwellingCommon
Fluid extravasation into surrounding tissues causing temporary swelling.
Frozen shoulderUncommon
Post-operative adhesive capsulitis.
Nerve injuryRare
Axillary, musculocutaneous, or suprascapular nerve. Risk less than 1%.
InfectionRare
Shoulder joint infection approximately 0.3–0.5%.
Chondral damageRare
Inadvertent cartilage damage from instruments.
Fluid extravasationRare
Excessive fluid tracking causing swelling, rarely airway compromise.
General anaesthesia with interscalene nerve block for post-operative pain relief. Beach-chair (sitting) or lateral decubitus (lying on the side) position.
Recovery depends entirely on the procedure performed — ranging from days (simple diagnostic or debridement) to six months (rotator cuff repair). Sling use, exercise restrictions, and rehabilitation protocols are specific to each procedure. Please refer to the relevant condition-specific ConsentIQ leaflet.
Depends on the procedure. Typically two weeks for wound check, six weeks for progress review.
Is arthroscopy always better than open surgery?
For most shoulder conditions, arthroscopy produces equivalent or better outcomes with smaller incisions and faster early recovery. However, some conditions (certain fractures, large bone defects, some instability patterns) are better treated with open surgery.
How many incisions are needed?
Typically two to five small incisions (5–8 mm each), depending on the procedure. These heal to small, barely visible scars.