Shoulder Arthroscopy

A shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves inserting a thin tube with a camera on the end, known as an arthroscope, through a small incision to examine the shoulder joint. Instruments are passed through other small incisions to repair the joint or remove damaged tissue. Fluid (saline) will be pumped into the area around the shoulder joint to expand the area and give greater visibility.  Arthroscopic surgery is commonly known as ‘keyhole’ surgery.

A shoulder arthroscopy may be the chosen procedure to treat an already diagnosed condition or injury, or it may be performed for diagnostic purposes. During a diagnostic arthroscopy your surgeon may be able to immediately treat the cause of your shoulder pain.

Shoulder arthroscopy procedures can be performed under a local or general anaesthetic and will take less than an hour. You will usually be able to return home on the day of your procedure. You will be provided with physiotherapy exercises designed to get you back to full strength as quickly as possible.

Arthroscopic surgery is less invasive than open surgery that requires larger incisions, so pain is often less and recovery faster. However you will still need a period of rest and rehabilitation, including the required time off work. 

Shoulder Arthroscopy Procedures

Many surgical procedures to treat shoulder conditions can be done as open surgery or as arthroscopic surgery.  Shoulder arthroscopy procedures include:

Subacromial Decompression  for removal of inflamed soft tissue and bone spurs to relieve pressure on the rotator cuff tendons, to treat Shoulder Impingement (OH)

Shoulder Stabilisation for repair and tightening of the shoulder ligaments to prevent Shoulder Dislocation 

Rotator Cuff Repair for repair of rotator cuff tears

Capsular Release Surgery or Shoulder Release Surgery – release of the tight structures within your shoulder, to treat Frozen Shoulder 

Shoulder Debridement for removal of loose fragments of bone and cartilage

Shoulder Labrum Repair and SLAP Repair  for repair of the labrum, including removal of damaged cartilage

Cartilage Repair to improve the symptoms of arthritis

Need Help?

At One Healthcare we can book you in to see a specialist Orthopaedic surgeon, usually within 48 hours, for an initial consultation.  Shoulder arthroscopy surgery is available at  One Ashford Hospital in Kent and One Hatfield Hospital in Hertfordshire.

You can use your private medical insurance or pay for your Shoulder Arthroscopy treatment. We offer competitive, fixed price packages. If you are using your health insurance, please contact your insurer first for approval and let them know you’d like to be treated at One Hatfield Hospital.

Why One Hatfield

• Modern purpose-built hospital opened in December 2017
• Fast access to diagnostics including MRI, X-ray and Ultrasound
• Private, spacious, en-suite rooms
• Specialist physiotherapy and nursing teams
• Little or no waiting time
• ‘Ultra clean air’ theatres
• Freshly prepared food
• Calm, dignified experience

Contact us and find out more

If you are based in and around Hertfordshire, St Albans, Stevenage, Watford, North London, Welwyn or Bedfordshire and would like to visit the One Hatfield Hospital please click here.