Shoulder Arthroscopy

Minimally invasive surgery to diagnose and treat painful shoulder conditions

Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and treat a range of painful shoulder conditions. It involves inserting a small camera (arthroscope) and specialised surgical instruments through tiny incisions to assess and repair damage within the joint. Compared to open surgery, shoulder arthroscopy typically results in less post-operative pain, smaller scars, and a faster recovery.

Dr Jason Hockings performs shoulder arthroscopy using modern techniques tailored to each patient’s injury and lifestyle goals.

When shoulder arthroscopy may be recommended

Shoulder arthroscopy may be recommended if non-surgical treatments such as rest, physiotherapy, medications, or injections have not relieved your symptoms. Common conditions treated arthroscopically include:

Rotator cuff tears
Shoulder impingement syndrome
Shoulder instability or recurrent dislocations
Labral tears (including SLAP and Bankart lesions)
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
Biceps tendon injuries
Shoulder arthritis (early-stage)
Loose bodies or cartilage damage
Subacromial bursitis

Your diagnosis will be confirmed through clinical examination and imaging such as X-rays or an MRI scan.

The Shoulder Arthroscopy Surgical Procedure

Shoulder arthroscopy is usually performed under general anaesthesia, sometimes combined with a nerve block to help with post-operative pain relief. The key steps of the procedure include:

Making small incisions (portals) around the shoulder joint
Inserting the arthroscope to visualise the inside of the joint
Identifying and assessing damaged structures
Using miniature surgical instruments to trim, repair, or reconstruct tendons, ligaments, cartilage, or bone as needed
Closing the small incisions with sutures or adhesive strips

Depending on your condition, shoulder arthroscopy may involve:

Rotator cuff repair
Labral repair or stabilisation (e.g. Bankart repair)
Subacromial decompression (removing bone spurs or inflamed bursa)
Debridement of damaged tissue
Biceps tenotomy or tenodesis
Removal of loose fragments or calcium deposits

Most procedures are performed as day surgery, meaning you can usually go home the same day.

Recovery and rehabilitation following Shoulder Arthroscopy

Recovery from shoulder arthroscopy varies depending on the procedure performed. After surgery:

Your arm may be placed in a sling for support
Pain and swelling are managed with medication and ice therapy
A tailored physiotherapy program will be started soon after surgery to restore movement and strength
Return to work, driving, and sport will depend on the type of surgery and your individual recovery timeline

Dr Hockings works closely with your physiotherapy team to ensure a safe, structured, and personalised rehabilitation plan.

Shoulder Arthroscopy Surgical Risks and Consideration

Shoulder arthroscopy is a safe and commonly performed procedure, but like any surgery, it carries some risks, including:

Following your post-operative instructions and rehabilitation program is essential to support the best possible outcome.

During your consultation, Dr Hockings will explain the most appropriate surgical approach based on your condition, anatomy, and individual needs. Many people experience a significant improvement in pain, function, and mobility following hip replacement surgery. Recovery timelines vary depending on the surgical approach and your overall health, but most patients gradually return to walking, driving, and normal activities over the course of several weeks to months.

If you’re living with hip pain or stiffness that’s affecting your quality of life, a thorough assessment can help determine the cause and guide the right treatment path.