Shoulder Arthroscopy Info Consent
Reviewed by Dr Kieran Hirpara, Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon Last reviewed
Why this operation has been suggested
Dr Kieran Hirpara, an upper-limb surgeon at Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton, starts with the least invasive options that suit your condition. Patients are generally referred to our clinic by their GP; if a physiotherapist has suggested you see us, you will still need a referral from your GP in order to be eligible for the Medicare rebate. A clinic assessment establishes the diagnosis. For degenerative or long-standing problems we usually try non-operative care first. We consider surgery when that has not given enough improvement. For structural or acute problems, surgery may be recommended straight away.
Shoulder arthroscopy is a keyhole procedure using small incisions around the shoulder. It allows your surgeon to view and treat the joint from inside. This operation is commonly performed for low-risk repair of structural damage. It aims to restore stability and function. Active patients aged 40 years and older experience favourable functional outcomes at a mean follow-up of 7 years. Revision surgery rates are low at this same follow-up period.
Before the operation
Please fast for seven hours before your surgery. Stop specific medications only as directed by your surgeon. Arrange a lift home and bring a list of all current medicines in comfortable clothing. You may need X-rays, MRI scans, blood tests, or an anaesthetic review beforehand. These checks help us plan your care safely. Shoulder arthroscopy uses small cameras through tiny incisions around the shoulder, including the back. This allows us to see inside the joint clearly. We aim to keep risks low through careful preparation. Please follow all pre-op instructions closely to ensure a smooth start to your recovery journey.
On the day
You present to the hospital’s surgical admissions unit. You are checked in and prepared for theatre. You meet the anaesthetist. This operation is done under general anaesthetic combined with a regional nerve block. You will be fully asleep for the operation, and the block — an injection that numbs the nerves supplying the arm before you wake up — provides pain relief for the first 12 to 24 hours after surgery. The anaesthetist will meet you before the operation and talk you through both parts.
You are then taken into the operating theatre, where the operation is performed. You wake up in the recovery area, where nurses monitor you while the anaesthetic wears off. Once you are stable you either go to the ward or go home, depending on the procedure and your recovery.
What the operation involves
Shoulder arthroscopy is a commonly performed procedure with low risks. Your surgeon performs this operation as an arthroscopic, or keyhole, approach. This involves making several small incisions, or portals, placed at different points around your shoulder. At least one of these cuts is located at the back of the shoulder. Through these small openings, your surgeon inserts a tiny camera and specialised instruments directly into the joint space.
This method allows your surgeon to view the inside of your shoulder on a screen and address the specific issue causing your pain or instability. Because the cuts are small, the procedure is minimally invasive. Your surgeon will repair or clean the affected tissues as needed. Once the work inside the joint is complete, your surgeon closes the small incisions with sutures and applies a dressing to protect the area.
Elective shoulder arthroscopy is generally considered safe. While complications are rare, they can occur. The overall thirty-day complication rate for this procedure is 1.0%. For patients aged 60 years or older, the thirty-day postoperative complication rate is 1.6%. The most common complication following shoulder arthroscopy is a return to the operating room, which accounts for 29% of all complications. Other potential issues include fluid leaking into surrounding tissues, though this is typically managed without further surgery and symptoms usually resolve with no long-term effects.
After the operation
You will wake up in the recovery ward with your arm in a simple sling for comfort. Most patients stay one night in hospital after this operation, though some are able to go home the same day. You must have someone stay with you for the first 24 hours. We manage pain using a plan that avoids strong opioids where possible. Keep your dressings clean and dry. You can remove the sling for gentle washing and exercises. Do not drive for at least six weeks after any shoulder operation, regardless of which arm was operated on. You must not drive while wearing a sling. Your surgeon will clear you to drive at your six-week review. See Driving after upper-limb surgery.
Recovery
You will notice swelling and stiffness in the days following your shoulder arthroscopy. This is a normal part of healing. We manage this discomfort with a multimodal nonopioid pain regimen, which provides effective relief without relying solely on opioids. Ice packs and keeping your arm elevated can help reduce swelling. Most patients find that pain eases significantly as the initial inflammation settles.
Your arm will rest in a simple sling for comfort. You can remove it for gentle exercises prescribed by your physiotherapist and for washing. We do not use hinged braces or abduction pillows for this procedure. Focus on the specific movements your physiotherapist guides you through. Avoid lifting heavy objects or reaching overhead until your surgeon clears you. Sleep may be difficult at first; propping yourself up with pillows often helps.
Return to daily activities happens gradually. You can resume driving once your surgeon clears you, typically at the six-week review, regardless of which arm was operated on. Patients in a sling must not drive. See our guide on Driving after upper-limb surgery for full details. Your timeline may differ; your surgeon and physiotherapist will guide your progress based on how your shoulder responds.
What can go wrong
Most patients do well, but problems can occasionally happen. Your surgeon and the team monitor you closely to spot any issue early.
Infection is rare, but it can occur. You might notice increasing redness, warmth, or swelling around the small incisions. The pain may feel deeper or more intense than expected. You might also develop a fever or see pus draining from the wound. If you see these signs, contact our clinic immediately. We may need to start antibiotics or clean the area.
Frozen shoulder is another possibility, especially if you are between 46 and 60 years old or have had this condition in your other shoulder before. You may feel your shoulder become stiff and hard to move. Simple daily tasks like reaching for a cup or combing your hair could become difficult. Tell us about this stiffness at your next review. We can adjust your rehabilitation plan to help restore movement.
If you have had previous neck surgery, such as a fusion, you may face a higher risk of needing another procedure or using pain medication for longer. You might find that your pain does not settle as quickly as anticipated. Keep us informed about your pain levels so we can manage them safely.
In very rare cases, the cartilage inside the joint can break down rapidly. This is a serious condition that can cause long-term disability. You might experience sudden, severe pain and a significant loss of movement shortly after surgery. If you notice a rapid decline in how your shoulder feels or moves, seek urgent medical attention.
For shoulder stabilisation procedures, there is a chance the shoulder could dislocate again over time. You might feel a clicking, grinding, or slipping sensation in the joint. If the shoulder feels unstable or gives way, let us know. We can assess whether further treatment is needed.
The complications table on this page lists typical rates if you want the specifics.
When to call us
Call us if you develop a fever, increasing wound redness or discharge, or sudden severe pain. Go to emergency if you notice calf swelling, shortness of breath, loss of sensation, or inability to move your limb. These symptoms need urgent assessment. We are here to help you stay safe during your recovery.
Where to read more
This page is about the operation itself. The condition it treats — including what the evidence shows about when surgery helps and when it does not — is covered in more detail on the Rotator Cuff Disorders page.
Where to read more
This page is about the operation itself. The condition it treats — including what the evidence shows about when surgery helps and when it does not — is covered in more detail on the Rotator Cuff Disorders page.
