Performed by – Ankit Desai, Gareth Hill, Philip Rosell

Shoulder arthroscopy is commonly known as keyhole surgery. It involves a camera attached to a thin telescope that is inserted into the shoulder via a small incision. With the camera, the surgeon can look inside the shoulder itself and identify any problems. If the camera reveals any problems the surgeon can use small instruments that can be inserted via another incision into the shoulder.

Common shoulder problems that are treated by arthroscopic surgery include subacromial impingement, removing loose bodies and dealing with damaged articular cartilage.

In addition, complex surgery such as Rotator Cuff Repair and Shoulder Stabilisation can be performed using keyhole surgery techniques.

What happens in surgery?
The surgery is generally performed as a day case under a general anaesthetic. The operation usually takes around 45 minutes to perform although the time taken may be longer for more complex procedures.

Usually at the end of the operation your shoulder is injected with a local anaesthetic to minimise the post-operative pain or nerve blocks can be used before commencing surgery to reduce the pain. The small wounds are closed with a stitch or steristrips. Your arm is rested in a sling for a few days (longer if more complex procedures are performed) and you can return to driving and other activities as comfort allows.