General Procedure Information
Shoulder Arthroscopy and Rotator Cuff Repair
Shoulder arthroscopy can assess and treat selected problems inside the shoulder and beneath the acromion. Rotator cuff repair reattaches a torn tendon when appropriate.
What Is It?
Shoulder arthroscopy uses a small camera to assess the joint and nearby structures. The procedure may address the rotator cuff, labrum, bursa, loose bodies or another problem; depending on the diagnosis it may also address the subacromial space, acromioclavicular joint, biceps tendon or a labral problem linked with recurrent anterior dislocation. Rotator cuff repair commonly uses sutures and anchors to reattach repairable tendon to bone.
When Might It Be Considered?
These are common assessment considerations only; they do not mean that you are necessarily suitable for surgery or the procedure.
- Shoulder pain, night pain, weakness or loss of movement where examination and imaging identify a suitable shoulder problem
- Marked weakness after an acute injury, or a tear that affects function
- Symptoms continue to materially affect daily life, work or sport after appropriate non-operative care
What Are the Alternatives?
- Physiotherapy, activity modification, pain management and, depending on diagnosis, injection treatment may be appropriate for some shoulder pain or tears
- Not every rotator cuff tear needs or is suitable for surgery; age, tear size and location, tendon quality, function, health and goals all matter
General Assessment and Procedure Planning
The assessment considers history, shoulder examination, X-ray, ultrasound or MRI and individual needs. The anaesthetic, associated procedures, incisions and operating time depend on the diagnosis and surgical plan. If an open approach proves more appropriate during surgery, the team plans this according to consent and clinical need.
Important
Possible Risks and Limitations
All surgery and invasive procedures carry risks. Your actual risk depends on your condition, the scope of the procedure, health and other factors. Your doctor will discuss this individually during informed consent.
- General surgical risks including anaesthetic complications, bleeding, infection, blood clots and injury to nerves or blood vessels
- Shoulder stiffness, persistent pain, failure of the tendon to heal or re-tear, and incomplete recovery of movement or strength
- Advancing rehabilitation too quickly or overloading the repair can affect healing, while prolonged immobility can contribute to stiffness
General Recovery Approach
When a tendon is repaired, early care commonly includes a sling and movement restrictions as directed, followed by gradual range-of-motion, scapular-control, strengthening and functional work. Rehabilitation initially protects the repair from excessive load, then progresses at the appropriate time from passive movement to active and resistance work. The timetable varies with tear size, repair method, associated treatment and individual healing.
When Should You Contact the Medical Team Promptly?
- Pain, swelling, redness or warmth becomes suddenly worse after surgery or injury
- Persistent wound bleeding or discharge, marked wound redness or swelling, fever, chills or feeling generally unwell
- New or worsening numbness, weakness, breathing difficulty, chest pain or marked calf pain/swelling
For severe illness, breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting or inability to travel safely, call 999 or attend an emergency department immediately.
Reference
Hong Kong College of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Shoulder Arthroscopy patient education
Would You Like to Discuss Which Treatment Direction May Be Suitable?
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