Shoulder Arthroscopy
Common Disorders we treat
- Rotator cuff tear
- Shoulder Instability
- Frozen Shoulder
- Shoulder Impingement Tendinitis
- AC Joint Disruption
- Biceps Tendonitis
- SLAP tear
Services we offer
- Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
- Arthroscopic Shoulder stabilisation
- Arthroscopic Shoulder decompression
- AC Joint Reconstruction
- Biceps Tenodesis
- Frozen Shoulder Surgery
Rotator cuff tear
Rotator cuff tear refers to the partial or complete rupture in one or many of the rotator cuff muscle group (Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Subscapularis, Teres Minor) The tear can occur suddenly (acute
tear) or can develop over a long period of time (chronic tear). Chronic tears may be caused by overuse of the muscles.
The symptoms of an acute tear may include a sudden tearing feeling, followed by severe pain that goes from your upper shoulder, down toward your elbow. A chronic tear includes a gradual weakness and decreased shoulder motion as the pain gets worse.
Treatment for this condition depends on the type and severity of the condition. In less severe cases, treatment may include:
- Rest with a sling immobilisation, Activity restriction, Icing the shoulder, Anti-inflammatory medicines.
- In more severe cases and if the pain does not improve with non-surgical methods, surgery is required.
Shoulder Instability
Shoulder dislocation happens when the top of the upper arm bone slips out of its socket in the shoulder. This usually occurs because of a sudden injury, such as a fall or an accident. After the first dislocation, the shoulder becomes weaker and more likely to pop out again.
Common symptoms include the shoulder feeling like it’s slipping out of place repeatedly, pain, and a sense of looseness in the joint.
For a first-time dislocation, doctors usually treat it without surgery — by gently putting the bone back in place, resting the shoulder, and doing physiotherapy.
If the shoulder keeps dislocating or feels unstable often, surgery is needed to fix and strengthen it.
Frozen shoulder
Frozen shoulder causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder, making it difficult to move the joint. Over time, the shoulder can become almost immobile.
This condition usually affects people between 40 and 60 years of age and is more common in women. People with diabetes also have a higher risk of developing frozen shoulder.
Although frozen shoulder usually improves on its own, recovery can take several months. Treatment mainly focuses on reducing pain and restoring movement and strength through physical therapy.
Pain-relief medicines can help manage discomfort and relax the muscles. Applying a heating pad or ice pack may also reduce pain. If symptoms don’t improve with therapy or other non-surgical treatments, surgery may be recommended to restore mobility.
Shoulder Impingement
When you lift your arm above shoulder level, the space between the acromion (a part of the shoulder blade) and the rotator cuff becomes smaller. This can cause the acromion to rub against the rotator cuff tendon or bursa, leading to irritation and pain — a condition often called shoulder impingement.
Common symptoms include pain at night, especially when lying on the affected shoulder, and a loss of strength or range of motion.
In most cases, treatment starts with non-surgical methods, such as rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. Many people gradually improve and regain normal shoulder function. However, if pain continues despite these treatments, surgery may be needed to relieve the pressure and restore smooth movement.
AC Joint disruption
The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is the point where the collarbone (clavicle) connects with the top of the shoulder blade (acromion). When this joint is injured, the collarbone can separate from the shoulder blade, often creating a visible bump on the top of the shoulder.
The most common cause of an AC joint separation is a direct fall onto the shoulder.
In most cases, non-surgical treatments—such as wearing a sling, taking pain-relief medications, and allowing time for healing—are effective in reducing pain and restoring function.
Most people recover fully and return to normal activities without surgery. However, surgery may be recommended if pain continues or if the separation causes significant deformity or weakness.
Biceps tendonitis
Biceps tendonitis is the inflammation of the tendon that connects the upper part of the biceps muscle to the shoulder. It most often develops from overuse, especially during repetitive work or sports activities, but it can also occur suddenly after a direct injury.
Common symptoms include a deep, aching pain in the front or top of the shoulder, which may worsen with lifting or overhead movements.
Treatment usually involves rest and avoiding activities that trigger pain. Most people recover with a combination of medications to reduce inflammation and physiotherapy to restore strength and flexibility. In more severe or persistent cases, surgery may be needed to repair the damaged tendon.
SLAP tears
A SLAP lesion is a tear in the labrum, which is the cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket. Sometimes, this tear can also involve the biceps tendon. It can happen due to a sudden injury, like a fall, or from repetitive shoulder use, especially during activities that involve lifting the arm overhead.
People with a SLAP lesion often experience pain when lifting the arm, discomfort at night, a popping or catching sensation in the shoulder, and weakness. Many cases improve with rest, medications, and physical therapy, which help reduce pain and restore movement. If these treatments do not provide lasting relief or if symptoms return, surgery may be needed to repair the torn cartilage and restore normal shoulder function.
Services we offer:
- Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
- Arthroscopic Shoulder stabilisation
- Arthroscopic Shoulder decompression
- AC Joint Reconstruction
- Biceps Tenodesis
- Frozen shoulder surgery
Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
Surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff involves reattaching the torn tendon to the top of the upper arm bone (humerus) using special stitches called suture anchors. Modern techniques allow this surgery to be less invasive, often performed through small incisions using an arthroscope and tiny specialized instruments.
Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair causes very little damage to the surrounding shoulder tissues. Because of this, patients usually have smaller scars, less trauma to nearby structures, and a faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
Arthroscopic Shoulder Stabilization
Types of surgery for shoulder Instability:
- Arthroscopic Bankart repair – This refers to stitching of the torn labrum tissues back to the glenoid socket via key hole procedure. This is recommended in the cases with minimal or no bone loss.
- Remplissage procedure – This refers to the filling of the bone defect in the ball (humeral head)
- Latarjet procedure – This is recommended for the recurrent shoulder instability with significant bone loss. The procedure involves transferring a small piece of bone called the coracoid process along with its muscle attachments to the socket of the shoulder joint. This compensates for the bone loss and also provide a soft tissue support.
Arthroscopic Shoulder decompression
Arthroscopic decompression is a procedure used to treat shoulder pain caused by impingement syndrome, especially when medications and physiotherapy have not helped. During this surgery, the inflamed bursa or any bone spurs in the shoulder are removed or shaved through small keyhole incisions using specialized instruments. This creates more space for the rotator cuff tendons, allowing them to move smoothly under the acromion bone. As a result, patients can lift their arms overhead more easily and with less pain.
AC Joint Reconstruction
In this procedure, the AC joint (where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade) is put back into its normal position. It can be held in place using metal implants or special suture tapes with buttons. The ligaments that connect the collarbone and the shoulder blade are also reconstructed using a tendon graft taken from another part of the body.
Biceps Tenodesis
In the biceps tenodesis procedure, the torn biceps tendon is released from its attachment to the labrum and then reattached to the upper arm bone (humerus). This is done using special tenodesis anchors through a small incision or arthroscopic technique, which allows for a less invasive and precise repair.
Frozen shoulder surgery
Manipulation under anaesthesia is a procedure in which your shoulder is gently moved while you are under anaesthesia. This stretches or tears the tight capsule and scar tissue, helping to release stiffness and improve the range of motion.
Shoulder arthroscopy is a procedure where tight parts of the shoulder joint capsule are released using a small camera and tiny instruments inserted through small incisions around the shoulder. Special tools, such as a radio-frequency probe, are used to carefully release the tight tissues, allowing the shoulder to move more freely.