Arthroscopic shoulder stabilisation

General guidance

When it may be considered

• recurrent dislocations or subluxations
• Bankart lesions or other labral tears
• instability in selected, active patients

Individual decision

How suitability is determined

Assessment covers glenoid bone loss, the Hill–Sachs lesion, the number of instability episodes and the sport played.

An abnormal scan alone is not an indication for surgery. The symptoms, clinical examination, progression and the patient's goals must be considered together.

Surgical plan

Decisions that tailor the procedure

• the direction of instability and number of episodes
• glenoid bone loss and the Hill–Sachs lesion
• the sport played and risk of contact
• isolated capsulolabral repair or an additional bone procedure

Alternatives

What is discussed before surgery

Physiotherapy for the rotator cuff, scapular control and proprioception can manage some forms of instability. Recurrent dislocation with bone loss or major structural damage may require a bone procedure rather than arthroscopic repair alone.

Read about conservative treatment

Before the procedure

Preparation and safety

• bring any imaging from previous episodes and reports from dislocation reductions;
• plan for a shoulder sling and temporary restrictions on using the arm;
• tell the medical team about diabetes, anticoagulant treatment, allergies, smoking and any active infection;
• do not stop or change long-term medication without instructions from the medical team;

After the procedure

Rehabilitation

The shoulder is protected initially, then movement, scapular control and strength are reintroduced progressively.

The exact protocol, permitted weight-bearing and follow-up schedule depend on the procedure performed and individual progress.

Informed consent

Risks and limitations

Possible complications include recurrent dislocation, stiffness, infection, persistent pain and the need for a bone procedure or revision surgery.

No procedure can guarantee complete pain relief or a return to a particular level of activity.