Shoulder stabilisation surgery
A minimally invasive operation to repair the shoulder
This type of keyhole surgery can help restore the stability of your shoulder after an injury or accident
What is shoulder stabilisation surgery?
If other types of treatment don't work or the issue reoccurs, your consultant might suggest surgery. They can use a minimally invasive, keyhole (arthroscopy) technique to repair your shoulder.
Need to know
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What happens during stablisation surgery? icon plus
Shoulder stabilisation surgery normally takes about an hour. It's carried out under general anaesthetic which means you'll be asleep. Your surgeon will make a small cut in your shoulder. They will then pass saline solution into it, followed by a flexible tube that has a small camera on the end (arthroscope). They will then use images from the camera to guide the procedure.
Depending on the nature of your condition, your surgeon may also remove any excess tissue that's causing instability. They might anchor your shoulder socket in place and reattach any loose tissue to the bone. You surgeon will then close your cut with stitches and apply a dressing. -
How to prepare for surgery icon plus
Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you and answer any questions. If you're having general anaesthetic, they'll tell you how long you should avoid eating and drinking beforehand.
Before your operation, you may also need to have an X-ray or MRI scan to help determine which part of your shoulder needs treating. -
After surgery icon plus
You should be able to go home on the same day as your procedure. Before you do, a member of the physiotherapy team will talk to you about your rehabilitation from surgery. To help with the healing process, your arm will be supported in a sling. You'll need to wear this sling for about two to three weeks.
You should also take any pain relief as directed by your medical team. It can take up to six months to recover. Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, including work.
Our shoulder consultants
Our locations in London
From complex shoulder surgery to diagnostic tests and scans, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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The Portland Hospital
205 - 209 Great Portland Street
London W1W 5AH
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HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
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Platinum Medical Centre
15 - 17 Lodge Road
London
NW8 7JA
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Chelsea Outpatients
272 & 280 Kings Road
London SW3 5AW
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Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)
170 Tottenham Court Road
London
W1T 7HA
Private shoulder arthroscopy in Birmingham
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The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way
Birmingham B15 2FQ
Private shoulder arthroscopy in Manchester
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HCA UK at The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 1NY
Request a shoulder or elbow appointment
We're happy to help you make an appointment with one of our experienced upper limb consultants. We can also make imaging and outpatient physiotherapy appointments for you.
Call us today
020 7079 4344