Orthopaedics
Shoulder Arthroscopy
Minimally invasive keyhole surgery to diagnose and treat conditions causing shoulder pain and restricted movement.
From £3,500
All-inclusive pricing
Day Case Procedure
Home the same day
Keyhole Technique
Minimal scarring
About This Procedure
What is a Shoulder Arthroscopy?
Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure in which a small camera is inserted into the shoulder joint through tiny incisions. It allows your surgeon to inspect the joint, diagnose problems and carry out treatment — all without the need for open surgery. Conditions commonly treated with shoulder arthroscopy include rotator cuff tears, shoulder impingement syndrome, labral tears, instability, bicep tendon problems and the release of a frozen shoulder. Most procedures are performed as day cases under general anaesthetic.
Common Question
Will my arm be in a sling for a long time?
It depends on what is treated. A diagnostic arthroscopy or subacromial decompression may require a sling for only a few days. A rotator cuff repair typically requires 4-6 weeks in a sling to protect the repaired tendon. Your surgeon will tell you exactly what to expect before you proceed.
Step by Step
What happens on the day?
01
Admission
You arrive having fasted. Your surgeon confirms the plan and your anaesthetist discusses your anaesthetic options. A nerve block may be offered to manage post-operative pain.
02
The procedure
Under general anaesthetic, 2-3 small incisions are made around the shoulder. The camera is inserted to inspect the joint. Treatment is carried out through the same incisions — for example, removing inflamed tissue, reattaching a torn rotator cuff tendon, or releasing scar tissue. The procedure takes 30-90 minutes depending on complexity.
03
Recovery and discharge
Most patients are discharged the same day fitted with a sling. You will be given wound care instructions, prescribed pain relief, and a follow-up appointment. A nerve block, if used, will keep the shoulder comfortable for the first 12-18 hours.
Key Benefits
Why choose private shoulder arthroscopy?
→Diagnose and treat shoulder conditions in a single procedure
→Minimally invasive — 2-3 small incisions
→Day case in most cases — home the same day
→Faster recovery than open shoulder surgery
→Avoids the NHS waiting list
→All-inclusive transparent pricing
Pricing
Transparent pricing.
From £3,500
Includes pre-operative assessment, procedure, anaesthesia and first follow-up appointment.
Unlike many private hospitals, our price covers everything — surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital stay, and follow-up. No surprise bills.
Book a Consultation →No GP referral required
Using health insurance?
We accept Aviva, Bupa, Healix, Vitality, and WPA.
Contact us with your membership number — we handle pre-authorisation.
View insurance information →Your Outcomes
Recovery after shoulder arthroscopy
Recovery varies significantly depending on what is treated. A subacromial decompression has a much faster recovery than a rotator cuff repair. Your surgeon will give you a specific recovery timeline before your procedure and a physiotherapist will guide your rehabilitation.
Day 1-3
Arm in sling. Rest. Ice applied regularly to manage swelling.
1-3 weeks
Gentle pendulum exercises begin. Sling use continues for complex repairs.
4-8 weeks
Progressive physiotherapy. Strengthening exercises begin.
3-6 months
Return to full activity depending on procedure. Final follow-up with surgeon.
Shoulder Arthroscopy is a well-established procedure with a high success rate. As with all surgery, risks exist including infection, blood clots, and complications. Your consultant will discuss your individual risk profile before you proceed.
Your Questions
Your questions, answered.
Book a Consultation
Ready to take the next step?
Book an initial consultation for shoulder arthroscopy — a no-commitment chat with our clinical coordinator. Pick a date that suits you and we’ll call within 24 hours to arrange the exact time with your consultant.
June 2026
Pick a date that suits you
This is your preferred date. We’ll confirm the exact time when we call.
Prefer to speak with someone?
No GP referral required. Same-week appointments available.
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