Guidelines for patients following shoulder arthroscopy

Introduction

This is a keyhole operation performed under a general anaesthetic, sometimes combined with nerve block, which allows the surgeon to investigate the shoulder joint from inside.

General guidelines

• Pain: Following the procedure the shoulder may be sore for a few days. You will be given painkillers to help this whilst in hospital and should continue to take these at home if necessary.
• Wearing a Sling: You will return from theatre with your arm in a sling. The arm should be rested in the sling only until the soreness has settled. This should be a day at the most. It is important that you begin to move the shoulder and arm immediately after the procedure.
• The Wound: There will be two or three small 5-mm puncture wounds in your shoulder. There will be no stitches, only small sticking plaster strips over the wounds. These should be kept dry until healed. This usually takes four to seven days.
• Driving: You may drive as soon as you feel able and can manage all the controls safely.
• Returning to work: You may return to work as soon as you feel able.
• Leisure activities: These can be resumed as soon as you feel able. There are no restrictions but use soreness as your guide and stop if the shoulder feels uncomfortable.
• Exercises: After leaving hospital you should exercise your arm frequently throughout the day. The arm may feel sore whilst you are doing the exercises but there should be no intense or lasting pain. Aim for four exercise sessions per day.

Exercises for Patients following shoulder arthroscopy