Arthroscopic Shoulder Decompression Surgery

Learn more about shoulder decompression at King Edward VII’s Hospital

Why would I need this surgery?

Most people requiring arthroscopic shoulder decompression need it because they have persistent shoulder or upper arm pain or restriction of movement that hasn’t responded to other treatments.

What symptoms does the surgery address?

Arthroscopic shoulder decompression is often used to help treat shoulder conditions such as shoulder impingement, or to help damaged worn or inflamed and swollen shoulder tendons.

Arthroscopic shoulder decompression helps to relieve shoulder pain caused when the tendons of the shoulder rub on the bones and ligaments within the shoulder joint. This pain can be felt most when the arm is lifted up, in a condition called rotator cuff impingement syndrome, and manifests as pain and stiffness over the side of the upper arm.

When should you speak to your specialist about surgery?

If you have shoulder or upper arm pain caused by arthritis, an unknown reason, or by injury, speak to your specialist. They will suggest a series of tests and scans to see what treatment best suits you.

How is the surgery performed?

Arthroscopic shoulder decompression surgery is usually performed under general anaesthetic and may also be performed with a local anaesthetic injected into the nerves in your neck.

It’s a keyhole surgery procedure and your surgeon will insert a long, thin surgical device called an arthroscope into your shoulder. They will then create space within your shoulder joint by shaving away any excess bone and releasing any tight ligaments.

What is the recovery like from this surgery?

Your recovery from surgery will depend on multiple factors, including your age, fitness level and the nature of your procedure.

When you wake from surgery, your wounds will be dressed and your arm will be in a sling. Following surgery, you may feel nothing as the local anaesthetic will be keeping the area numb. But as this wears off, you may feel sore and stiff.

Your nursing and physiotherapy team will give you advice that will help you best recover, based on advice from your surgeon. This includes when you dress yourself and use your arm, when your stitches should be removed or dissolved by and when your dressings should come off.

Most patients are able to go home on the same day as their operation. You will also be advised how long you may need off work and resting from your normal activities. This is usually between 2-4 weeks.

Are there any risks/complications associated with this surgery?

As with any medical procedure, it’s possible for risks or complications to arise. Speaking with your specialist or surgeon beforehand will help you avoid any adverse reactions.

This surgery has a relatively low risk of serious complications, but the following risks and complications can occur in a small number of cases:

• An infection in the surgical wound
• Bleeding inside the shoulder joint
• Frozen shoulder
• A blood clot called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Nerve damage
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• COVID
• General anaesthetic and interscalene block (which will be discussed with you by your anaesthetist)
• Infection

How can I prepare for surgery?

Prior to your surgery, your surgeon will discuss with you how best to prepare, as each patient is different with differing needs.

Common preparations include:

• Routine blood tests, x rays or scans as requested by your surgeon
• Taking steps to stop smoking if you smoke
• Losing weight if you’re overweight
• Remaining active and doing regular exercise

Are there alternatives for arthroscopic shoulder decompression surgery?

Depending on the severity of your shoulder discomfort, it may be possible to manage your pain using painkillers, steroid injections and physiotherapy.