Arthroscopic shoulder stabilisation
The shoulder has the widest range of movement of any joint in the body, which makes it more vulnerable to instability.
Arthroscopic shoulder stabilisation is designed to restore shoulder stability, helping you move with more confidence and reduce the risk of repeat dislocations.
QUICK LINKS
Shoulder stabilisation at a glance
- Keyhole surgery for repeat dislocations and instability
- Repairs torn ligaments (labrum) and, in some cases tendon and bone to restore stability to the joint
- Usually a day case procedure
- Recovery includes a clear rehab plan with physiotherapy support
- Return to sport typically takes 4–6 months
What is arthroscopic shoulder stabilisation?
Arthroscopic shoulder stabilisation is a type of keyhole surgery that repairs the damaged structures inside your shoulder joint. It’s performed using an arthroscope – a thin tube with a camera on the end that lets your surgeon see inside the joint on a video screen.
The goal is to restore stability to your shoulder and help prevent further dislocations.
As the surgery is performed using minimally invasive techniques, you may benefit from smaller scars and a quicker recovery.
Is arthroscopic shoulder stabilisation right for me?
If your shoulder keeps dislocating or feels unstable, a careful assessment can help explain what’s causing it and what may help.
Shoulder stabilisation may be right for you if you’ve had:
- Multiple dislocations – your shoulder has popped out more than once, or keeps feeling like it’s about to
- Ongoing instability – your shoulder feels loose or unreliable even after several months of targeted rehabilitation
- Significant labral or ligament damage – scans show a torn labrum or stretched ligaments that won’t heal on their own
- Bony injury or tendon tear as part of the dislocation
- Impact on your life – you’re avoiding activities you enjoy, or you’re anxious about your shoulder giving way during work or sport
Stabilisation tends to work best when you’re able to take an active part in the rehabilitation programme, with support from your care team. It’s suitable for all ages, but often needed if you’re under 40 and your shoulder instability started with a clear injury.
If you’ve had a single dislocation with no ongoing instability, physiotherapy alone can often restore strength and confidence. We’ll assess your shoulder carefully and will only recommend surgery if other treatments haven’t given you the stability you need.
Benefits of arthroscopic shoulder stabilisation
For many people, arthroscopic stabilisation can significantly improve shoulder stability.
The main benefits include:
- Reduces further dislocations – most patients regain a stable shoulder
- Eases pain and worry – helps you move with more confidence
- Minimally invasive – keyhole surgery with smaller scars and quicker early recovery
- Preserves your joint – repairs your own shoulder structures
These improvements can make everyday movement feel more reliable again, whether that’s reaching, lifting or returning to sport. Your care team and physiotherapist support you at each stage, helping you rebuild strength at a pace that feels right for you.
Types of arthroscopic shoulder stabilisation
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that deepens the shoulder socket and helps keep the ball of the upper arm bone in place. When the shoulder dislocates, this ligament can be torn or pulled away from the front of the socket. This is called a Bankart lesion.
During surgery, the edge is cleaned, and the labrum is fixed back with tiny anchors and stitches so it can heal in the right place.
Sometimes, a dislocation chips a piece of bone away from the socket along with the labrum. In this case, the repair reattaches both the bone fragment and labrum to rebuild the shape of the socket and improve stability.
A SLAP tear is a split at the top of the labrum where the biceps tendon attaches. This area has a limited blood supply, so it may not heal on its own and can cause deep pain or a catching feeling, especially with reaching or throwing. Depending on your tear, the labrum may be stitched back to the bone, or the biceps attachment may be moved to take strain off the damaged area.
When the shoulder dislocates, it can leave a dent in the back of the ball of the upper arm bone. If large, this defect can catch on the socket and lead to further instability.
Remplissage is a keyhole procedure that fills this dent by stitching the back tendon and capsule into it. This helps prevent repeat dislocation while maintaining good shoulder movement.
Your consultant will talk you through the option that suits you best. Often, a combination is used.
What happens during arthroscopic shoulder stabilisation?
Arthroscopic shoulder stabilisation is usually carried out as a day-case procedure under general anaesthetic, so you’ll be asleep throughout. The operation typically takes around 30–90 minutes, depending on the complexity of your condition.
Your surgeon makes three or six small incisions around the shoulder. Using a camera called an arthroscope, they can see clearly inside the joint and guide the repair. Your surgeon then repairs the torn labrum and damaged ligaments, securing them back into place with small anchors and sutures (stitches).
After the procedure, you’ll wake up in recovery with your arm supported in a sling. Most people go home the same day once the anaesthetic has worn off. Before you leave, you’ll be given pain relief and clear, written guidance on using the sling, caring for the wounds and when physiotherapy will begin.
Recovery from shoulder stabilisation takes time, with physiotherapy playing an important role in rebuilding strength and confidence. Your shoulder needs several months to heal fully, but you’ll see gradual improvements along the way.
The first 4–6 weeks
You’ll wear a sling to protect the repair while the tissues heal. You’ll start gentle exercises with your physiotherapist to prevent stiffness. You can use your hand and wrist for light tasks, but avoid lifting anything heavier than a cup of coffee.
6 weeks to 3 months
Once your sling comes off, you’ll progress to active movement and gradually build strength. Your physiotherapist will guide you through exercises that restore your range of motion and reactivate the muscles around your shoulder.
3–6 months
You’ll work on sport-specific movements and building confidence in the shoulder. Most people can return to non-contact activities and overhead movements by 3–4 months, with full return to contact sports typically around 6 months.
Long-term health
Many people continue gentle stretching and strengthening exercises to maintain shoulder health. Your consultant and physiotherapist will give you a tailored programme based on your goals.
If your shoulder keeps dislocating or feels unstable, you need clear answers and a plan you can trust. At OS Clinic, your care is led by consultant shoulder surgeons who specialise in shoulder instability and perform arthroscopic stabilisation regularly.
From your first appointment, the focus is on careful assessment and honest advice. Your consultant will explain what’s happening in your shoulder, talk through all appropriate options, and help you decide whether surgery is right for you. There’s no pressure and no one-size-fits-all approach.
Care is coordinated around you. Consultations, imaging, surgery and physiotherapy are arranged in one place, so you can benefit from joined-up care. For many patients, this means being seen within days and flexible appointments planned around work and everyday life.
