Indications for operation
This forms the basis of the other shoulder procedures but may be performed alone for diagnostic purposes.
Anaesthetic
General Anaesthetic with an interscalene block (Fully asleep with a local anaesthetic injection into the side of the neck will numb the nerves to the shoulder for post-operative pain relief)
Operation type
Arthroscopic
Incisions
3 ½ cm incisions will be made in the shoulder, one to the back, one at the side and one at the front of the shoulder.
Procedure
The gleno-humeral (shoulder) joint will be inspected first. The articular surface, ligaments, labrum, biceps tendon and the underside of the rotator cuff will be inspected. The subacromial bursa and the rotator cuff are examined through a separate incision.