The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2FQ Birmingham
Shoulder stabilisation surgery
A minimally invasive operation to repair the shoulder. This type of keyhole surgery can help restore the stability of your shoulder after an injury or accident.
What is shoulder stabilisation surgery?
Shoulders can become unstable if the ligament or cartilage tears or the shoulder joint dislocates.
If other types of treatment don't work or the issue reoccurs, your consultant might suggest surgery. They can use a minimally invasive, keyhole (arthroscopy) technique to repair your shoulder.
What happens during stabilisation surgery?
Under general anaesthetic, your surgeon will make a small incision in your shoulder. Saline solution will be passed through the incision followed by a flexible tube that has a small camera on the end (arthroscope). The images from the camera will be used to hep guide the procedure.
Depending on the nature of your condition, your surgeon may also remove any excess tissue that's causing instability. They might anchor your shoulder socket in place and reattach any loose tissue to the bone. Your surgeon will then close your incision with stitches and apply a dressing. By using the keyhole method the incision will be small and most treatment is done on a day case basis.
Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you and answer any questions. If you're having general anaesthetic, they'll tell you how long you should avoid eating and drinking beforehand.
Before your operation, you may also need to have an X-ray or MRI scan to help determine which part of your shoulder needs treating.
You should be able to go home on the same day as your procedure. Before you do, a member of the physiotherapy team will talk to you about your rehabilitation from surgery. To help with the healing process, your arm will be supported in a sling. You'll need to wear this sling for about two to three weeks.
You should also take any pain relief as directed by your medical team. You will not be driving for at least 6 weeks and it can take up to six months to recover. Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, including work. You may need tot 6 months before returning to contact sport including football.
Our Shoulder stabilisation surgery locations
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road SK9 1NY Wilmslow
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
Chelsea Outpatients
280 King's Road SW3 5AW London
The Princess Grace Hospital Outpatients
30 Devonshire Street W1G 6PU London
Elstree Waterfront Outpatients
Beaufort House WD6 3BS Elstree
Golders Green Outpatients
Golders Green Outpatients and Diagnostic Centre NW11 9PY London
The Wellington Hospital Outpatients
15 - 17 Lodge Road NW8 7JA London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.