Shoulder Arthroscopy
Shoulder arthroscopy is keyhole surgery of the shoulder joint. It allows the shoulder to be assessed and treated through small incisions using a camera and specialised instruments. It is commonly used for rotator cuff tears, shoulder instability, biceps tendon problems, impingement, AC joint arthritis and selected cases of shoulder stiffness.
Dr Ye treats shoulder conditions across adult and adolescent patients, including sporting injuries, instability, rotator cuff disease, arthritis and post-traumatic problems. Shoulder arthroscopy forms part of his broader shoulder practice, which also includes open stabilisation, tendon reconstruction, fracture care and shoulder replacement where appropriate.
Rotator Cuff Repair
Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is one of the most common shoulder procedures Dr Ye performs. Rotator cuff tears can cause pain, weakness, night pain and difficulty with overhead activity.
Where appropriate, the torn tendon can be repaired arthroscopically back to bone using anchors and sutures. The aim is to improve pain, restore strength and allow the shoulder to function more normally. The decision to repair depends on the size and pattern of the tear, tendon quality, muscle condition, patient age, activity level and goals.
Shoulder Instability and Stabilisation
Shoulder instability can occur after dislocation, sporting injury or repetitive trauma. Patients may experience recurrent dislocations, subluxations, apprehension, pain or a sense that the shoulder is not trustworthy.
Many instability problems can be treated arthroscopically, including labral repair and capsulolabral stabilisation. In other patients, particularly those with significant bone loss, recurrent instability, collision sport demands or failed previous surgery, an open stabilisation procedure such as a Latarjet may be more appropriate.
Dr Ye will discuss whether arthroscopic stabilisation or open stabilisation is most suitable based on the pattern of instability, imaging findings, sporting demands and risk of recurrence.
Subacromial Decompression and Impingement
Subacromial impingement can cause pain with overhead activity, reaching and sleeping on the affected side. In selected patients who do not improve with non-operative treatment, arthroscopy may be used to remove inflamed tissue, smooth impinging bone and create more space for the rotator cuff.
Subacromial decompression is often considered alongside other pathology, such as rotator cuff disease, bursitis or AC joint arthritis. The decision to proceed depends on symptoms, examination findings, imaging and response to physiotherapy or injections.
Biceps Tendon Surgery
The long head of biceps tendon can be a source of shoulder pain, particularly when inflamed, unstable, torn or associated with labral or rotator cuff pathology.
Arthroscopy allows the biceps tendon and its attachment to be assessed directly. Treatment may include biceps tenotomy or biceps tenodesis, depending on the patient’s age, activity level, occupation, cosmetic concerns and associated shoulder pathology.
AC Joint Excision
Arthritis or injury of the acromioclavicular, or AC, joint can cause pain at the top of the shoulder, particularly with cross-body movement, lifting, pressing or sleeping on the affected side.
In selected patients, arthroscopic AC joint excision can remove the painful arthritic end of the clavicle while preserving shoulder function. This may be performed as an isolated procedure or combined with other arthroscopic shoulder surgery.
Stiff Shoulder and Arthroscopic Release
Some patients develop significant shoulder stiffness after injury, surgery, diabetes-related frozen shoulder or prolonged inflammation. When stiffness remains severe despite non-operative treatment, arthroscopic capsular release may be considered.
This procedure allows tight portions of the shoulder capsule to be released in a controlled way, with the aim of improving motion and reducing pain. It is usually combined with a structured rehabilitation programme to maintain the movement gained at surgery.
A Tailored Approach
Shoulder arthroscopy is useful for many conditions, but not every shoulder problem is best treated with keyhole surgery. Dr Ye offers the full range of shoulder treatment options, from non-operative care and injections through to arthroscopic surgery, open stabilisation, tendon reconstruction, fracture care and shoulder replacement.
The best treatment depends on the diagnosis, patient age, activity level, anatomy, imaging findings, work or sporting demands and goals. Dr Ye will discuss the available options and tailor treatment to each individual patient.