Shoulder Arthroscopy Surgery in Thane

Humerus

The humerus is the upper arm bone. Its rounded head forms the ball portion of the main shoulder joint.

Glenoid

The glenoid is a shallow socket located on the shoulder blade. It accommodates the humeral head to form the glenohumeral joint.

Rotator Cuff

The rotator cuff consists of four muscles and their tendons that help stabilise the shoulder and support arm movement.

Labrum

The labrum is a ring of fibrocartilage surrounding the shoulder socket. It helps deepen the socket and contributes to joint stability.

Ligaments and Joint Capsule

Ligaments and the joint capsule help maintain shoulder stability during movement.

Damage to these structures can cause pain, weakness, restricted movement or repeated episodes of shoulder instability.

Arthroscopy allows selected damaged structures to be visualised and treated using specialised surgical instruments.

1. Rotator Cuff Tear

A rotator cuff tear occurs when one or more tendons supporting the shoulder become partially or completely torn.

It may develop following an injury, repetitive overhead activity or age-related tendon degeneration.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain while lifting the arm.
• Shoulder weakness.
• Difficulty reaching overhead.
• Night pain or discomfort while sleeping.
• Reduced shoulder movement.
• Pain while performing routine activities.

Small or less symptomatic tears may be managed without surgery.

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair may be considered for selected symptomatic tears, particularly when there is significant weakness, a traumatic tear or persistent functional limitation.

During repair, the torn tendon may be reattached to the bone using specialised sutures and anchors.

2. Shoulder Labral Tear

The labrum is a ring of fibrocartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket and contributes to joint stability.

Labral tears can occur during sports injuries, falls, shoulder dislocations or repetitive overhead movements.

Symptoms may include:

• Deep shoulder pain.
• Clicking or catching sensations.
• Shoulder instability.
• Pain during overhead activities.
• Reduced strength or performance.

Certain symptomatic labral tears may require arthroscopic repair when appropriate non-surgical treatment does not provide sufficient relief.

3. Recurrent Shoulder Dislocation and Instability

Shoulder instability occurs when the humeral head moves excessively within the socket or partially or completely slips out of position.

Repeated dislocations can damage the labrum, ligaments and surrounding joint structures.

Patients may experience:

• Recurrent shoulder dislocations.
• A feeling that the shoulder may slip out.
• Pain during certain arm movements.
• Reduced confidence in overhead activity.
• Instability during sports or exercise.

Arthroscopic shoulder stabilisation may be considered for selected patients to repair damaged structures and improve joint stability.

4. Bankart Lesion

A Bankart lesion is an injury to the lower front portion of the shoulder labrum, commonly associated with anterior shoulder dislocation.

It can contribute to recurrent shoulder instability, particularly in younger and physically active patients.

Arthroscopic Bankart repair involves reattaching the damaged labrum and associated capsular structures to the shoulder socket using sutures and anchors.

However, patients with significant bone loss or complex instability may require a different surgical technique.

5. SLAP Tear

A SLAP tear affects the upper portion of the shoulder labrum near the attachment of the long head of the biceps tendon.

SLAP stands for Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior.

These injuries may occur during throwing sports, weight training, falls or repetitive overhead activities.

Common symptoms include deep shoulder pain, clicking, weakness and discomfort during overhead movement.

Treatment depends on the patient's age, activity level, tear characteristics and associated shoulder conditions.

Selected cases may be managed with arthroscopic labral repair or a biceps tendon procedure.

6. Shoulder Impingement and Subacromial Bursitis

Shoulder impingement symptoms can occur when tissues around the rotator cuff become irritated during arm movement.

Patients may experience pain while reaching overhead, lifting objects or lying on the affected shoulder.

Most cases are initially treated with exercise-based rehabilitation, activity modification and appropriate pain management.

Arthroscopic procedures may be considered only for selected structural conditions after careful evaluation. Routine subacromial decompression is not recommended simply for persistent subacromial pain without a specific surgical indication.

7. Loose Bodies and Selected Cartilage Problems

Small fragments of bone or cartilage may occasionally become loose inside the shoulder joint.

These fragments can sometimes cause catching, locking, pain or restriction of movement.

Shoulder arthroscopy may be used to remove symptomatic loose bodies or address selected associated joint abnormalities.

Not every cartilage problem is suitable for arthroscopy, particularly when advanced shoulder arthritis is present.

Step 1: Medical History and Symptoms

The consultation begins with a discussion of shoulder pain, previous injuries, physical activities and functional difficulties.

The doctor may ask about the onset of symptoms, previous dislocations, night pain, weakness and previous treatments.

Step 2: Physical Examination

The shoulder is assessed for tenderness, muscle strength, range of movement and stability.

Special clinical tests may help identify possible rotator cuff injuries, labral problems or instability.

Step 3: Imaging Investigations

Imaging may be recommended depending on the clinical findings.

• X-rays: Help assess bone alignment, fractures, arthritis and other bony abnormalities.
• MRI: May help identify rotator cuff tears, labral injuries and damage to other soft tissues.
• MR Arthrography: An MRI performed after injection of contrast into the joint may be useful for selected suspected labral injuries.
• Ultrasound: Can help evaluate rotator cuff tendons and certain other soft-tissue conditions.
• CT Scan: May be recommended when shoulder instability involves suspected significant bone loss or complex bony abnormalities.

Not every patient requires every investigation.

Step 4: Treatment Planning

The diagnosis, symptoms, activity requirements and response to previous treatment are reviewed.

Treatment options may include continued rehabilitation, medication, injections for selected conditions or surgical treatment where appropriate.

Step 1: Preoperative Assessment

Before surgery, the surgeon evaluates the shoulder, reviews imaging studies and assesses the patient's overall medical condition.

Blood investigations, anaesthesia assessment and other tests may be recommended when appropriate.

Step 2: Anaesthesia and Positioning

Shoulder arthroscopy may be performed using general anaesthesia, often combined with a regional nerve block for pain control.

The patient is positioned to allow safe access to the shoulder joint.

Common surgical positions include the beach-chair and lateral-decubitus positions.

Step 3: Small Arthroscopic Incisions

Small incisions, called portals, are created around the shoulder.

An arthroscope is inserted through one portal, allowing the surgeon to view the internal structures of the joint on a monitor.

Step 4: Examination of the Shoulder Joint

The surgeon examines the cartilage, labrum, tendons, ligaments and other relevant structures.

The findings help confirm the condition and guide the planned treatment.

Step 5: Treatment of Damaged Structures

Additional specialised instruments are introduced through small portals.

Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include:

• Rotator cuff tendon repair.
• Labral repair.
• Bankart repair.
• Capsular stabilisation.
• Selected biceps tendon procedures.
• Removal of loose bodies.
• Treatment of selected inflamed or damaged tissues.

Sutures, anchors or other devices may be used when tissue repair is required.

Step 6: Closure and Postoperative Care

Once treatment is completed, the instruments are removed and the incisions are closed.

Dressings are applied, and a shoulder sling may be provided depending on the procedure.

Patients receive instructions about pain management, wound care, shoulder movement and rehabilitation.

Many shoulder arthroscopy procedures can be performed as day-care surgery, although admission requirements vary.

1. Smaller Surgical Incisions

Arthroscopy is performed through several small portals rather than a single larger incision used in conventional open procedures.

2. Reduced Soft-Tissue Disruption in Selected Procedures

The technique can allow access to damaged structures without extensively opening the joint.

3. Detailed Joint Visualisation

The arthroscope provides magnified images of internal joint structures, supporting assessment and precise treatment.

4. Targeted Treatment of Structural Injuries

Procedures such as rotator cuff repair, labral repair and selected stabilisation techniques can be performed arthroscopically when appropriate.

5. Potential for Earlier Discharge

Many patients can return home on the day of surgery, depending on the procedure and their medical condition.

6. Structured Functional Recovery

Postoperative rehabilitation supports the gradual restoration of shoulder movement, strength and stability.

The suitability and expected benefits of arthroscopy depend on the patient's diagnosis and the specific procedure performed.

First 24–48 Hours

Patients are monitored following surgery and may be discharged on the same day when medically appropriate.

During this period, care generally focuses on:

• Managing postoperative discomfort.
• Protecting the operated shoulder.
• Following wound-care instructions.
• Wearing a shoulder sling when prescribed.
• Avoiding movements that may strain repaired tissues.

Patients should follow their surgeon's specific instructions regarding arm movement and sling use.

First 2 Weeks

The initial recovery period focuses on tissue protection and wound healing.

Patients may be advised to:

• Continue using the prescribed sling.
• Perform permitted hand, wrist and elbow movements.
• Begin approved gentle shoulder exercises when appropriate.
• Attend scheduled follow-up appointments.
• Avoid lifting or strenuous shoulder activities.

Shoulder movement restrictions depend on the type of repair performed.

Weeks 3–6

Rehabilitation may focus on gradually restoring permitted shoulder movement while protecting healing tissues.

Some patients begin supervised passive or assisted exercises during this stage.

Patients undergoing rotator cuff or labral repair may still require a sling or movement restrictions.

Weeks 6–12

Depending on the surgical procedure and healing progress, physiotherapy may gradually introduce:

• Active shoulder movements.
• Controlled strengthening exercises.
• Shoulder blade stabilisation exercises.
• Improved movement coordination.
• Functional exercises for everyday activities.

Strengthening is introduced according to the rehabilitation protocol and should not be rushed.

Months 3–6

Many patients progressively improve shoulder movement, strength and functional ability.

Rehabilitation may include:

• Progressive resistance exercises.
• Improved overhead movement.
• Work-related functional activities.
• Controlled sport-specific exercises.
• Gradual return to physical activity.

More demanding activities may require additional recovery time.

Long-Term Recovery

Full recovery after complex rotator cuff or shoulder stabilisation procedures may take six months or longer.

The timeline varies with the repair, tissue healing, rehabilitation progress and physical demands of the patient.

A structured physiotherapy programme and regular follow-up are important for functional recovery.

Restoring Shoulder Mobility

Controlled exercises help restore the movement needed for daily activities while protecting repaired structures.

Improving Muscle Strength

Progressive strengthening targets the rotator cuff, shoulder blade muscles and other muscles that support shoulder movement.

Improving Joint Stability

Patients recovering from shoulder instability procedures may require exercises that improve muscle control, coordination and dynamic joint stability.

Returning to Functional Activities

Rehabilitation gradually prepares patients for activities such as dressing, lifting, reaching, working and exercising.

Sport-Specific Rehabilitation

Athletes may require additional strengthening, endurance and movement-control exercises before returning to sports involving throwing, swimming, racket movements or weight training.

Return to sports should be based on clinical recovery, strength and functional assessment rather than a fixed timeline alone.

Factors Affecting Shoulder Arthroscopy Surgery Cost

• Type of procedure: Rotator cuff repair, Bankart repair, labral repair and other arthroscopic procedures may have different costs.
• Extent of injury: Multiple damaged structures or complex repairs may require additional surgical resources.
• Suture anchors and implants: The number and type of fixation devices used may affect the total cost.
• Hospital facilities: Operating theatre charges, hospital category and room selection influence expenses.
• Anaesthesia: The anaesthesia technique and associated services contribute to the total cost.
• Diagnostic investigations: MRI, X-rays, blood tests and other necessary assessments may be included separately.
• Hospital stay: Day-care surgery and procedures requiring admission have different cost structures.
• Medication and postoperative care: Dressings, medicines and follow-up requirements may influence expenses.
• Physiotherapy: Rehabilitation may involve several sessions over weeks or months.
• Insurance coverage: Reimbursement depends on the policy terms, procedure and medical indication.

A personalised cost estimate can be discussed after clinical evaluation and selection of the appropriate treatment.

Patients should confirm hospital package inclusions and insurance eligibility before surgery.

Orthopaedic and Arthroscopy Expertise

Dr. Girish Dhanawat, MBBS, D. Ortho., is an Orthopedic Surgeon and Joint Replacement Specialist in Thane. His official website identifies arthroscopy and sports injury treatment among his clinical specialisations.

Patients with shoulder pain, joint injuries and functional limitations can seek orthopaedic evaluation to understand their condition and treatment options.

Accurate Diagnosis and Individualised Assessment

Shoulder pain can arise from different causes, including tendon injuries, labral damage, joint instability, arthritis and conditions affecting nearby structures.

A thorough clinical evaluation helps identify the underlying condition before selecting treatment.

Appropriate Treatment Selection

Not every shoulder injury requires surgery.

Treatment planning considers non-surgical options such as medication, physiotherapy and activity modification alongside operative treatment when indicated.

Minimally Invasive Surgical Treatment Planning

Selected shoulder conditions can be treated through arthroscopic techniques.

Patients may discuss whether arthroscopy is appropriate for their diagnosis and whether the required procedure is available under Dr. Dhanawat's surgical care.

Personalised Rehabilitation Guidance

Functional recovery is an important part of treatment.

Rehabilitation recommendations are based on the injury, treatment performed, physical demands and individual recovery progress.

Patient-Centred Approach

Dr. Dhanawat's approach emphasises clear communication about orthopaedic conditions, available treatments and expected recovery.

This helps patients make informed decisions about their shoulder health.