Shoulder arthroscopic release

The aim of arthroscopic capsular release (ACR) is to free the capsule within the shoulder so that it can move more easily.

Arthroscopy is a keyhole procedure that allows for greater precision. It involves inserting a small camera into the shoulder joint, which also enables your surgeon to look for other issues during the procedure.

The surgery is performed under general anaesthetic and usually takes less than an hour.

During the procedure, your surgeon will use a radiofrequency thermal probe to cut and remove the thickened tissue.

Arthroscopic release surgery is usually a day-case procedure. This means that most patients can return home on the same day as their surgery.

Our specialist team will ensure you are fully prepared ahead of surgery. This may include advising you not to eat, smoke or take certain medications before your operation.

On the day of your surgery, you will need to arrange for someone to pick you up from the hospital as you won’t be able to drive.

It typically takes between six and nine months for patients to make a full recovery, but many patients notice improvements after three months. Until that time, you will need to avoid certain movements and sports. Your consultant will discuss this with you ahead of surgery.

It is likely that you will be wearing a sling at first. You may be offered a nerve block (regional anaesthesia) to help with the pain, as well as standard painkillers to take at home. You won’t be able to drive at first, but many patients are able to drive and return to work after around a week.

Physiotherapy will form an essential part of your recovery and it usually begins straight away or within a few days of surgery.

Most patients make a good or excellent recovery (80%), but no surgery is without risk. For arthroscopic release, complications can include infection, blood clots, nerve damage and the risks associated with anaesthetic.

In very rare cases, the acromion can fracture, and this will require further surgery to fix the issue. It is also possible that the joint will stiffen up again after surgery. While some stiffness is to be expected during the healing phase, if this continues, your consultant will advise on the next course of action, which may include a steroid injection.

There may be risks not listed above and the consultant will discuss these and the limitations of surgery with you ahead of the procedure.

You may be covered by private medical insurance, or you may wish to consider spreading the cost of your surgery by opting for a monthly payment plan.

We aim to make our costs as transparent as possible, but it’s important to talk everything through in detail with your consultant at the time of your appointment. Some costs may be paid directly to the hospital, while others, such as your consultant fees, may be paid directly to the consultant.

If you are experiencing pain or stiffness in your shoulder, it’s important to talk to an expert. At Sulis Hospital Shoulder and Elbow Unit, we offer access to specialist Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons with shorter waiting times.

If surgery is recommended, you’ll be welcomed into our state-of-the-art facilities by a team of shoulder and elbow specialists. These include theatre nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists, who are dedicated to enhancing our patients’ comfort, safety and recovery.