Shoulder arthrolysis is a procedure used to help regain the normal range of movement for your shoulder.
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You may have been told that you have a frozen shoulder. This is a painful condition which results in a severe loss of motion in the shoulder because of scarring and fibrosis of the joint capsule (the deepest layer of covering of the joint). It may follow an injury to the shoulder, but usually it arises spontaneously. Your doctor may have tried to resolve this problem using physiotherapy and special injections. If this fails to work and your shoulder remains painful and stiff your doctor may advise an operation to remove the scar tissue.
The aim of the operation for this condition is to regain the normal (or at least a functional) range of movement for your shoulder. The operation may just involve you being anaesthetised and the surgeon manipulating the shoulder to break down the scarred tissue. However they may have to insert a camera into the shoulder (arthroscopy) to release and remove the scarred tissue directly. After the operation it is important that you start moving the shoulder early with the help of the physiotherapists to try and retain the improvement in range of movement. There are no restrictions on movement unless you are told otherwise.
Once the anaesthetic has worn off you will be free to go home. You will be advised to commence physiotherapy immediately and you may need to come back for a follow-up. Your Consultant will speak to you before you leave.
If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop as it delays healing and increases risk of getting a chest or wound infection. The procedure will be done under general anaesthetic and you will been given instruction as to when you should stop eating prior to the surgery. We will make sure that you feel completely at ease, and give you every opportunity to ask as many questions as you would like to your surgeon.
Like other all surgical procedures, the general risks are the same. Risks specifically related to this surgery include:
We are able to offer Shoulder Arthrolysis appointments to paediatric patients aged 12-18. For full information on our paediatrics service, please visit our main Paediatrics page.
Currently selected day
Available consultations
Introduction
Treatment
No less than 1 hour
Preparation
Stop eating prior to the surgery
Risks
Scarring, infection,
Aftercare
Physiotherapy
Price
from £0
Paediatric Patients Aged 12-18 Seen
This service is also available to paediatric patients aged 12-18.
We boast a truly integrated team of orthopaedic surgeons, sports medicine physicians, podiatric surgeons, rheumatology specialists, paid medicine consultants and hand therapy specialists. All of these services work together in one place, enabling us to give patients the best care possible.