Shoulder Arthroscopy
in Singapore
Shoulder pain can make everyday movements such as lifting your arm, reaching overhead or carrying objects increasingly difficult. Some people may also experience symptoms such as clicking, catching or weakness in the shoulder, which can interfere with work, exercise and daily activities.
When these symptoms persist despite rest, physiotherapy or medication, further evaluation may be needed to identify the underlying cause. In some cases, shoulder arthroscopy may be recommended to diagnose and treat problems within the shoulder joint. This minimally invasive procedure allows doctors to address certain shoulder conditions while aiming to relieve pain, improve mobility and support a return to normal activities.
Conditions Treated
Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat problems inside the shoulder joint. During the procedure, a small camera called an arthroscope is inserted through tiny incisions, allowing the surgeon to view the joint structures on a monitor and use specialised instruments to repair or remove damaged tissue.
The shoulder joint is made up of bones, cartilage, ligaments and tendons that work together to allow a wide range of movement. When these structures become injured or damaged, patients may experience pain, weakness, instability or reduced mobility. Shoulder arthroscopy enables surgeons to treat these problems with smaller incisions compared to traditional open surgery.
Shoulder arthroscopy is typically considered when shoulder symptoms persist despite non-surgical treatments such as physiotherapy, medication or activity modification. You may be a suitable candidate if you:
Conditions Treated
What Is Shoulder Arthroscopy and Who Needs It?
Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat problems inside the shoulder joint. During the procedure, a small camera called an arthroscope is inserted through tiny incisions, allowing the surgeon to view the joint structures on a monitor and use specialised instruments to repair or remove damaged tissue.
The shoulder joint is made up of bones, cartilage, ligaments and tendons that work together to allow a wide range of movement. When these structures become injured or damaged, patients may experience pain, weakness, instability or reduced mobility. Shoulder arthroscopy enables surgeons to treat these problems with smaller incisions compared to traditional open surgery.
Shoulder arthroscopy is typically considered when shoulder symptoms persist despite non-surgical treatments such as physiotherapy, medication or activity modification. You may be a suitable candidate if you:
- Have a rotator cuff tear causing pain or weakness in the shoulder
- Experience shoulder impingement syndrome that leads to persistent discomfort during arm movement
- Have labral tears, such as SLAP tears, affecting shoulder stability
- Suffer from recurrent shoulder instability or dislocations
- Have inflamed or damaged tissue inside the shoulder joint
- Have loose fragments of cartilage or bone within the joint
When imaging tests and clinical evaluation confirm a treatable shoulder condition, shoulder arthroscopy may help relieve pain, improve shoulder function and support a return to daily activities.
What to Expect From Shoulder Arthroscopy
Shoulder arthroscopy typically involves careful preparation, a minimally invasive surgical procedure and a structured rehabilitation programme to support healing and restore shoulder function.
Preparing for Shoulder Arthroscopy
- Optimise existing medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure
- Temporarily stop certain medications if recommended by your doctor
- Avoid food and drinks for a specified period before surgery
- Arrange for assistance at home during the early recovery phase
Shoulder Arthroscopy: Procedure Overview
- A small camera is inserted to provide a clear view of the shoulder joint
- Sterile fluid is introduced to expand the joint space for better visualisation
- Damaged tissue, torn tendons or cartilage may be repaired or removed
- Inflamed tissue may be treated to relieve pain and improve joint function
- The small incisions are closed and dressed to protect the surgical site
Recovery and Rehabilitation
- Wearing a sling to support the shoulder during the early recovery phase
- Gradually starting physiotherapy to restore movement and strength
- Taking prescribed pain-relief medication to manage discomfort
- Attending follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress
Treatment Benefits
How Does Shoulder Arthroscopy Improve Shoulder Function?
Shoulder arthroscopy is designed to treat structural problems within the shoulder joint while minimising disruption to surrounding tissues. This minimally invasive approach can provide several benefits, including:
Reduced Post-operative Pain
Because shoulder arthroscopy uses small incisions and causes less disruption to surrounding muscles and soft tissues, many patients experience less pain after surgery compared with traditional open procedures.
Faster Recovery and Rehabilitation
Preserving the surrounding shoulder structures allows patients to begin rehabilitation earlier, which may help restore mobility and function more quickly.
Lower Risk of Complications
Minimally invasive techniques are generally associated with a lower risk of complications such as infection, excessive bleeding and prolonged tissue damage.
Improved Joint Stability
Arthroscopic repair of structures such as the rotator cuff or labrum can help restore shoulder stability and reduce the likelihood of recurrent injury or joint deterioration.
Understanding the Risks
Potential Risks and Complications of Shoulder Arthroscopy
As with any surgical procedure, shoulder arthroscopy carries certain risks. Your orthopaedic surgeon will discuss these with you before the procedure and take appropriate steps to minimise complications.
Although shoulder arthroscopy is generally considered safe, possible risks may include:
- Infection at the incision sites or within the shoulder joint
- Bleeding or blood clots
- Nerve irritation or temporary numbness around the shoulder
- Persistent pain or stiffness after surgery
- Damage to surrounding structures such as cartilage, tendons or ligaments
- Fluid accumulation or swelling within the joint
Careful surgical technique, proper post-operative care and adherence to rehabilitation instructions help reduce these risks. Regular follow-up appointments allow your doctor to monitor recovery and address any concerns promptly.
Cost of Shoulder Arthroscopy in Singapore
The cost of shoulder arthroscopy in Singapore can vary depending on several factors related to the procedure, hospital setting and the patient’s individual condition. These factors influence the overall cost of treatment and recovery.
Key Cost Drivers
Key factors that may influence the overall cost of shoulder arthroscopy include:
Type and complexity of the procedure
Hospital or surgical facility
Surgeon’s expertise and professional fees
Length of hospital stay
Post-operative rehabilitation
Pre-operative tests and imaging
Insurance and Financing
Patients in Singapore may be able to use MediSave, MediShield Life or Integrated Shield Plans to help offset certain medical expenses, depending on eligibility and insurance coverage. During consultation, your orthopaedic specialist can provide a more personalised estimate based on your condition, treatment plan and hospital choice.
Restore Shoulder Function at HC Orthopaedic Surgery
Persistent shoulder pain, weakness or instability can gradually limit everyday movements and affect quality of life if left untreated. Early assessment allows doctors to identify the underlying cause of shoulder symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment before the condition progresses. When conservative treatments are no longer effective, minimally invasive procedures such as shoulder arthroscopy may help address structural problems within the joint, relieve discomfort and support improved shoulder function.
Restore Shoulder Function at HC Orthopaedic Surgery
Persistent shoulder pain, weakness or instability can gradually limit everyday movements and affect quality of life if left untreated. Early assessment allows doctors to identify the underlying cause of shoulder symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment before the condition progresses. When conservative treatments are no longer effective, minimally invasive procedures such as shoulder arthroscopy may help address structural problems within the joint, relieve discomfort and support improved shoulder function.
Our Specialised Team
At HC Orthopaedic Surgery, patients receive personalised care for a wide range of shoulder conditions, from rotator cuff injuries and labral tears to shoulder instability and joint degeneration. The team comprises Dr Henry Chan, Dr Nicholas Yeoh, Dr Toon Dong Hao and Dr Tang Zhi Hao, all of whom manage a broad spectrum of orthopaedic conditions. In particular, Dr Toon has completed advanced fellowship training in shoulder and elbow surgery in Sydney, Australia. Patients are supported from diagnosis through post-operative rehabilitation to help them safely return to daily activities and sports.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Shoulder Arthroscopy
How long will I need to be off work after shoulder arthroscopy?
Will I be able to sleep comfortably after shoulder arthroscopy?
Can I remove the sling to shower or get dressed?
How soon can I drive after shoulder arthroscopy?
Will shoulder arthroscopy leave visible scars?
Can shoulder arthroscopy treat arthritis?
Can shoulder problems return after arthroscopy?
Meet Our Specialist Team
Our team comprises Dr Henry Chan, Dr Nicholas Yeoh, Dr Toon Dong Hao, and Dr Tang Zhi Hao — experienced orthopaedic surgeons with subspecialty experience and a patient-centred approach to care.
Dr Henry Chan
Medical Director & Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBBS (S’pore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orthopaedic Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh)
Dr Henry Chan is an experienced orthopaedic surgeon specialising in joint replacement and complex revision surgery. Trained at the renowned Helios Endo-Klinik in Germany under the MOH HMDP scholarship, he has performed over 1,000 joint replacements and specialises in computer-assisted and robotic joint replacement techniques for precise outcomes.
Dr Nicholas Yeoh
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBChB (Edinburgh), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orthopaedic Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh)
Dr Nicholas Yeoh is an MOH-accredited orthopaedic specialist and Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Fellowship-trained in hip and knee reconstruction in Sydney under the MOH HMDP scholarship, he specialises in minimally invasive joint replacement, robotic surgery and advanced techniques that enhance recovery and surgical outcomes.
Dr Toon Dong Hao
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBChB (Leeds), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orthopaedic Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh)
Dr Toon Dong Hao is a skilled orthopaedic surgeon and Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Fellowship-trained in Advanced Shoulder and Elbow Surgery in Sydney under the MOH HMDP scholarship, Dr Toon specialises in sports injuries, arthroscopic surgery and complex shoulder, elbow and knee procedures to restore function and mobility.
Dr Tang Zhi Hao
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBBS (S’pore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orthopaedic Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh)
Dr Tang Zhi Hao is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specialising in foot and ankle conditions. He completed his Foot and Ankle Surgery fellowship at Severance Hospital, Yonsei University Health System in Seoul under Professor Jin Woo Lee. Prior to private practice, he served as Consultant and Deputy Head of Orthopaedics at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital.