Shoulder Arthroscopy in Dubai
Dr. Usama Hassan Saleh
Advanced keyhole treatment for rotator cuff tears, shoulder instability, impingement and labral damage—without the large incision of open surgery.
Experience
Fellowship-Trained
Dubai, UAE
What Is Shoulder Arthroscopy?
A precise keyhole technique that allows the surgeon to inspect and treat structures inside the shoulder through very small portal incisions.
A small camera called an arthroscope is inserted through a portal incision, providing a magnified view of the rotator cuff, labrum, biceps tendon and AC joint.
The surgeon can identify additional pathology and treat it during the same surgical session.
Arthroscopy vs Open Surgery
Recovery profile
Small 5 to 10mm portals rather than a large open incision.
Reduced soft-tissue disruption usually means a more comfortable recovery.
Patients can begin a structured rehabilitation pathway sooner.
Smaller wounds reduce exposure and simplify postoperative wound care.
When MRI findings remain unclear
Direct visualization can confirm the exact tear, reveal additional pathology and allow treatment during the same Dubai surgical session.
Conditions Treated with Shoulder Arthroscopy in Dubai
Dr. Usama performs minimally invasive shoulder arthroscopy for painful, unstable and degenerative shoulder conditions at Medcare MOSH Dubai.
Rotator Cuff Tears
Partial and full-thickness rotator cuff tears are repaired with arthroscopic suture anchors to restore the torn tendon securely to the bone.
Rotator Cuff Tears
Partial and full-thickness tears repaired with arthroscopic suture anchors to restore the tendon to bone.
Labral Tears, Including SLAP Lesions
Tears of the cartilage rim that stabilizes the shoulder socket are repaired with arthroscopic suture anchors.
Shoulder Impingement
Subacromial decompression removes inflamed bursal tissue and prominent bone spurs that pinch the rotator cuff.
Shoulder Instability
Arthroscopic stabilization repairs the torn labrum and stretched capsule associated with recurrent dislocation.
AC Joint Arthritis
Distal clavicle excision relieves AC joint pain that has not responded adequately to injection therapy.
Biceps Tendon Pathology
Tenotomy or tenodesis treats biceps inflammation, tearing or instability, often alongside another repair.
Who Is a Candidate for Shoulder Arthroscopy?
Shoulder arthroscopy in Dubai is considered when imaging confirms a structural problem causing functional limitation that has not improved after appropriate conservative treatment.
Non-surgical treatment comes before surgical discussion
Every Dubai patient should complete a genuine trial of physiotherapy, medication, activity modification or injection therapy when clinically appropriate before arthroscopy is recommended.
Good Candidates for Shoulder Arthroscopy
Confirmed Rotator Cuff Tear
MRI-confirmed partial or full-thickness tear with persistent pain or weakness after 3 to 6 months of physiotherapy.
MRI confirmationConfirmed Labral Tear
A labral or SLAP tear causing mechanical symptoms or recurrent instability that affects daily activity or sport.
Activity limitationPersistent Shoulder Impingement
Subacromial impingement that has not improved after structured physiotherapy and appropriate injection therapy.
Failed injection therapyRecurrent Shoulder Instability
Repeated dislocation or subluxation in an active patient, especially when confidence and function are affected.
Active patientSymptomatic AC Joint Arthritis
Localized AC joint pain confirmed on imaging and examination that has not responded to injection treatment.
Localized painMedically Fit and Rehabilitation-Ready
The patient is suitable for anesthesia and willing to follow the prescribed post-operative rehabilitation programme.
Rehabilitation commitmentShoulder Arthroscopy Is Not Appropriate For
Arthroscopy should only be offered when the identified structural problem is likely to benefit from minimally invasive surgery.
Advanced Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis
Bone-on-bone arthritis is usually better treated with shoulder replacement rather than arthroscopy.
No Clear Structural Explanation
Surgery is not recommended when imaging does not show a structural finding that adequately explains the patient’s pain.
Prohibitive Anesthesia Risk
Significant medical comorbidities may make the risk of anesthesia greater than the expected surgical benefit.
Unable to Commit to Rehabilitation
Surgical outcomes depend heavily on rehabilitation quality, consistency and adherence to post-operative restrictions.
How candidacy is assessed
The decision is based on symptoms, examination, imaging, response to conservative treatment and readiness for rehabilitation.
Preparing for Your Shoulder Arthroscopy at Medcare MOSH Dubai
Follow this timeline carefully to help reduce avoidable delays, support safe anesthesia and prepare your shoulder for surgery and recovery.
What to do before surgery
Before leaving home on surgery day
Confirm these essential items to avoid unnecessary admission delays.
How Shoulder Arthroscopy Is Performed in Dubai: Step by Step
Every stage is carefully planned, from anesthesia and portal placement through joint inspection, treatment, closure and sling fitting.
Anesthesia
General anesthesia is combined with an interscalene nerve block, providing approximately 12 to 18 hours of post-operative pain control.
Position is selected according to the planned repair and the surgeon’s required access to the shoulder.
What may be treated during arthroscopy
The exact treatment depends on what is confirmed during the systematic arthroscopic survey.
Rotator Cuff Repair
Suture anchors are used to reattach the torn rotator cuff tendon securely to bone.
Tendon-to-bone repairLabral Repair
The torn labrum is sutured back to the glenoid rim to restore shoulder stability.
Socket stabilizationSubacromial Decompression
Inflamed bursal tissue and prominent bone spurs are carefully removed.
Restore tendon spaceAC Joint Excision
A small portion of the distal clavicle is removed to relieve painful AC joint contact.
Distal clavicle treatmentFrom treatment to safe discharge
The shoulder is irrigated, the portals are closed and a sling is fitted before the patient leaves the operating area.
How Shoulder Arthroscopy Is Performed in Dubai: Step by Step
Explore each stage of the procedure
Anesthesia
General anesthesia is combined with an interscalene nerve block, providing 12 to 18 hours of post-operative pain control.
The patient remains asleep throughout the operation.
Provides approximately 12 to 18 hours of pain control.
Beach-chair or lateral decubitus positioning is selected.
Detailed step-by-step process
The following sequence describes how shoulder arthroscopy is normally carried out at Medcare MOSH Dubai.
Anesthesia
15 to 20 minutesGeneral anesthesia is combined with an interscalene nerve block, providing 12 to 18 hours of post-operative pain control. The patient is positioned in the beach-chair or lateral decubitus position depending on the planned procedure.
Positioning and Prep
5 to 10 minutesThe arm is supported and the shoulder is prepared and draped to allow full surgical access. Bony landmarks are marked carefully to guide safe and accurate portal placement.
Portal Placement
5 minutesA posterior viewing portal is created first, followed by an anterior working portal. Additional portals are added only when required. Each portal is a small incision measuring approximately 5 to 7mm.
Systematic Joint Survey
10 to 15 minutesThe arthroscope assesses the glenohumeral joint, including the labrum, cartilage and biceps tendon, followed by the subacromial space, rotator cuff, bursa and underside of the AC joint. This confirms the diagnosis before treatment begins.
Treatment Phase
20 to 75 minutesThe treatment phase varies according to the structural problem confirmed during arthroscopic inspection.
Closure and Dressing
10 minutesThe joint is irrigated with saline, the nerve block is confirmed to be effective and each portal is closed with one to two absorbable sutures. A dressing and sling are fitted before discharge.
Typical arthroscopy operating times
Times vary according to tear size, tissue quality and procedure complexity.
| Procedure | Duration | Relative Time |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic arthroscopy | 30 to 45 minutes | |
| Subacromial decompression | 45 to 60 minutes | |
| Labral repair | 60 to 90 minutes | |
| Rotator cuff repair | 75 to 120 minutes | |
| AC joint excision | 30 to 45 minutes | |
| Total at Medcare MOSH | 4 to 6 hours |
Includes preparation and recovery
|
From joint irrigation to protected discharge
Risks and Expected Outcomes
Most serious complications occur in less than 1% of cases
Arthroscopic technique, prophylactic antibiotics, careful portal placement and modern anesthesia monitoring all contribute to a strong safety profile.
An honest overview of recognised complications
Select any risk to review its frequency, clinical context and the measures used to reduce it.
Surgical infection
Less than 1%Surgical infection occurs in less than 1% of cases with arthroscopic technique and prophylactic antibiotics.
Typical results following shoulder arthroscopy
Outcomes vary according to the diagnosis, procedure, tear size, tissue quality and rehabilitation commitment.
| Procedure | Expected Outcome | Outcome Profile |
|---|---|---|
|
Diagnostic arthroscopy
Direct joint visualization
|
95 to 98% diagnostic accuracy |
|
|
Subacromial decompression
Space and impingement treatment
|
85 to 90% symptom improvement, return to activity 6 to 8 weeks |
|
|
Labral repair
Shoulder stabilization
|
80 to 90% patient satisfaction, return to sport 4 to 6 months |
|
|
Rotator cuff repair
Tendon-to-bone healing
|
85 to 90% satisfaction, 85 to 100% strength restoration depending on tear size |
|
|
AC joint excision
Distal clavicle pain treatment
|
85 to 90% pain resolution |
|
Diagnostic arthroscopy
95 to 98% diagnostic accuracy
Subacromial decompression
85 to 90% symptom improvement, return to activity 6 to 8 weeks
Labral repair
80 to 90% patient satisfaction, return to sport 4 to 6 months
Rotator cuff repair
85 to 90% satisfaction, 85 to 100% strength restoration depending on tear size
AC joint excision
85 to 90% pain resolution
What influences the final result?
Correct diagnosis
Results depend on identifying the structural source of symptoms accurately before treatment.
Tear size and tissue quality
Larger tears and weaker tendon tissue can affect healing and strength restoration.
Rehabilitation commitment
Structured physiotherapy supports movement, strength and protection of repaired tissue.
Experienced surgical care
Careful technique and appropriate procedure selection contribute to safer, more predictable outcomes.
Transparent discussion before surgery
Dr. Usama discusses risk and outcome data transparently at your Dubai preoperative consultation, so the decision to proceed is shared and informed.
Real People. Real Transformations.
I had Achilles tendon surgery earlier this year, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the care I received from Dr. Usama Hassan Saleh and his team. From the first consultation to the post-surgery follow-ups, everything was handled with professionalism, skill, and genuine compassion. The recovery process was smooth thanks to the clear guidance and support provided. I’m now fully recovered and almost back to my regular activities—truly thankful for the excellent care!
Dr. Usama is a great asset to the hospital, i was lucky enough that he did my operation and the amount of care and experience he has is priceless . A big thank as well to nurse Merin for her care, smile and professionalism. I am glads to be a patient for dr. Usama clinic :)
Local Guide
I have been using Dr. Usama medical advisory and treatment for over 3 years now for various skeletal and tendon issues I have had and every time I visit I am always being provided with top notch medical guidance, and treatment plans that has been proven most useful and reliable. On the other hand, his patient management and personal involvement are always great to have and very assuring.
I had my meniscus repair surgery with Dr Usama. Alhumdulillah from the get go he was honest and geniune about the whole process and recovery. Today I'm able to walk long distances and lift again with no pain. Hoping to run again soon inshallah.
Dr Usama Saleh is so professional and amazing everything with him went smoothly from before the surgery he prepared me mentally and after the surgery too, I highly recommend him to anybody having ACL or ligament or a shoulder problem now I’m 3 weeks after the surgery and my recovery process is faster because of the way he sitting my mind Thank you dr Usama and Medcare for the special treatment
Dr. Usama is amazing! He fixed my shoulder after spotting an MRI issue others missed, adjusting my physio for great results. He also performed flawless meniscus surgery on my knee, and his post-op care ensured a smooth recovery. When a minor issue arose later, he resolved it instantly. Grateful for his expertise and dedication—highly recommend!
Thank you Dr. Osama Hassan for your care and attention. Happy Eid.
Ma Shaa Allah Expert doctor with humanity manner Appreciate his work
Best doctor I've ever seen, highly recommend. He is very honest which is hard to find nowadays.
Recovery After Shoulder Arthroscopy: What to Expect
Track recovery phase by phase
Phase 1: Days 1 to 14
The first phase focuses on protecting the shoulder, controlling swelling and allowing the incisions and repaired tissue to begin healing.
Sling worn continuously except for gentle pendulum exercises, for 2 to 6 weeks depending on the procedure.
Apply ice for 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours during the early recovery period.
A wound review is normally scheduled 7 to 10 days after the procedure.
The duration of sling use depends on whether the procedure was diagnostic, decompression, labral repair or rotator cuff repair.
What happens during each phase
Recovery milestones differ according to the exact arthroscopic procedure performed.
Days 1 to 14
- Sling worn continuously except gentle pendulum exercises.
- Sling duration is 2 to 6 weeks depending on the procedure.
- Ice for 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours.
- Wound review at 7 to 10 days.
Weeks 2 to 12
- Physiotherapy begins with passive range of motion.
- Exercises progress from passive to active movement.
- Desk work resumes after 1 to 4 weeks depending on procedure.
- Driving resumes once the sling is discontinued.
Months 3 to 6
- Progressive shoulder and rotator cuff strengthening.
- Sport-specific exercise is introduced gradually.
- Full range of motion is required before return to sport.
- Strength should exceed 90% of the uninjured side.
Typical recovery milestones by procedure
These ranges are practical estimates and may be adjusted according to healing, pain, strength and surgeon guidance.
| Procedure | Desk Work | Driving | Full Sport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic arthroscopy | 1 to 2 days | 1 week | 3 to 4 weeks |
| Subacromial decompression | 1 to 2 weeks | 2 to 3 weeks | 6 to 8 weeks |
| Labral repair | 1 to 2 weeks | 4 to 6 weeks | 4 to 6 months |
| Rotator cuff repair | 2 to 4 weeks | 6 to 8 weeks | 4 to 6 months |
| AC joint excision | 1 week | 2 to 3 weeks | 6 to 8 weeks |
Diagnostic arthroscopy
Subacromial decompression
Labral repair
Rotator cuff repair
AC joint excision
Time alone is not enough
Return to sport requires full range of motion and shoulder strength above 90% of the uninjured side.
Why Choose Dr. Usama Saleh for Shoulder Arthroscopy in Dubai
Fellowship-trained expertise, high-volume arthroscopic experience and complete shoulder care delivered at Medcare MOSH on Sheikh Zayed Road.
Dr. Usama Saleh
Fellowship-trained orthopedic and shoulder arthroscopy surgeon.
Experience, technology and patient care
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Six reasons built around judgment, experience and continuity
Every stage of care is planned around the diagnosis, the patient’s goals and the most appropriate treatment pathway.
Fellowship-Trained, High-Volume Arthroscopic Surgeon
Advanced fellowship training at the University of Toronto provided subspecialty expertise in shoulder arthroscopic technique, performed at high volume annually.
Conservative Management Tried First
Surgery is recommended only when imaging confirms a structural problem and conservative management has genuinely been tried.
Full-Spectrum Shoulder Care at Medcare MOSH
From MRI review and insurance pre-authorization to surgery and physiotherapy coordination, all under one roof on Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai.
High-Definition Arthroscopic Technology
Medcare MOSH's HD arthroscopy systems provide superior visualization for more accurate diagnosis and precise tissue handling.
Combined Procedures in One Session
Many patients need more than one structure addressed. Dr. Usama plans combined arthroscopic procedures in a single anesthetic session where appropriate.
23 Years of Arthroscopy Experience in Dubai
Two decades performing high-volume shoulder arthroscopy in Dubai, from straightforward decompressions to complex combined repairs for Dubai's active population.
One surgeon, one coordinated pathway
From diagnostic review and treatment selection to arthroscopy, rehabilitation and return-to-activity planning, every stage remains connected.
Take control of your health, mobility, and quality of life.
Your First Step Toward a Stronger Tomorrow Starts Now:
Book your personal consultation with Dr. Usama Saleh today and begin your journey to a better you.
erhan