What is a rotator cuff tear of the shoulder and how is it repaired arthroscopically?

A rotator cuff tear is the degeneration or detachment of the tendons that move and stabilise the shoulder, with typical symptoms including pain (often at night) and weakness when lifting the arm. Arthroscopic repair is performed through small incisions, using special anchors that reattach the tendon to the bone, without the need for a large incision. It offers advantages such as less pain, faster mobilisation, and shorter hospital stay. Read more about rotator cuff tear.

What is frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) and how is it treated?

Frozen shoulder is a painful stiffness of the joint, where the capsule “sticks” and gradually limits movement. In most cases, it is treated conservatively with targeted physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medication and – when required – guided injections. When stiffness persists, arthroscopic release of adhesions restores the range of motion. Learn more about frozen shoulder.

What is shoulder arthroscopy without general anaesthesia (awake shoulder surgery)?

It is shoulder arthroscopy performed with regional anaesthesia (nerve block) instead of general anaesthesia, with the patient awake and comfortable. It offers avoidance of the risks associated with general anaesthesia, less nausea, faster recovery and often same-day discharge. It is suitable for selected cases and is a specialised technique of the clinic. Learn more about Awake Shoulder Surgery.

Arthroscopic or open shoulder surgery – what is the difference?

The arthroscopic technique uses small incisions and a camera, causing less soft tissue trauma, less postoperative pain and faster recovery compared to open surgery. The open approach is reserved for complex or extensive injuries where required. Arthroscopic treatment is preferred for the vast majority of shoulder conditions.

How long does recovery take after shoulder arthroscopy?

Indicatively, return to daily activities occurs within a few weeks, while full recovery – especially after tendon repair – usually requires 3 to 6 months with a structured physiotherapy programme. The exact recovery time depends on the type of injury, the procedure performed, and adherence to rehabilitation.

Knee

When is surgery required for an anterior cruciate ligament tear and when is conservative treatment appropriate?

Arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is usually recommended for active or athletic patients, when instability is present (the knee “gives way”) or when there is an associated meniscus tear. In less active patients or in partial tears without instability, conservative treatment with targeted strengthening may initially be attempted. The choice is always personalised. Read more about ACL tear.

Meniscus tear: when is repair performed and when is partial meniscectomy performed?

Whenever technically possible, arthroscopic meniscus repair (preservation) is preferred, because it maintains its function and protects the cartilage in the long term – especially in younger patients and in tears located in the well-vascularised area. Partial meniscectomy, meaning removal of only the damaged part, is selected when the tear cannot be repaired. Learn more about meniscus tear.

What are the advantages of robotic knee arthroplasty compared to conventional surgery?

Robotic arthroplasty is based on personalised preoperative planning and robotic guidance during surgery, achieving greater accuracy in implant placement and alignment, improved soft tissue balance, and preservation of healthy bone. This may translate into less postoperative pain and a more natural feeling of the knee. Read the complete guide: robotic vs conventional.

Arthroplasty & Robotics

Robotic vs conventional knee arthroplasty: what are the differences in accuracy and recovery?

In the conventional technique, bone cuts are performed using mechanical guides and the surgeon’s experience, whereas in robotic surgery a navigation system performs the planning with millimetre accuracy and protects the surrounding tissues. Greater alignment accuracy is associated with potentially faster mobilisation and longer implant lifespan. The final outcome also depends on the surgeon’s experience.

What are orthobiological treatments (PRP, hyaluronic acid) and when do they help?

Orthobiological treatments use biological materials – such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or hyaluronic acid – to reduce inflammation and support cartilage and tendon regeneration. They are frequently used in mild/moderate arthritis, tendinopathies, and sports injuries, as a conservative option or as an adjunct treatment. They do not replace surgery when surgery is indicated.