Where in Dubai
Dr. Subhash sees shoulder problems at Grand Infinity Medical Center in Al Muteena, Deira, next to the Grand Excelsior Hotel. Shoulder pain often builds slowly through work, gym training or sleeping on one side. At the first visit he examines the shoulder and decides whether you need an MRI. If keyhole surgery is advised, he tells you which hospital it will be in and what your insurer needs.
What is shoulder arthroscopy (keyhole shoulder surgery)?
Shoulder arthroscopy is keyhole surgery. The surgeon makes a few small cuts around the shoulder and passes in a thin camera, called an arthroscope, to see inside the joint on a screen. Small instruments go in through the other cuts. It is used to repair torn rotator cuff tendons, to repair a torn labrum (the rim of cartilage around the socket) after the shoulder has dislocated, to make more room for tendons that are being pinched, and to treat problems at the joint on top of the shoulder (the AC joint). Small cuts usually mean less pain after surgery than open surgery, and most people go home the same day.
Who it can help
- A shoulder that has dislocated, or keeps slipping out of place.
- A rotator cuff tear with pain and weakness lifting the arm.
- Pain when lifting the arm to the side or overhead that has not settled with physiotherapy or an injection.
- Pain over the top of the shoulder from the AC joint, after an injury or from wear.
- Clicking, catching or a dead-arm feeling during sport or work.
How Dr. Subhash approaches it
Arthroscopy is one of Dr. Subhash's stated main interests. His shoulder work includes rotator cuff repair, labrum repair, subacromial decompression (removing a bone spur that pinches the tendons), AC joint surgery and capsular repair to tighten a loose joint. Many shoulder problems improve with physiotherapy, and he explains when that is worth trying first. When surgery is advised, he tells you what he plans to repair and how long the recovery takes.
What to expect
Consultation
He examines the shoulder, tests its strength and stability, and reviews any X-rays. An MRI is often needed to see the tendons and labrum.
Deciding together
He explains the planned repair, the risks and the recovery. Insurance pre-approval is arranged once you agree a plan.
The day of surgery
The operation is usually done under a general anaesthetic, often with a nerve block that numbs the arm for some hours. It takes about one to two hours.
Going home
Most people go home the same day with the arm in a sling. You need someone to drive you.
Physiotherapy and follow-up
Exercises start early, guided by the type of repair. He reviews the wounds and your progress at planned visits.
Recovery, in general terms
Every patient is different. These are typical milestones, not a promise; your own plan comes from your consultation.
- A sling for a few days after a simple procedure, or about four to six weeks after a repair.
- Desk work often after one to two weeks for a simple procedure, longer after a repair.
- Driving once you are out of the sling and can control the wheel, often six to eight weeks after a repair.
- Sport and heavy lifting usually after three to six months for a repair.
- Night pain is common for a few weeks. Sleeping propped up can help.
Risks to know about
- Infection, which is uncommon.
- Stiffness, which physiotherapy usually helps.
- A repair that does not heal or tears again.
- Injury to a nerve or blood vessel, which is rare.
When to book a visit
Book a visit if your shoulder has dislocated, feels unstable, or has hurt for more than a few weeks despite rest and exercises. After shoulder arthroscopy, call the clinic the same day for a fever, red or leaking wounds, or new numbness in the hand.
Where to book
Dr. Subhash sees patients at Grand Infinity Medical Center in Al Muteena, Deira, in north-east Dubai. The clinic is at Shop No. 4, next to the Grand Excelsior Hotel.
Grand Infinity Medical Center
Shop No. 4, next to Grand Excelsior Hotel, Al Muteena, Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Questions patients ask
I already had a shoulder MRI at another centre in Dubai. Can I use it?
Yes. Bring the images on a disc or a download link, and the written report. A recent MRI often avoids a repeat scan, though he may ask for new images if the old ones are unclear or out of date.
My shoulder dislocated once. Do I need surgery?
Not always. Many people recover with physiotherapy. Surgery is more often advised for young, active people, those who play contact sports, and anyone whose shoulder keeps slipping out. He explains your own risk at the consultation.
Is keyhole shoulder surgery a big operation?
The cuts are small, but the repair inside can be significant. The recovery depends on what is repaired rather than the size of the scars, so a tendon or labrum repair still needs months of exercises.
Can I sleep on my side afterwards?
Most people sleep propped up or on their back for the first weeks. Lying on the operated side is usually comfortable again after about six weeks, but this varies.
Book an appointment
The clinic confirms every booking by phone or WhatsApp.