SHOULDER SURGERY
Shoulder Instability
Shoulder instability is common and affects the younger age group of patients. The shoulder is inherently a vulnerable joint for dislocation as it is a very mobile joint capable of almost 360 degrees of movement. Unfortunately once a shoulder has dislocated, it is common to have repeat episodes of instability. The younger you are at first dislocation the higher the probability of further dislocations.
The first line of treatment is nonsurgical with the use of well trained physiotherapists. Ortho Specialist Centre uses a team of trusted physiotherapists to help rehabilitate the shoulder. Often this is successful however if these options do not relieve the instability, surgery may be required. This may be in the form of arthroscopic keyhole capsular labral repair or open coracoid transfer. These procedures are also known as a Bankart Arthroscopic Stabilisation or Latarjet respectively.
The surgeons at Ortho Specialist Centre will discuss these options with you once a detailed consultation has taken place including reviewing your radiological imaging.
Rotator Cuff Repair
As we age we experience shoulder complaints more often. One of the commonest complaints of pain in the shoulder can be related to rotator cuff tears and bursitis. A rotator cuff tear is a common cause of pain and disability and significantly affects your daily quality of life. The majority of these are caused by degeneration and trauma. The team at Ortho Specialist Centre will determine, via examination and investigations, which one you may have.
The goal of any treatment is to reduce pain and restore function. The standard treatment of shoulder pain is initially non operative. This rehabilitation based method is successful for a large amount of patients. If your symptoms persist than we may recommend surgery if your pain and function does not improve with non-surgical methods. Arthroscopic keyhole surgery is the most minimally invasive method of repair and the procedure Mr Sydenham specialises in. Broadly speaking, this involves reattaching the tendon and creating space for a smooth gliding movement of your shoulder.
After a thorough consultation, the options of non-surgical and surgical treatments, will be presented together with the risks and benefits of each method. This information will be tailored to your individual health needs.
Total Shoulder Replacement
Several conditions can cause shoulder pain and disability, and lead patients to consider shoulder joint replacement surgery.
Similar to hip and knee causes, degenerative joint disease such as osteoarthritis is the most common cause requiring shoulder replacement surgery. Other causes are rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, and post infection.
A particular cause, known as cuff tear arthropathy, arises from chronic rotator cuff tendon tears. This requires unique specialised surgical management of which the team at Ortho Specialist Centre have done international fellowships in.
During your personalised consultation, we will discuss your treatment methods together with the risks and benefits of each treatment method.
