Shoulder Surgeon & Treatment

Our Shoulder Surgeon

At Melbourne Arm Clinic, our shoulder specialist may help with diagnosing and treating a range of shoulder health conditions that you may be experiencing. Whether you’re looking for a shoulder surgeon or a general doctor, we may be able to connect you with the right medical professional.

Our orthopaedic surgeons are registered under the Australian Orthopaedic Association, as well as a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. They are well-versed in all aspects of the shoulder and can assist with rotator cuff tears, sports injuries, and shoulder reconstruction, among other health issues.

What Conditions and Injuries Can a Shoulder Surgeon Treat?

Shoulder surgeons can treat most common shoulder injuries, as well as a few rarer conditions.  Because the shoulder joint is the most unstable in the human body, shoulder specialists also understand the wide range of conditions that may affect the shoulder.

These conditions typically manifest through the overuse of the muscles, ligaments, and tendons that hold the shoulder joint together but can also be caused by sudden trauma.

Shoulder conditions and injuries typically take the form of a type of instability or impingement. Shoulder instability occurs when the joint moves out of its normal alignment, resulting in dislocation and a sensation of the joint slipping out of its socket. Shoulder impingements occur when the muscles rub excessively against the top of the shoulder blade (acromion).

Rotator cuff syndrome is a common cause of shoulder instability and impingement, and when severe, rotator cuff problems can permanently limit shoulder function, making it difficult or impossible to raise the arm above the head.

Other common shoulder conditions include:

• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) – Inflammation of soft tissues causes pain and extreme stiffness in the shoulder, making it feel frozen solid.
• Shoulder bursitis impingement – Inflammation of the large bursa, a fluid-filled sac that aids in smooth movement between muscles and bones. It causes pain and tenderness, especially when trying to raise the arm overhead.
• Proximal humerus fracture – This is the most common type of shoulder fracture and typically occurs after a fall onto an outstretched arm. This causes pain, limited arm movement, and deformity of the upper arm.

How Do Shoulder Surgeons Diagnose an Injury?

The diagnosis of shoulder injuries and conditions typically starts with a thorough history and physical examination by your doctor to determine whether the issue could be from the shoulder and to exclude neck or spine pathologies. Thorough testing is performed of your shoulder to examine movement, strength and stability.

If required, your doctor may advise you to undertake a form of diagnostic imaging. Imaging procedures used to diagnose shoulder injuries include:

• X-rays
• CT scans
• MRI scans
• Electromyography
• Shoulder arthroscopy

Your orthopaedic surgeon at Melbourne Arm Clinic can perform a shoulder arthroscopy to help diagnose and repair problems inside the shoulder joint.

What are Treatment Options For Shoulder Injury?

There is a range of surgical and non-surgical treatment options a shoulder specialist can recommend for a shoulder injury, similar to hip and knee injuries. The appropriate treatment depends on the cause of the injury and the level of pain/discomfort experienced.

Common interventions include using a sling or shoulder immobiliser, undertaking physical or occupational therapy, or a form of surgery. Severe shoulder injuries often require all three of these interventions, including the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.

Shoulder Surgery: FAQs