Shoulder Conditions & Surgery

The shoulder is a highly mobile joint that allows a wide range of movement. Due to this mobility, it is also more susceptible to injury, instability, and degenerative conditions.

Orthocentre provides specialist assessment and management of shoulder conditions, with treatment tailored to each patient. This may include non-surgical care or surgical intervention where appropriate.

Shoulder Procedures

Orthocentre manages a range of shoulder conditions, including:

  • Proximal humerus fractures (broken shoulder)

  • Frozen shoulder

  • Rotator cuff tears

  • Shoulder arthritis

  • Shoulder impingement

  • Shoulder instability and dislocations

  • Shoulder arthroscopy

  • Fractured clavicle (collarbone)

Your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your symptoms and diagnosis.

Shoulder Surgery Options

  • A fracture of the upper arm bone (humerus) near the shoulder can occur following a fall or trauma. These injuries can affect shoulder movement and function.

    Treatment may involve immobilisation or surgical management depending on the severity and alignment of the fracture.

    Who May Benefit?

    Management may be required for:

    • Patients with shoulder fractures following injury

    • Individuals with pain, swelling, or limited movement

    • Displaced or complex fractures

    • Patients requiring restoration of joint function

    Your surgeon will assess the injury and recommend the appropriate treatment.

  • Frozen shoulder is a condition characterised by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. It develops gradually and can significantly limit movement over time.

    The condition typically progresses through stages and may resolve over time, although treatment can help manage symptoms and improve mobility.

    Who May Benefit?

    Treatment may be considered for:

    • Patients with progressive shoulder stiffness

    • Individuals with reduced range of motion

    • Persistent shoulder pain affecting daily activities

    • Patients not improving with initial management

    Treatment is tailored to the stage and severity of the condition.

  • The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilise the shoulder and allow movement. Tears can occur due to injury or gradual degeneration over time.

    Symptoms may include pain, weakness, and difficulty lifting or rotating the arm.

    Who May Benefit?

    Management may be required for:

    • Patients with confirmed rotator cuff tears

    • Individuals with shoulder weakness or pain

    • Difficulty with overhead or lifting activities

    • Patients not responding to non-surgical treatment

    Treatment may involve rehabilitation or surgical repair depending on the severity.

  • Shoulder arthritis occurs when the cartilage within the joint wears down, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced movement.

    It can develop over time due to wear and tear, previous injury, or inflammatory conditions.

    Who May Benefit?

    Treatment may be considered for:

    • Patients with joint pain and stiffness

    • Reduced shoulder mobility

    • Symptoms affecting daily activities

    • Advanced joint degeneration

    Management may include non-surgical care or joint replacement where appropriate.

  • Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to assess and treat conditions within the shoulder joint. A small camera is inserted through small incisions, allowing the surgeon to visualise and treat the joint.

    It is commonly used for rotator cuff repairs, impingement, and other intra-articular conditions.

    Who May Benefit?

    This procedure may be considered for:

    • Patients with persistent shoulder pain

    • Individuals with soft tissue or structural damage

    • Patients not responding to conservative treatment

    • Conditions requiring minimally invasive intervention

    Your surgeon will determine if arthroscopy is appropriate based on your condition.

  • Shoulder impingement occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff are compressed during movement, leading to pain and inflammation.

    It is often associated with repetitive overhead activity or structural changes within the shoulder.

    Who May Benefit?

    Management may be required for:

    • Patients with pain during overhead movement

    • Individuals with inflammation or tendon irritation

    • Persistent shoulder discomfort

    • Reduced function with activity

    Treatment may include physiotherapy or surgical intervention where necessary.

  • Shoulder instability occurs when the joint is unable to remain in its normal position, sometimes resulting in partial or complete dislocation. This can occur following injury or due to underlying joint laxity.

    Symptoms may include pain, weakness, or repeated dislocations.

    Who May Benefit?

    Treatment may be considered for:

    • Patients with shoulder dislocations

    • Individuals experiencing instability or “giving way”

    • Recurrent shoulder injuries

    • Patients requiring stabilisation for return to activity

    Management may involve rehabilitation or surgical stabilisation depending on severity.

  • Clavicle fractures are a common injury, often occurring from a fall or direct impact to the shoulder. The clavicle connects the arm to the body and plays an important role in shoulder movement and stability.

    Treatment depends on the location and severity of the fracture and may involve non-surgical management or surgical fixation.

    Who May Benefit?

    Management may be required for:

    • Patients with a confirmed clavicle fracture

    • Individuals experiencing pain, swelling, or deformity

    • Displaced or unstable fractures

    • Patients not responding to non-surgical treatment

    Your surgeon will determine the most appropriate approach based on the type of fracture.

Further Information

Understanding your condition and treatment options is an important part of your care. If you have questions about your diagnosis or would like to discuss management options, our team is available to assist.

Please contact Orthocentre for more information or to arrange a consultation.