Shoulder and elbow
Most shoulder and elbow complaints arise from the tendons and the joint capsule, and most improve without surgery. Pain and loss of movement after a fall are assessed for fracture and dislocation.
Common conditions
Rotator cuff problems and shoulder impingement
Pain on lifting the arm sideways and overhead, and when lying on that side at night. Treatment usually starts with exercise and physiotherapy; arthroscopic repair is considered depending on the size of the tear and the symptoms.
Detailed article: Shoulder pain and rotator cuff problems: is surgery needed?
Shoulder dislocation
The ball of the shoulder comes out of its socket and is put back as an emergency. The risk of it happening again is then assessed by age and associated damage, with an MRI scan.
Detailed article: Dislocated shoulder: what happens after it is put back, and is surgery needed?
Frozen shoulder
Painful restriction of shoulder movement in every direction. It runs a course of months; treatment rests on pain control and stretching exercises.
Tennis elbow
Pain on the outer side of the elbow that worsens with gripping and wrist movement. In most patients it settles with load adjustment and exercise.
Detailed article: Tennis elbow: what do steroid injections, PRP and surgery add?
Fractures around the shoulder and elbow
These include fractures of the collarbone, the upper end of the arm bone and the elbow. Depending on the site and displacement, treatment is a sling, a cast or surgical fixation.
Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder
Calcific tendinitis is a build-up of calcium inside the rotator cuff tendons that move the shoulder; it is popularly called 'calcification of the shoulder' and is a different condition from wear of the shoulder joint (osteoarthritis).
Detailed article: Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder: why it happens and how it is treated
Tendinitis (tendon inflammation)
Tendinitis (tendon inflammation) is irritation of a tendon, the tissue that attaches muscle to bone, or of its sheath, most often from repeated strain; it causes pain that gets worse with movement.
Detailed article: Tendinitis (tendon inflammation): what causes it and what helps it settle?
Bursitis
Bursitis is when the fluid-filled sac (bursa) that cushions a joint becomes swollen and painful; it most often affects the shoulders, hips, elbows and knees.
Detailed article: Bursitis: what is it, what causes it? Elbow bursitis, symptoms and treatment
When to be seen without waiting
- Deformity, swelling and inability to move the arm after a fall or blow
- Suspected shoulder dislocation
- Numbness or weakness in the arm, or a cold, discoloured hand
In these situations do not wait for an appointment; go to the nearest emergency department.
Our doctors
Our team of three orthopaedic surgeons works in close collaboration at every stage, from assessment and diagnosis to surgical and non-surgical treatment. Drawing on our shared knowledge and experience, we aim to find the most suitable treatment for each patient and to achieve the greatest benefit.
Patient guide
Other areas
This page is general information; diagnosis and treatment are decided at examination. Last updated: .