SHOULDER
CONDITIONS & TREATMENTS
Shoulder disorders are common, with a variety of causes. Mr Wykes aims to give each patient a clear diagnosis and tailor an individual treatment plan. Early assessment
is optimal.
Impingement
This is a common shoulder problem, with vague upper-arm pain, worse on lifting your arm and lying on that side. Typically, it will respond to non-surgical treatment. If symptoms persist, then keyhole surgery –sub acromial decompression – is an excellent treatment, with a short recovery period.
Rotator cuff tears
The deep tendons that support the shoulder can become damaged with time, often made worse by an injury, such as a fall. In some patients, this causes little or no trouble. In others,
it can be very painful with a weak shoulder. Careful assessment and scans will make the diagnosis. Surgery is often used to repair the torn tendon. There is a prolonged rehab period, to allow the tear to heal and the shoulder to strengthen.
Dislocations and instability
Overall, in about 50% of patients who dislocate their shoulder,
it settles with physiotherapy. However, in the other half, it can become a recurrent problem, affecting their life, work and sports. A combined approach involving the specialist and a physio is essential to tailor treatment to the individual. X-ray and scans are often used, with surgery an important part of the process.
Frozen shoulder
This is a common, under-recognised problem. It affects middle-aged patients, with pain and a stiff shoulder. The lining of the shoulder joint becomes very thickened and inflamed. There is usually no cause found, but it has a strong association with diabetes. If mild, it may settle with physiotherapy. If severe, then treatment usually involves a combined approach with a procedure to tear the thickened lining, followed by physiotherapy. Good recovery takes around 3 months.
Arthritis
Like other joints, wear-and –tear arthritis is seen in the shoulder. If it is advanced or not responding to non-surgical methods, then shoulder replacement surgery is an option,
Mr. Wykes is experienced in both conventional and reverse geometry type replacements, depending on the patient’s situation.
Fractures and trauma
Mr Wykes has a significant interest in shoulder and arm trauma. He favours early assessment of the injured limb with treatment designed to permit early rehabilitation to minimise stiffness and weakness. Often surgery to stabilise the broken bone / injured joint is proposed.