Shoulder Conditions and Treatment in Adelaide
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr James McLean, has sub-specialty training in arthroscopic shoulder surgery, joint replacement and reconstructive shoulder surgery, consulting in Eastwood, Elizabeth Vale and Bedford Park.
Shoulder pain can start after an injury or build gradually over time, affecting your ability to perform everyday tasks like reaching into a cupboard, getting dressed, sleeping, driving, lifting your child or returning to work or sport.
Dr James McLean assesses shoulder pain, injuries and loss of movement to provide suitable treatment options for each individual.
When Should I Ask My GP for Specialist Referral?
The shoulder is made up of bones, joints, tendons, muscles and ligaments that all work together to provide a wide range of movement, and shoulder pain can come from one or several of these. Speak with your GP about a specialist referral to Dr James McLean if you have:
- Shoulder pain that is not settling
- Pain when lifting or reaching
- Pain at night that causes difficulty sleeping or interrupts sleep
- Pain that affects your work, sports or lifestyle
- Weakness in the arm, especially when lifting
- Stiffness or loss of movement
- Clicking, catching or grinding
- Swelling or tenderness
- A feeling that the shoulder may give way
- Pain after a fall, collision or other injury
- A fracture or tear already seen on imaging
Shoulder Conditions
Browse the links below for more information on specific shoulder conditions, including the main causes, symptoms and treatments.
Shoulder Arthritis
Shoulder arthritis can cause deep joint pain, stiffness, grinding and reduced movement. It may affect the main ball and socket joint or the smaller AC joint at the top of the shoulder. Treatment could include physiotherapy, medication, injections and surgery.
Shoulder Instability
A shoulder that repeatedly slips, gives way or dislocates may have chronic instability. This can develop after a previous dislocation or from loose supporting tissues. Treatment may include rehabilitation or surgery based on the injury and level of instability.
Shoulder Fractures
A shoulder fracture can involve the upper arm bone, collarbone or shoulder blade. Falls, sports injuries, cycling accidents and direct impacts are common causes. Some fractures heal with a sling and rehabilitation, though displaced or unstable fractures may require surgery.
Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder causes progressive pain and stiffness as the capsule around the shoulder joint tightens. Daily tasks such as dressing, washing your hair or reaching behind your back become difficult. Treatment may include physiotherapy, injections or hydrodilatation, and surgery.
Shoulder Replacement
Shoulder replacement is considered for severe arthritis, some complex fractures or shoulder damage linked with a poorly functioning rotator cuff. Different forms of replacement are used for different shoulder problems, including anatomic and reverse shoulder replacement.
Shoulder Dislocation
A shoulder dislocation happens when the upper arm bone moves out of the socket, usually during sport, a fall or other traumatic injury. After the shoulder is relocated, further review may be needed to assess ligament, labral or bone damage and the risk of another dislocation.
Rotator Cuff Injuries
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that helps lift and rotate the arm. Problems can include tendinitis, bursitis and partial or full-thickness tendon tears. Common signs include pain when raising the arm, weakness, difficulty reaching behind your back and pain when lying on the affected shoulder.
Bursitis and Impingement
Bursitis and impingement can cause pain around the front or side of the shoulder, especially when lifting the arm overhead or sleeping on the affected side. Non-surgical treatments are guided, though shoulder arthroscopy may be discussed for cases where symptoms continue.
Shoulder Treatments and Surgery
Surgical Shoulder Procedures and Treatments
Surgery may be discussed if symptoms remain limiting, there is significant damage or an injury needs repair. Procedures performed for shoulder conditions can include:
- Arthroscopic keyhole surgery
- Arthroscopic debridement
- Subacromial decompression (acromioplasty)
- Rotator cuff repair
- Labral or Bankart repair
- Biceps tenodesis or tenotomy
- AC joint excision
- Capsular release
- Tendon transfer
- Shoulder stabilisation surgery
- Fracture fixation
- Shoulder replacement
If Dr James McLean recommends a procedure, this will be based on the condition, examination and imaging findings and explained clearly before any decisions need to be made.
Non-Surgical Shoulder Treatments
Many shoulder conditions do not need surgery. Non-surgical treatment may include:
- Activity changes
- Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
- Medication where suitable
- Corticosteroid injections
- Hydrodilatation for frozen shoulder
- Manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) for frozen shoulder
- Monitoring and repeat imaging
Common Shoulder Injuries
Browse the links below for more information on common shoulder injuries, including the main causes, symptoms and treatments.
Biceps Tenotomy
A procedure to relieve pain by releasing the long head of the biceps tendon from its attachment to the shoulder.
Suprascapular Nerve Release
Surgical relief of nerve compression in the shoulder to alleviate pain and restore function.
Labral (Bankart) Repair for Instability
Reconstructive surgery to address shoulder dislocation by repairing the torn labrum.
Subacromial Decompression
A minimally invasive surgery to increase space in the shoulder joint, easing movement and reducing pain.
Post-Operative Shoulder Exercises
Tailored rehabilitation activities designed to strengthen the shoulder and improve the range of motion after surgery.
Biceps Tenodesis
Surgically anchoring the biceps tendon to a stable location to alleviate symptoms associated with tendon tears or inflammation.
Latarjet Procedure for Instability
A surgical technique that transfers a piece of bone to the shoulder socket, providing stability and preventing dislocation.
Shoulder Arthroscopy – Acromioclavicular Joint Excision
Key-hole surgery to remove a small piece of the clavicle, relieving pain from arthritis or impingement.
Shoulder Arthroscopy – Animation
Visualisation technique using animation to demonstrate how arthroscopic shoulder surgery is performed.
Shoulder Arthroscopy – SLAP Repair
Repair of a SLAP lesion, which is a tear of the rim of the shoulder socket where the biceps tendon attaches.
Tendon Transfer for Massive Rotator Cuff Tears
Reconstructive surgery where a tendon is transferred to compensate for irreparable rotator cuff damage.
Scapulothoracic Arthroscopy
Depending on the type and severity of your shoulder injury, surgery might be the best option. Dr James McLean specialises in minimally invasive arthroscopic (key-hole) surgery. His aim is to get you the best possible outcome, taking into account your lifestyle, general health and family situation. Before surgery, Dr McLean will guide you through the process and address any concerns you have.
If you have a sports injury or other shoulder condition, it is best to act quickly. Delaying treatment can cause permanent damage and reduce the potential for a full recovery.
Call our friendly team on 08 7077 0101 to make an appointment or use our handy online booking service. Consultations are available in Dulwich (SA), Bedford Park (SA) and Elizabeth Vale (SA).
Shoulder Specialist in Adelaide
Shoulder FAQs
Once you have a referral…
Book your consultation here.