Anatomy / Ailment detail

The shoulder is a complex joint comprising; a deeply sited "gleno-humeral" joint (the proper shoulder joint), a joint between the outer end of the clavicle and the "acromium" bone (the acromium is the flat bone felt at the point of the shoulder), and a thick tendon; the "rotator cuff" which lies beneath the acromium. The bony surfaces of the joints are covered with a smooth articular cartilage layer. The gleno-humeral joint or shoulder joint proper is enhanced by a thick fibro-cartilaginous rim or "labrum" which deepens the shallow shoulder joint and improves it's stability. There are numerous ligaments around the shoulder joint which can generally be divided into the anterior, inferior and posterior "capsular" ligaments and a superior "coraco- acromial" ligament. The ligaments have a stablising effect on the joint. The shoulder is also surrounded by strong muscles in front and behind the joint whilst the rotator cuff lies above the joint.

Who Needs it / Who Doesn't

Initial treatment for should problems are commonly managed without surgery in the first instance. Physiotherapy and exercises combined with anti-inflammatory medication or injections into the shoulder can successfully manage many patients. Sometimes in athletes the shoulder problems arise because of muscular imbalances and care assessment and retraining may be helpful. However where the symptoms are severe, prolonged or significant early surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgery in the form of arthroscopic surgery is commonly necessary for conditions such as shoulder dislocation, rotator cuff tendonitis, tears of the rotator cuff or similar problems.

How to arrange an appointment with Mr. Johnson

Your first appointment is usually arranged with Mr Johnson at the Bristol Nuffield Hospital at St Mary's. It is a modern well-equipped hospital with 36 private bedrooms and two operating theatres, and offers a full range of services.

+ How to arrange your first appointment

< BACK to Introduction | NEXT: Non- operative Treatment >

Related Links..

+ Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery - see all links
+ Patient Information Home

+ See the clinic
+ More about Mr Johnson

+ top

© The Bristol Orthopaedics and Sports Injuries Clinic 2003. The Bristol Knee Clinic is a trading name of the Bristol Orthopaedic Clinic Ltd. privacy / copyright | contact | Powered By Create Medical