ShoulderDoctor

18/05/2026

INSIDE THE OPERATING THEATRE

This is a timelapse video of a shoulder arthroscopy (posted with the patients permission). Some patients are nervous about what an arthroscopy entails so here is a brief explainer of common questions:

WHAT IS AN ARTHROSCOPY?

Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure performed through small keyhole portals rather than large open incisions. A miniature camera transmits live images to a monitor, allowing us to diagnose and treat shoulder pathology with precision and minimal disruption to the surrounding tissue.

PATIENT POSITIONING

The patient is placed in the “beach chair” position — a semi-seated posture that gives us optimal access to the shoulder joint, allows free movement of the operative arm, and provides excellent visualisation of the structures we’re working on throughout the procedure.

SURGICAL DRAPING AND INFECTION CONTROL

Everything outside the operative field including the patient’s face is covered with sterile drapes. It’s a fundamental part of our infection control protocol, keeping the sterile field protected and minimising any risk of contamination from start to finish.

THE IMPORTANCE OF TEAMWORK

A successful operating list is never down to one person. Scrub nurses, anaesthetists, anaesthetic nurses, circulating nurses and surgical assistants all bring essential skills to every case. Patient safety in theatre is a shared responsibility, and the quality of care we deliver reflects the dedication of the whole team.
Proud to work alongside such a talented and committed group of people every day. 🙌

Any question? Please ask below 👇

15/05/2026

WHAT’S ON THE OP LIST TODAY?

Metalwork removal

Following fracture fixation, implants such as plates, screws, and K-wires do not routinely require removal in shoulder, elbow, or wrist procedures. However, when metalwork becomes prominent or begins causing secondary symptoms, removal is clearly indicated.
Today’s case involves a patient who underwent surgical fixation of an olecranon fracture with K-wires. Over time, the wires have become prominent and symptomatic — making removal the appropriate next step.

A good reminder that implants are a means to an end. Once they’ve served their purpose, clinical judgement should always guide whether they stay or go.

Any questions? Please ask below 👇

11/05/2026

ANATOMY IS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE…

Patients and healthcare professionals alike get sent scan reports and clinic letters which often use these terms… and have no idea what they mean! It’s easier when you have a handy glossary:

🔹 Proximal = closer to the body / centre

🔹 Distal = further away

🔹 Medial = towards the midline

🔹 Lateral = towards the outside

🔹 Cranial = towards the head

🔹 Caudal = towards the feet

🔹 Dorsal = towards the back

🔹 Ventral = towards the front

Next time you read a scan report or clinic letter, you’ll know exactly what it means!

Any questions! Please ask below 👇

01/05/2026

WHAT’S ON THE OP LIST TODAY?

Two rotator cuff repairs on the list today 🔧

A CrossFitter and a strength & conditioning coach. Both in their mid-50s. Both in better shape than most people half their age, and both with a torn rotator cuffs.

This is the reality of traumatic cuff tears — they don’t pick on the sedentary. They happen in a split second to some of the fittest, strongest, most body-aware people out there. The tendon doesn’t know your fitness level. It just takes the load at the wrong moment.

But the good news is that is exactly the kind of injury that can be repaired and patients like these - disciplined, committed, used to working hard in their recovery - tend to do brilliantly. The goal is always the same: get back to the gym, back to doing what you love 💪

Any questions? Please ask below 👇

20/04/2026

10/04/2026

WHAT’S ON THE OP LIST TODAY

Fracture day on the list! Ski season always brings a flurry of shoulder and wrist fractures — and while a fracture can feel dramatic and frightening in the moment, the good news is that bones want to heal. With careful, competent fixation, most patients go on to make a full recovery and get back to doing what they love.

Today we’re focused on giving those breaks the best possible foundation to do exactly that.

If you’ve come off the slopes this season and are worried about a fracture, please do get it checked, especially if your symptoms aren’t getting better. Feel free to ask any questions below 👇

28/03/2026

I’ve been luck enough to meet some amazing people. This guy is a generational talent and will be one of the greatest ever .itauma . What a performance tonight!

20/02/2026

WHAT’S ON THE OP LIST TODAY?

A classic case of weightlifter’s shoulder.

This is pathology of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint — the small but heavily loaded joint at the top of the shoulder where the collarbone meets the acromion.

In this case, persistent AC joint pain despite prolonged conservative management.

Weightlifter’s shoulder typically develops from repetitive compression through the AC joint:

• Heavy bench press
• Dips
• Repeated overhead lifting
• High training loads over time

Patients often describe very localised pain right on the top of the shoulder, worse with cross-body movements or pressing exercises.

It can easily be mistaken for rotator cuff pathology, but the source of pain is different, and so is the solution.

Through keyhole surgery, we remove a small portion of the end of the collarbone. This eliminates the painful bone-on-bone contact while preserving stability and function.

The aim isn’t to stop training. It’s to allow a return to training without chronic AC joint pain.

As always, surgery follows appropriate rehabilitation and load modification. It’s not first line, but in the right patient, it’s transformative.

Orthopaedics

19/02/2026

BURSITIS

If your shoulder pain lives here (outer shoulder, upper arm), think bursa.

The subacromial bursa sits between bone and tendon. Its job is to reduce friction.

When inflamed? Every lift, reach or press can feel irritated.

Common signs:
• Pain when lifting the arm sideways
• Discomfort at night, especially lying on that side
• Aching down the upper arm

The important part: bursitis is often part of a bigger picture involving the rotator cuff.

Good diagnosis > rushed treatment.

Pain location matters — but context matters more.

Any questions? Please ask below 👇