About shoulder and elbow

We're home to some of the leading shoulder and elbow experts, who are dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment and research of injuries and conditions affecting the upper limbs. These range from the hypermobile shoulder in adolescents to degenerative arthritic conditions of the shoulder in the elderly. 

Each of our state-of-the-art units offers market-leading diagnostic technology for same-day diagnosis, including high-grade imaging with 3T MRI scanning and walk-in CT scanners. You’ll also be seen by one of our remarkable shoulder and elbow surgeons, and given expert surgical care if needed. We offer a wide range of pioneering treatments at each of our London and Cheshire units, including keyhole (arthroscopic) surgery and reconstructive joint replacement.

Our shoulder and elbow specialists work within a multidisciplinary team of highly trained nurses, consultant musculoskeletal radiologists and specialist upper limb physiotherapists. So whether you’re an injured cyclist, a professional athlete, or you suffer debilitating arthritis, our expert team will aim to get you back to a full and pain-free life as soon quickly as possible. 
 

Shoulder and elbow consultants

We offer seamless access to some of the most accomplished shoulder and elbow consultants in the UK who are highly experienced in the accurate diagnosis and expert management of sports injuries and common conditions of the upper limb. Our consultants work closely with expert physiotherapists to ensure patients  achieve the best treatment outcomes. 

Bicep tendon surgery: Bevan's Story

My friends and colleagues are amazed that there’s such a small scar, based on the nature of the injury.
Bevan

Shoulder and elbow patient

Bevan, a boxing trainer, ruptured his bicep tendon while training and went to see Mr Simon Owen-Johnstone, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon (and shoulder and elbow specialist) at London Bridge Hospital. Simon put Bevan at ease providing swift diagnosis and explaining the injury and procedure. Bevan's surgery was a success and he had the support of London Bridge Hospital’s physio team during rehabilitation. He's now back to 100 per cent fitness and strength, and he's back at work. He said: "I’ll always be incredibly grateful to him and the medical team for giving me back the use of my arm."

Our Cheshire Hospital

The Arm Clinic is a team of specialist upper limb surgeons based at The Wilmslow Hospital in Cheshire. The clinic is home to five orthopaedic consultants who all have a extensive experience in treating complex upper limb conditions as well as common injuries of the shoulder, elbow, hand and wrist. 

The team has pioneered the one-stop clinic by offering same day consultations, scans and treatments for patients.  Our consultant team is internationally recognised as leaders in their sub-specialty field and currently lead several large multi-centre randomised controlled trials. They pride themselves on both the quality of their medical care and their service to their patients.

Our shoulder and elbow care

Whatever your injury or condition, we'll provide fast, expert care. Whether you've suffered a sports injury, need joint replacement surgery or you're in pain from constant wear and tear, we'll treat you with the highest levels of  care.

  • Rotator cuff tears

    Need to know

    Rotator cuff tears are amongst the most common causes of shoulder pain. The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles and their tendons, which connect the shoulder blade to the upper arm bone (humerus) forming the shoulder joint. A rotator cuff tear will weaken your shoulder and restrict mobility.

  • Shoulder abnormalities in Obstetric Plexus Palsy

    Need to know

    Shoulder abnormalities in babies can be caused by a brachial plexus injury during birth. This group of nerves stem from the spine, through the shoulder and sit in the neck. They can become damaged if force is placed on the baby's head during birth. This can lead to nerve damage and muscle weakness...

  • Shoulder dislocation

    Need to know

    A shoulder dislocation happens when the upper end of the arm bone (humerus) comes out of the shoulder socket. It typically happens through sports injury or falls or those with hypermobility (loose joints). At our facilities, we offer premium diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions...

  • Frozen shoulder

    Need to know

    A frozen shoulder is when the lining tissue of the shoulder joint (glenhumeral) thickens and stiffens. The cause is unknown but injuries can trigger frozen shoulder, and it's more common in people with diabetes.

  • Clavicle fixation

    Need to know

    Although a broken collarbone (clavicle) can be a painful injury, it will often heal on its own without surgery. However, for some more serious fractures, surgery is required to reset and stabilise the bones so they can heal in the correct position.

  • Shoulder decompression surgery

    Need to know

    Shoulder pain is often caused by rotator cuff impingement. This means that your rotator cuff tendon is pinched or rubbed by the bones in your shoulder. Subacromial decompression is a surgical procedure to remove excess bone and increase the space between the tendons and the acromion (point of the shoulder...

  • Shoulder joint replacement surgery

    Need to know

    Your shoulder is a ball and socket joint. The ball should move freely in its socket. If it is damaged by injury or worn away it can become painful and stiff. Your consultant may recommend shoulder joint replacement surgery if non-surgical options like physiotherapy and medication aren't working.

  • Shoulder resurfacing surgery

    Need to know

    This surgical procedure can be done when arthritis has affected your shoulder, causing pain and stiffness. The aim of the procedure is to replace only the damaged joint surfaces, rather than the whole shoulder joint.

  • Shoulder stabilisation surgery

    Need to know

    Shoulders can become unstable if the ligament or cartilage tears or the shoulder joint dislocates. If other types of treatment don't work or the issue reoccurs, your consultant might suggest surgery. They can use a minimally invasive, keyhole (arthroscopy) technique to repair your shoulder.

  • Tennis elbow release

    Need to know

    Tennis elbow is a common injury caused by the overuse of muscles and tendons in your forearm. It affects around 5% of adults, and despite it's name, the condition isn't necessarily caused by racket sports. If non-surgical methods such as physiotherapy don't improve severe or long-term pain associated...

  • AC joint injury

    Need to know

    The AC joint is the joint at the top of your shoulder between your collarbone (clavicle) and your shoulder blade (scapula). The AC joint is needed for the overhead and cross-body movement of your arm, as well as for giving you strength in physical activities such as pushing, pulling and lifting. A direct...

  • Calcific tendonitis

    Need to know

    Calcific tendonitis occurs in the tendons of the rotator cuff. The condition occurs when calcium deposits form on the tendons of your shoulder. The tissue around the deposits can become inflamed, causing significant shoulder pain. This condition is fairly common and mostly affects people over the age...

  • Capsular release of the shoulder

    Need to know

    Capsular release of the shoulder is a type of minimally invasive surgery which can help to relieve pain and severe stiffness caused by a condition called frozen shoulder. This condition is when the flexible tissue that surrounds the shoulder joint (the capsule) becomes inflamed and thickened.

  • Distal bicep tendon repair

    Need to know

    Tendon injuries to the shoulder and upper arm are not uncommon and are rarely serious. Your consultant may suggest surgery to repair your distal biceps — the tendon that attaches your biceps muscle to your forearm bone — if you have a rupture or serious tear that hasn't healed with non-surgical treatment,...

  • Elbow arthroscopy

    Need to know

    An elbow arthroscopy procedure treats elbow injuries using keyhole surgery inside your elbow joint. It's also used to investigate and diagnose conditions. There are many benefits to this procedure. As the arthroscope and surgical instruments are thin, the incisions made to your skin are smaller. This...

  • Elbow replacement surgery

    Need to know

    If your elbow joints have suffered wear and tear, a condition like arthritis or an injury, moving them can become progressively painful. Your consultant may recommend elbow replacement surgery if other options like physiotherapy and medication haven't helped alleviate your condition.

  • Epicondylitis

    Need to know

    Epicondylitis can occur in the lateral (outside) or medial (inside) of the elbow. These are known colloquially as tennis or golfer's elbow. It is a self-limiting condition, meaning it will eventually get better on its own but treatments can help to speed up the recovery.

  • Rotator cuff repair surgery

    Need to know

    The rotator cuff is formed of muscles and tendons that attach your arm to the top of your shoulder blade. Impingement or a tear are the usual types of damage that can occur to the rotator cuff. If you have a large tear it is likely that surgery is your only option to regain strength in the shoulder.

  • SLAP tears

    Need to know

    A superior labral tear from anterior to posterior (SLAP) tear is when the ring of cartilage (labrum) surrounding the socket of the shoulder joint (glenoid) becomes torn. The labrum keeps your shoulder bone in place and causes deep shoulder pain when damaged. SLAP tears are most often seen in younger...

  • Ligament injuries

    Need to know

    Ligaments are tough, flexible tissues which connect one bone to another bone and hold them in place. When too much force is applied to a ligament, it can become injured or torn. This makes the joint unstable.

Shoulder and elbow locations in London

We provide fast diagnosis and treatment at our specialist shoulder and elbow units across the UK. Each unit is equipped with the latest technology and located in world-famous hospitals.

Private Shoulder and Elbow care in Cheshire

Private Shoulder and Elbow care in Birmingham

Request a shoulder or elbow appointment

We're happy to help you make an appointment with one of our experienced upper limb consultants. We can also make imaging and outpatient physiotherapy appointments for you.

Call us today

020 7079 4344
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