Shoulder & elbow

We will restore your shoulder and elbow function

If pain is an issue with simple functions such as putting on a jacket or lifting above your head we may be able to help.

Shoulder and elbow pain may be due to a sports injury, overuse or degeneration. The key to efficient and effective treatment is rapid and accurate diagnosis.

Our Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons at Schoen Clinic diagnose and treat all upper limb conditions including the shoulder and elbow. In our specialised hospital, we offer an entire spectrum of shoulder and elbow treatment from diagnostics to conservative or surgical treatment and rehabilitation, every aspect of your journey with us is with experts who care.

Anatomy of the Shoulder

Your shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint that helps facilitate the movement of your upper arm. Your shoulder function may be affected by an issue with any of the following, or a combination thereof:

• Bones – The bones in your shoulder include the clavicle (collarbone), scapula (shoulder blade), and humerus (upper arm bone).
• Ligaments – Various ligaments connect bones and cartilage in your shoulder. They are found in the joint capsule, where they connect the humerus to the socket. Ligaments also connect the clavicle and acromion, and the clavicle and scapula.
• Tendons – The tendons in your shoulder connect bones and muscles. The tendons that connect the deepest muscle layer to the humerus are known as the rotator cuff tendons.
• Muscles – Numerous muscles are located in your shoulder. Among them are the deltoid, triceps brachii, biceps brachii, and infraspinatus. The muscles help to move the shoulder joint in many different directions. They also help to support the joint.
• Acromion – Part of the scapula forms the acromion, which is the highest point of the shoulder, also known as the ‘roof of the shoulder’.
• Bursa – An enclosed space filled with lubricating fluid found between the larger outer muscles and the rotator cuff and other muscles.
• Rotator cuff – The tendons that form the rotator cuff, and the muscles associated with the cuff, keep the ball of the glenohumeral joint in the socket at the top of the humerus.
• Joints – A few joints are found in the shoulder. They include the glenohumeral joint, which is the ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder, the acromioclavicular (AC) joint where the acromion and clavicle meet, and the sternoclavicular joint, where the sternum (breastbone) and clavicle meet.

Anatomy of the Elbow

Your elbow is a hinge joint formed where your upper arms and forearms meet. Bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and other tissue all play important roles in your elbows and may need attention if you’re experiencing pain.

• Bones – The three bones that form the elbow include the humerus (upper arm bone), the ulna (the larger of the forearm), and the radius (the smaller of the forearm bones).
• Articular cartilage – The moving regions of the humerus, ulna, and radius are covered by articular cartilage. The thin and flexible but tough and rubbery tissue acts as a shock absorber, and it helps the bones in the joint move against one another without causing injury.
• Ligaments – Several ligaments strengthen and stabilise the elbow joint. Among them are the radial collateral ligament, the radial annular ligament, and the ulnar collateral ligament.
• Tendons – The tendons in the elbow connect bone and muscle. Two of the most important tendon groups are the biceps and triceps tendons.
• Muscles – The three main muscles at the elbow joint include the biceps and brachialis at the front and the triceps at the back.
• Joints – There actually are three joints in the elbow. They include the humero-ulnar joint where the humerus and ulna meet, the humero-radial (or radio-capitellar) joint where the humerus and radius meet, and the proximal radio-ulnar joint, where the ulna and radius bones meet.

Our experts are here to help. To find out more about the range of shoulder and elbow treatments we offer, contact us today by calling 0203 929 1086 or emailing us.