Shoulder and elbow surgery : Specialists

How does the shoulder work?

The shoulder joint is the part of the body which acts as a connection between the upper arm and the shoulder blade. It is comprised of three bones:

• Scapula (shoulder blade)
• Clavicle (collarbone)
• Humerus (bone of the upper arm)

These are supported by a system of ligaments, muscles and tendons.

How does the elbow work?

The elbow joint acts as a junction between the forearm and upper arm and is composed of three bones:

• Humerus (upper arm bone)
• Radius (the bone that runs from the elbow to the thumb)
• Ulna (bone that lies opposite to the radius)

These are supported by arteries, nerves and muscles.

Both the shoulder and elbow are capable of a flexible range of movements. Problems relating to these are dealt with by an orthopaedic surgeon.

What does an orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in this area do?

Surgeons who specialise in shoulder and elbow procedures will treat a range of conditions which include:

• Rotor cuff tear (shoulder)
• Shoulder joint replacement
• Elbow joint replacement
• Frozen shoulder
• Shoulder reconstruction
• Sports injuries: in both the shoulder and the elbow