Musculoskeletal specialists in Harley Street

For the best diagnostic results, a second opinion is highly recommended. Many factors may influence the interpretation of a scan such as the radiologists experience level, workload etc. and a second opinion can ensure the accuracy of your medical imaging.

This is important in determining the course of treatment you may require.

Your scans will all be reviewed by a consultant radiologist with expertise in the relevant sub-specialty and area of the body.

We cannot guarantee that your images will be of good enough diagnostic quality. However, we will ensure that if a diagnosis can't be reached, a recommendation for further course of action will be provided.

Shoulder pain can result from various disease conditions affecting the shoulder joint structures. Understanding the basic anatomical structure of the shoulder may help you understand the responsible causes. The shoulder area consists of two important joints: the acromioclavicular and glenohumeral joints. With the help of these joints, The shoulder can move in a wide range of directions, making it the most mobile joint in the human body. Injuries to the shoulder joint can occur due to repetitive movements, sports-related injuries, or heavy labour. Common diseases causing shoulder pain include shoulder dislocation, tendon ruptures, bone fractures, adhesive capsulitis, pinching of an adjacent nerve, tendonitis, bursitis, and rotator cuff tears. However, in certain instances, shoulder pain may also arise from referred pain from nearby structures or organs, such as heart attacks or gallbladder disease.

An orthopaedic surgeon is a trained medical expert who attends to diseases related to the musculoskeletal system. They have a deep understanding of the structure and functionality of the bones, ligaments, tendons, joints and muscles. They possess specialised skills in diagnosing and formulating treatment plans (surgical and non-surgical) for various disease conditions related to these structures. In addition, they help their patients improve their overall functionality and improve quality of life by providing valuable advice and guidance on disease prevention and rehabilitation.

During an orthopaedic assessment, our healthcare providers will conduct a comprehensive medical examination related to your musculoskeletal system, taking into account your medical history, onset and progression of your illness, as well as how it affects your daily activities. During the physical examination, they will examine the structure, mobility, and range of movements of your joints and limbs, as well as other relevant structures to gain vital information to arrive at a diagnosis. After the physical examination, additional tests may be conducted to confirm or narrow down the diagnosis. These tests could include blood tests, X-rays, CT scans, ultrasound scans, or MRI scans. Our healthcare providers will only recommend further tests if necessary. Once the complete assessment is finished, our physicians will communicate their findings and probable diagnosis, along with available treatment options and depending on the requirement, they will arrange a future consultation for follow-up or further assessment.

Orthopaedic disorders can be categorised into several types, including degenerative joint diseases, traumatic injuries, shoulder disorders, spinal disorders, hand and wrist disorders, hip disorders, knee disorders, and foot and ankle disorders. Some of the most common orthopaedic disorders include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fractures, ligament tears, muscle or tendon tears, rotator cuff tears, herniated discs, carpal tunnel syndrome, knee osteoarthritis, and plantar fasciitis. These disorders can cause pain, inflammation, and limited mobility, and may require medical treatment or surgery. into the scanner room, and even hold your hand during the scan. The companion will need to complete an MRI safety questionnaire to ensure that it is safe for them to be in the room.

Here are some easy-to-follow tips to avoid potential orthopaedic problems: Firstly, it is important to ensure that you engage in regular exercise, maintain a healthy weight, and practice good posture throughout the day. Next, be sure to eat a well-rounded diet with plenty of calcium, vitamin D, and other important minerals. This will help keep your bones strong and your body functioning at its best. Steer clear of smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. These habits can disrupt your bone health and slow down the healing process. And remember to warm up and cool down before and after physical activity. This will help your muscles recover faster and stay flexible.

Osteoarthritis is a common type of arthritis affecting weight-bearing joints like knees, hips, spine, hands, and feet. It occurs when cartilage, the protective tissue that cushions bones, wears away over time, progressively disrupting the intricate structure within the joint and causing debilitating symptoms such as joint pain, swelling stiffness, and reduced range of motion resulting in significant functional impairment. Osteoarthritis is usually seen among older individuals but it can develop in younger people, especially those with prior joint injuries or other risk factors (e.g. obesity, inherited joint diseases). Early diagnosis and appropriate management can help individuals manage symptoms, maintain joint function, and improve their overall quality of life.

A healthy musculoskeletal system is important for a happy and healthy life. It allows for freedom of movement, independence, and self-sufficiency, enabling individuals to perform daily tasks independently. A strong and flexible musculoskeletal system ensures balance and ease in activities like walking, dancing, and sports. Maintaining a healthy musculoskeletal system with regular exercise and proper posture may protect the body from common injuries (e.g. sprains and fractures). Therefore, maintaining good musculoskeletal health should be considered equally important as protecting other vital systems within our body.

Yes, adopting healthy lifestyle practices with balanced food intake and weight management with regular exercise can help you prevent common musculoskeletal injuries. Healthy cardiovascular practices with strength training of muscles will improve your overall musculoskeletal health by maintaining bone density and improving joint stability. Proper posture and technique, along with warm-ups, cool-downs, and appropriate stretches, can help minimise muscle and joint strain during physical activities. Wearing protective equipment such as helmets, knee pads, or wrist guards is also advisable for high-intensity sports or activities to reduce the risk of injuries. Finally, To maintain good posture at work, adjust your workspace to achieve a comfortable and neutral position, reducing muscle and joint strain.

You should consider consulting an orthopaedic surgeon if you’re experiencing persistent joint, bone, or muscle pain, limited range of motion, or have sustained a traumatic injury. In addition, orthopaedic surgeons provide tailored care for athletes, evaluate joint instability, offer management strategies for chronic conditions, explore other treatment options when non-surgical treatments fail, diagnose and treat infections related to bones, joints and muscles, and address symptoms of nerve compression.

Spinal inflammation refers to the inflammation of the structures in and around the spinal column. It is a response by the body's immune system to injury, infection, or certain underlying medical conditions. The inflammation can affect various components of the spine, including the bones, joints, discs, ligaments, and surrounding soft tissues. It’s worth noting that there can be a variety of causes for spinal inflammation. Factors that can contribute to spinal inflammation may include infections, autoimmune disorders, degenerative disc disease, trauma or injury, spinal tumours, mechanical stress, and systemic inflammatory conditions. A comprehensive evaluation and assessment by a healthcare professional is required to determine the underlying cause. Treatment options may include medications, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, or surgery.