Knee and shoulder clinic
Telephone: 0121 685 4291 / 0121 685 4296
Email:
The peripheral musculoskeletal clinic treats a wide range of musculoskeletal problems. In particular, this clinic is useful for patients:
- With uncertain diagnoses and prognosis
- Patients not responding to conservative treatment
- Patients who require the latest, expert, holistic treatment and interventions
- Patients who require advice and guidance following primary care imaging.
Conditions we treat
The types of conditions that we see are joint-related issues including:
- non-surgical management of osteoarthritis
- muscle injuries and tears
- bursitis
- synovitis
- tendon-related problems
- ligamentous problems
About the clinic
Who will I see
The peripheral musculoskeletal clinic is led by Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioners (APPs) who are highly-skilled physiotherapists and are specialised in the assessment and treatment of peripheral musculoskeletal conditions. Often patients or referrers express concern about seeing a physiotherapist as often our patients have already had physiotherapy treatment without success. However, this clinic appointment is not about physiotherapy, although if after assessment it seems that physiotherapy is the best treatment, the APP can refer to the nearest Department.
What can I expect from my appointment?
The APP will ask a number of questions and will perform a clinical assessment. If you require undressing, we have hospital gowns to change into. Following the assessment the APP will give you a diagnosis and explanation about your condition and will discuss the various treatment options - if investigations are required, the APP will arrange this. If you have had previous investigations such as X-rays or MRI scans and your GP has made us aware of this, we will always endeavor to obtain both the report and the images prior to your appointment to help with clinical decision making.
Follow-up appointments will be arranged following investigations, however in some instances a telephone follow-up can be arranged if preferred. If we need to do an X-ray, we can usually arrange this on the day however waiting times for this can vary and some patients may choose to book an X-ray for a different day. Blood tests can also be done on the same day however MRI, CT and ultrasound scans will be booked at a later date.
What investigations can I be referred for?
APPs can refer for a range of investigations such as MRI scans, X-rays, nerve conductions studies, ultrasound scans and blood tests, and will arrange this as required depending on your symptoms and clinical assessment.
What treatments can I be referred for?
There are usually several treatment options available, and the APP will discuss this with you and explain in detail the risks and benefits of different treatment options. The non-surgical treatment options include: peripheral joint injections, physiotherapy, podiatry, orthotics, advice, education and reassurance. The APPs are trained in injection therapy, and this might be offered if appropriate at your clinic appointment. Other injection therapies requiring image guidance may be done in the Ultrasound Suite or on the Admissions Day Care Unit (ADCU). Treatment may involve referral to the Physiotherapy Department, which could either take place here or locally, if preferred.
I have been told I need surgery; do I still need to be assessed in the peripheral musculoskeletal clinic?
Yes. The APPs have worked with surgeons for many years and will be able to give you more detailed information about the role of surgery, what surgery might entail and which of your symptoms might improve following surgery. The APP will also be able to explain to you what sort of risks and benefits there are with surgery so you will be able to decide if you want to consider surgical treatment. We will do a ‘work up’ for surgery which means that the surgeon will get a detailed report about your condition, your clinical presentation, your general medical health and any relevant up-to-date investigations.
Can I be referred to other departments?
Yes, we have well-established referral pathways to our orthopaedic surgeons. For example, if on assessment it appears that you have a hip problem rather than a knee problem, we will arrange a hip X-ray and if required we can refer you directly to a hip surgeon. We can also refer outside our Trust to rheumatologists, neurologists, pain clinics or vascular teams either directly or via your GP. In our clinic you will have a comprehensive assessment with access to a variety of treatment options or onward referrals.