Shoulder Surgery

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body, enabling a remarkable range of motion. However, this mobility also makes it susceptible to injury, instability, and degenerative conditions. At Kent Orthopaedic Practice, Prof. Bijayendra Singh brings over 30 years of specialist expertise in diagnosing and treating the full spectrum of shoulder disorders using both non-operative and advanced surgical techniques.

As an upper limb specialist and Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, Prof. Singh has performed thousands of shoulder procedures, from simple arthroscopic debridement to complex total shoulder arthroplasty. His approach is rooted in evidence-based medicine, minimally invasive technique, and a commitment to restoring each patient's quality of life.

Common Shoulder Conditions We Treat

Rotator Cuff Tears

The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons that surround the shoulder joint, providing stability and enabling lifting and rotational movements. Rotator cuff tears are among the most common shoulder injuries, ranging from partial-thickness fraying to complete full-thickness tears. Symptoms include persistent pain, weakness, and difficulty lifting the arm. Prof. Singh offers both arthroscopic repair for suitable tears and non-surgical management for degenerative or partial tears. He performs one of the largest numbers of arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs in the region.

Shoulder Arthritis

Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis can all affect the glenohumeral joint, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced function. When conservative measures such as physiotherapy, activity modification, and injections are no longer effective, Prof. Singh performs shoulder replacement surgery including anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty tailored to each patient's anatomy and activity level. He is recognised for performing one of the largest numbers of shoulder joint replacements across the country.

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Frozen shoulder is characterised by progressive stiffness and pain, often developing without a clear cause. The condition typically passes through freezing, frozen, and thawing phases over 12-24 months. For patients who do not improve with physiotherapy and hydrodilatation, Prof. Singh offers arthroscopic capsular release a keyhole procedure that restores range of motion with minimal downtime.

ACJ Disorders

The acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) is commonly affected by arthritis and separations (dislocations) from falls or sporting impacts. Prof. Singh provides arthroscopic excision of the distal clavicle for ACJ arthritis and ligament reconstruction procedures for unstable separations, enabling a return to full activity including contact sports.

Shoulder Instability

Recurrent shoulder dislocations or subluxations can result from traumatic injury or inherent ligamentous laxity. Labral tears, particularly Bankart and SLAP tears, are frequently implicated. Prof. Singh performs arthroscopic labral repair and capsular plication to restore joint stability while preserving the full range of motion. Early stabilization after first-time dislocation has been shown to significantly reduce recurrence rates.

Surgical Approaches

Prof. Bijayendra Singh is a strong advocate for minimally invasive (arthroscopic) surgery wherever possible. Arthroscopic shoulder surgery involves small keyhole incisions, a camera, and specialised instruments, resulting in less post-operative pain, faster recovery, and a lower risk of complications compared to traditional open surgery. For complex cases such as advanced arthritis with bone loss or massive irreparable rotator cuff tears, Prof. Singh has extensive experience in open surgical techniques including total shoulder replacement and reverse polarity arthroplasty.

Every patient receives a thorough preoperative assessment including detailed clinical examination, imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, MRI), and a discussion of all treatment options. Prof. Singh works closely with a multidisciplinary team of physiotherapists, radiologists, and anaesthetists to ensure seamless, coordinated care throughout the treatment journey.