R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, FEB 24
Apollo Hospitals has on Friday launched One-Stop Shoulder Clinic at its main hospital on Greams Road in Chennai. The hospital has introduced hydrodilatation as part of the advanced treatment plan for those with a frozen shoulder, said Dr B Sivaraman, Orthopaedic Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon, Apollo Hospitals.
- 70% of people experience shoulder pain at least once in their lifetime, says Dr B Sivaraman
- Physiotherapy and injections constitute the first-line of treatment
- Our healthcare models will continue to combine technology and care and offer comprehensive approaches to treatment: Preeta Reddy, Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Group
Addressing reporters, Dr Sivaraman said, “This is a rapid, non-surgical and cost-effective intervention for patients experiencing this condition. During this process, we inject about 100 to 150 ml of normal saline into the capsule (which is tight and frozen) of the shoulder under ultrasound guidance. We perform this procedure under block (given by Anesthetist Dr Sumathi Shankar). This helps dilate the capsule for a 360 degree effect and enable improved functionality and movement of the shoulder. We are happy to share that our patients have shown significant improvement in symptoms and our interventions have helped avoid surgery and shoulder replacement.”
The One-Stop Shoulder Clinic will provide quick and efficient solutions to a range of shoulder problems being faced by the people. Reduced hospital visits and improved patient satisfaction are among the benefits, Dr Sivaraman added.
Dr Sivaraman, who is mastered in advanced treatment/surgeries for shoulder pain, further said that the studies show that 70% of people experience shoulder pain at least once in their life time. The external rotation is restricted due to pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint, typical symptoms of the condition. The causes of shoulder pains are varied in nature.
To address the symptoms, physiotherapy is recommended as an integral part of the treatment plan. Physiotherapy and injections constitute the first-line of treatment. If the symptoms persist, doctors switch course to a radiological intervention called hydrodilatation.
This short, day-care procedure is offered at the One Stop Shoulder Clinic at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai. So far, 25 patients have undergone the procedure and all have shown progress. Their Oxford Shoulder Scores have improved from 12 to 42.
Few patients who had suffered shoulder pain after they met with accidents and took treatment expressed their gratitude to Dr Sivaraman and Apollo Hospitals.
CME Programme on Saturday
Apollo Hospitals will host a (CME) Continuous Medical Education programme on Shoulder and Elbow Problems on Saturday for general medical practitioners. Dr B Sivaraman and Senior Physiotherapist Mr Murali MPT will be the faculty.
In a statement Preeta Reddy, Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Group, said, “We are pleased to offer this treatment that comes as key respite to patients. Our aim is to enable patients to lead fulfilling lives free from mental and physical pain and this initiative is a step towards that. Our healthcare models will continue to combine technology and care and offer comprehensive approaches to treatment.”
Apollo Hospitals Chief Executive Officer Shivakumar and Medical Director Dr R K Venkatasalam also spoke.
