Procedures
Shoulder and elbow procedures
The procedures Dr Piper performs for shoulder and elbow problems. Each page covers indications, how the procedure works, what happens in the operating theatre, recovery, and the risks involved. The information is general; an in-person consultation is needed to determine whether a particular procedure is right for you.
Subspecialty focus
Reverse shoulder replacement
A growing subspecialty interest. Restores function in shoulders where the rotator cuff is gone or unrepairable, and is now the most common shoulder replacement performed in Australia.
Read about the procedureSubspecialty interestLatarjet Procedure
The bone-block stabilisation that Dr Piper trained on with Lafosse in Annecy. Used for complex shoulder instability where labral repair alone has too high a re-dislocation risk.
Read about the procedureSubspecialty interestArthroscopic surgery
Advanced keyhole surgery for the shoulder. Covers arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and labral repair for shoulder stabilisation, performed through small portals with faster recovery than open surgery.
Read about the procedureComparing your options
Reverse vs anatomic shoulder replacement
How to choose between reverse and anatomic shoulder replacement. Covers rotator cuff status, glenoid bone stock, age, and Australian shoulder registry outcomes.
Read the comparisonLatarjet vs Bankart repair
How to choose between the bone-block Latarjet procedure and arthroscopic Bankart repair (also called labral repair or shoulder reconstruction) for shoulder instability. Covers bone loss thresholds, engaging Hill-Sachs lesions, and long-term recurrence data.
Read the comparisonOther procedures
Rotator cuff repair
Arthroscopic re-attachment of torn cuff tendons to the humeral head, restoring the lifting and rotating mechanics of the shoulder.
Read moreArthroscopic labral repair (Bankart repair)
Arthroscopic re-attachment of a torn labrum to the rim of the shoulder socket. Also called Bankart repair or shoulder reconstruction. Used for first-time and recurrent instability without major bone loss.
Read moreAnatomic shoulder replacement
Resurfacing of the worn shoulder joint with anatomic implants. Used for arthritis with an intact rotator cuff.
Read moreDistal biceps tendon repair
Surgical re-attachment of the distal biceps tendon to the radial tuberosity after rupture. Restores supination strength and elbow flexion power, ideally within two to three weeks of injury.
Read moreEndoscopic carpal tunnel release
Minimally invasive release of the transverse carpal ligament for carpal tunnel syndrome. Smaller skin incisions and faster return to grip strength than open release.
Read moreOpen reduction and internal fixation of fractures
Surgical fixation of upper-limb fractures with plates, screws, or intramedullary nails. Performed for displaced clavicle, proximal humerus, distal radius, and other complex upper-limb injuries.
Read moreTennis elbow surgery
Surgical release and debridement of the diseased extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) origin for lateral epicondylitis that has not responded to a comprehensive non-operative programme.
Read moreElbow arthroscopy
Keyhole surgery of the elbow joint. Used for loose body removal, debridement of arthritic changes, capsular release for stiffness, and assessment of intra-articular pathology.
Read moreAcromioplasty and AC joint resection
Arthroscopic procedures of the upper shoulder. Acromioplasty removes bone from the under-surface of the acromion to relieve impingement. AC joint resection (distal clavicle excision) treats acromioclavicular arthritis.
Read moreConsidering surgery?
Book an appointment with Dr Piper
Consultations at Lakeview Private Hospital, Norwest. Bring a referral and any imaging you have.