I am Mr Sunil Sharma, a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with a specialist practice focused on shoulder and elbow conditions. I have been a consultant at Queen Margaret Hospital in Dunfermline and Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy since 2007.
My orthopaedic training was undertaken in Glasgow and the West of Scotland before I completed specialist shoulder surgery training. I spent a year at the internationally recognised Reading Shoulder Unit, working with the late Mr Stephen Copeland and Mr Ofer Levy. I was also awarded the Scottish Travelling Fellowship and the British Elbow and Shoulder Society North American Travelling Fellowship, visiting leading specialist centres in Boston, New York and Annecy, France.
As a shoulder surgeon in Edinburgh, I remain actively involved in teaching, research and specialist courses in shoulder arthroscopy and shoulder replacement surgery. My practice is audited using internationally validated outcome measures.
I assess and treat the full spectrum of shoulder problems, including pain caused by tendon injuries, arthritis, instability, fractures and sports injuries. I will take time to understand your symptoms, activity levels, medical history and treatment goals before discussing the options available.
Where appropriate, I offer a one-stop shoulder clinic. This can include a clinical examination, radiographs and shoulder ultrasound during the initial consultation, helping to provide a clearer diagnosis and avoid unnecessary delays.
A keyhole procedure that may be considered for persistent subacromial shoulder pain when appropriate non-operative treatment has not helped.
Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair uses small incisions to repair a torn shoulder tendon and improve pain, strength and function where appropriate.
This keyhole procedure repairs or tightens the supporting structures around the shoulder to help treat recurrent instability or dislocation.
Arthroscopic SLAP repair may be recommended in selected cases to treat damage to the cartilage rim around the shoulder socket.
This procedure removes a small amount of bone from the AC joint to relieve pain caused by arthritis or previous injury.
Arthroscopic removal of calcium deposits may be considered where calcific tendonitis causes persistent pain and restricted shoulder movement.
Shoulder replacement surgery replaces damaged joint surfaces to relieve pain and improve function in severe arthritis or substantial joint damage.
Resurfacing shoulder replacement is a bone-preserving option that covers the damaged joint surface with a metal cap in suitable patients.
Manipulation under anaesthetic or arthroscopic arthrolysis may help restore movement where frozen shoulder remains severely stiff despite non-operative treatment.
AC joint reconstruction using the Nottingham Surgilig system may be considered for significant injuries or persistent symptoms affecting shoulder stability.
Displaced or unstable fractures of the upper arm near the shoulder may require fixation with plates, screws or other implants to support healing.
Clavicle fracture fixation may be advised for selected displaced or unstable collarbone fractures to restore alignment and promote recovery.
Humeral shaft fracture fixation may be required when a fracture of the upper arm bone is unstable, significantly displaced or unlikely to heal well without surgery.
If you are looking for a shoulder surgeon in Edinburgh for arthritis, a sports injury, instability, tendon damage or a fracture, I will provide clear advice tailored to your individual circumstances.
I also provide specialist diagnosis and treatment for elbow conditions. As an elbow surgeon in Edinburgh, I can advise on rehabilitation, activity modification, medication, injections and surgery when required. The right approach depends on the cause of your symptoms, the stability of the joint and how your elbow is affecting your daily life.
Arthroscopic distal biceps tendon repair may be considered to restore strength and function following a tear of the biceps tendon at the elbow.
Displaced or unstable elbow fractures may require surgical fixation with plates, screws or wires to restore alignment and support recovery.
Elbow replacement may be considered for severe arthritis, complex fractures or major joint damage causing ongoing pain and disability.
Tendon release surgery may be an option for persistent tennis or golfer's elbow that has not improved with appropriate non-operative treatment.
Radial head excision may help relieve pain or mechanical symptoms from selected fractures or arthritis affecting the elbow.
Ulnar nerve decompression relieves pressure on the nerve to help treat persistent tingling, numbness or weakness in the ring and little fingers.
As a shoulder surgeon in Edinburgh with specialist elbow expertise, I can provide a considered opinion and an appropriate treatment pathway for upper-limb symptoms.
Queen Margaret Hospital
Whitefield Road,
Dunfermline,
KY12 0SU
Victoria Hospital
Hayfield Road,
Kirkcaldy,
KY2 5AH
Spire Shawfair Park Hospital
10 Easter Shawfair,
Edinburgh,
EH22 1FE
Spire Murrayfield Hospital
122 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh,
EH12 6UD
Consider seeing a shoulder specialist if pain lasts several weeks, affects sleep, work, sport or daily activities, or is associated with weakness, stiffness, instability or reduced movement. A consultant shoulder surgeon can assess the cause and discuss appropriate non-surgical or surgical treatment.
Surgery may be considered for conditions such as significant rotator cuff tears, recurrent shoulder dislocations, persistent AC joint pain, severe arthritis, some fractures and symptoms that have not improved with physiotherapy, activity modification, medication or injections. The right option depends on your diagnosis and goals.
A rotator cuff tear can cause pain when lifting the arm, weakness, night pain and difficulty with overhead activity. A clinical assessment, radiographs and, where appropriate, ultrasound or further imaging can help confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.
Frozen shoulder is often managed initially with pain relief, injections, physiotherapy and time. If severe stiffness and restricted movement persist, treatment may include manipulation under anaesthetic or arthroscopic arthrolysis to release the tight shoulder capsule.
Recovery varies according to the procedure, the condition treated and individual healing. Keyhole procedures may allow earlier movement, while rotator cuff repair, stabilisation and shoulder replacement require a structured rehabilitation programme over several months. Your expected recovery plan will be discussed before surgery.
In selected cases, surgery can help when suitable non-operative treatment has not relieved symptoms. Arthroscopic procedures, tendon repair, joint replacement or fracture fixation may be considered depending on the cause of pain, imaging findings, function and overall health.
Your consultation will include a discussion of your symptoms, injury history, activity levels and treatment goals, followed by a clinical examination. Where appropriate, a one-stop shoulder clinic assessment may include radiographs and ultrasound to help clarify the diagnosis and treatment options.
Mr Sunil Sharma provides specialist shoulder and elbow consultations for patients from Fife, Edinburgh and surrounding areas. NHS consultations are available at Queen Margaret Hospital in Dunfermline and Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, with private appointments in Edinburgh.
Keyhole shoulder surgery, or arthroscopy, uses small incisions to treat problems such as rotator cuff tears, instability, calcific deposits or AC joint arthritis. Shoulder replacement replaces damaged joint surfaces and is usually considered for severe arthritis, major joint damage or certain complex fractures.
Return times depend on the operation, which arm is affected, your occupation and recovery progress. Driving is only advised when you can safely control the vehicle and are no longer limited by a sling or pain. Work and sport should be resumed gradually following your surgeon and physiotherapy advice.
If you would like to discuss shoulder or elbow pain, a recent injury, treatment options or a possible surgical opinion, please get in touch with Fife Shoulder Surgery. As a shoulder surgeon in Edinburgh, I provide private consultations for patients across Edinburgh, Fife and surrounding areas.
Call 01313 162530 or email sunil.sharma2@nhs.scot to make an enquiry or arrange an appointment with a shoulder surgeon in Edinburgh.
