Elbow Surgeon in Perth
Care for tennis elbow, arthritis, nerve problems and elbow injuries, with Dr Tom Clifton, upper limb orthopaedic surgeon in Perth.
Dr Tom Clifton is an upper limb orthopaedic surgeon based in Perth with a particular interest in elbow surgery. He treats tennis elbow and golfer's elbow, elbow arthritis, ulnar nerve problems at the elbow (cubital tunnel syndrome), tendon injuries such as distal biceps ruptures, and elbow fractures and dislocations. He offers both non-surgical care and surgery depending on the diagnosis.
Credentials and experience
Dr Clifton is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and a Fellow of the Australian Orthopaedic Association, with the qualifications BA, BMBS, FRACS, FAOrthA. He completed specialist training in Perth and upper limb fellowship training, including at the Sydney Shoulder Research Institute and Wrightington Hospital in England. Shoulder and elbow surgery, particularly arthritis and sporting injuries, is an area of special interest.
- BA, BMBS, FRACS, FAOrthA
- Fellow, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
- Fellow, Australian Orthopaedic Association
- Member, Shoulder and Elbow Society of Australia
- Consulting in Perth, WA
Where Dr Clifton operates
Surgery is performed at the hospitals in Perth listed below.
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
Where Dr Clifton consults
Dr Clifton sees patients at his consulting rooms at the Perth Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Centre on Havelock Street in West Perth. This is where your appointments take place, from your first consultation and examination through to follow-up after treatment.
The centre brings together a number of orthopaedic surgeons and sport and exercise medicine physicians in one location.
What Dr Clifton treats
Elbow conditions and procedures Dr Clifton manages. Each links to a detailed page explaining the condition and what treatment involves.
Common elbow conditions
Tennis elbow
Tennis elbow is pain and tenderness on the outer elbow from irritation of the forearm tendons, and it is one of the most common reasons people look for an elbow surgeon in Perth. Despite the name, it often has nothing to do with tennis.
- Pain on the outer elbow
- Pain gripping or lifting
- Tenderness running into the forearm
- Activity changes, physiotherapy and bracing
- A guided injection in some cases
- Tennis elbow release for the few that do not settle
Cubital tunnel syndrome
Cubital tunnel syndrome is pressure on the ulnar nerve at the elbow, and it often causes numbness in the ring and little fingers.
- Numbness or tingling in the ring and little fingers
- Aching on the inner elbow
- Weak grip in longer-standing cases
- Activity changes, splinting and nerve care
- Cubital tunnel release when symptoms persist or the nerve is affected
What to expect
Your first appointment is a consultation. There is no obligation to proceed to surgery, and many elbow conditions are managed without it.
Consultation
Dr Clifton reviews your history and symptoms, examines your elbow, and looks at any imaging you have.
Your options
He explains the diagnosis and the choices, from physiotherapy and injections to surgery, and you decide together.
Treatment
If surgery is agreed, the team guides you through booking, costs and preparation beforehand.
Please bring your referral letter, any scans or reports, a list of your medications, and your Medicare and private health fund details. A GP referral is generally needed for a specialist appointment and is required for a Medicare rebate.
Arrange a consultation
To discuss an elbow problem with Dr Clifton, book online or call the practice. GPs and physiotherapists are welcome to refer.
Location and contact
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral to see Dr Clifton?
A referral from your GP is generally needed for a specialist appointment and is required for a Medicare rebate. If you are unsure, call the practice on 08 9212 4200 and the team will help.
Does tennis elbow need surgery?
Usually not. Most cases settle with time and the right non-surgical care. Surgery is considered only for the minority that do not improve, and the consultation helps work out which situation you are in.
I have numbness in my ring and little fingers. Could that be my elbow?
It can be. Numbness in those fingers is often caused by the ulnar nerve being compressed at the elbow, which is worth having assessed, as there are both non-surgical and surgical options.
How much will it cost?
Costs depend on the treatment and your cover. The practice can give you an estimate before anything goes ahead, including any out-of-pocket amount.