Shoulder Surgeon in Perth
Treatment of rotator cuff problems, arthritis, instability and shoulder injuries, with Dr Tom Clifton, specialist shoulder surgeon in Perth, WA.
Dr Tom Clifton is an upper limb orthopaedic surgeon based in Perth with a particular interest in shoulder surgery. He treats rotator cuff problems, shoulder arthritis, frozen shoulder, instability and dislocations, and shoulder injuries from sport and work. Where surgery is appropriate, he uses keyhole (arthroscopic) techniques where they suit the problem.
Consultations are held at the Perth Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Centre on Havelock Street in West Perth.
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 orthopaedic training in Perth and fellowship training focused on the upper limb, including at the Sydney Shoulder Research Institute and Wrightington Hospital in England. Shoulder and elbow surgery, particularly the treatment of arthritis and sporting injuries, is an area of special interest, and he is a member of the Shoulder and Elbow Society of Australia.
- 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.
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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
Shoulder conditions and procedures Dr Clifton manages. Each links to a detailed page explaining the condition and what treatment involves.
Conditions treated
Common shoulder conditions
Rotator cuff problems
The rotator cuff lifts and steadies the shoulder, and a rotator cuff tear is one of the most common reasons people look for a shoulder surgeon in Perth.
- Pain reaching overhead or behind the back
- Weakness lifting the arm
- Pain that disturbs sleep
- Physiotherapy and, in some cases, a guided injection
- Rotator cuff repair when the tear and your symptoms warrant it
Shoulder arthritis
Shoulder arthritis is wear or inflammation of the joint surface that builds slowly over years.
- Pain, stiffness and a grinding sensation
- Reaching, dressing and lifting become harder
- Aching at night
- Activity changes, physiotherapy and injections
- Shoulder replacement, or a reverse shoulder replacement in cuff-deficient shoulders
What to expect
Your first appointment is a consultation. There is no obligation to proceed to surgery, and many shoulder conditions are managed without it.
Consultation
Dr Clifton reviews your history and symptoms, examines your shoulder, 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 a shoulder 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 a rotator cuff tear always need surgery?
No. Some tears are managed well with physiotherapy and, in some cases, an injection. Whether surgery is worthwhile depends on the tear and on how your shoulder is working, which is what the consultation is for.
Can shoulder surgery be done with keyhole techniques?
Many shoulder procedures can be done arthroscopically, through small incisions, where that suits the problem. Dr Clifton will explain which approach is appropriate for you and why.
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.