Orthopaedic Outpatient Clinic Launches at Health Sciences University
Clinical and Rehabilitation Services at Health Sciences University is pleased to announce the launch of a new on-site orthopaedic outpatient clinic, led by Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mr. Senthil Muthian.
This is an outpatient service for individuals looking for a consultant opinion on their musculoskeletal condition. Mr. Muthian will be able to explore surgical and interventional options with patients.
Mr Muthian is a general Orthopaedic Surgeon, with a specialism in upper limb. He can offer opinions on all types of orthopaedic interventions.
Director of Clinical and Rehabilitation Services, Dr. Neil Langridge, reflects on why this is such an exciting development and the benefit to patients.
A Stronger Multidisciplinary Team
“It’s fantastic to be establishing this new orthopaedic outpatient clinic here at Health Sciences University. This clinic allows people to know exactly what their options are, which isn’t possible without integrating medical colleagues into our multidisciplinary team.
“Mr. Muthian, and our Consultant Radiologist, Dr. Laith Al-obaidi who looks after our Ultrasound Guided Injections Service, enhance our multidisciplinary structure. You cannot be truly multidisciplinary in musculoskeletal care without this level of expertise and the options of intervention and surgery.
“We are in a much stronger position with them based on campus with us as our medical partners.”
How the Orthopaedic Service Supports Patients
“When you visit the orthopaedic clinic, Mr.Muthian will review you and your medical history. You will be able to tell him about the condition you are experiencing, and any pain. He might request some imaging, which can take place on campus within our clinical imaging service, to help with a diagnosis and treatment plan.
“It might be appropriate for him to refer you for an injection, that will either help your symptoms or aid with diagnosing the correct source of the pain, which we can also accommodate on campus within our consultant-led ultrasound guided injections service.
“It might be that a programme of rehabilitation is recommended, which we offer here on campus, or indeed prehabilitation ahead of surgery. This could involve a body composition test or Health MOT, followed by an exercise programme. There is strong evidence that the stronger and fitter you are before you go into surgery; the better your outcomes will be.”
Fast Access to a Surgical Opinion
“This is the real benefit of this orthopaedic service: fast access to a surgical opinion and an understanding of all of the options that are appropriate for you.
“Within the NHS, there are a number of steps that patients go through, before joining a waiting list for surgery if that is deemed appropriate. These can include physiotherapy, or interventions such as injections, before a patient meets a surgeon.
“Our outpatient clinic offers quick access to a surgical opinion, without needing to go through these steps, if they aren’t going to be right for you.
“If surgery is recommended, and you agree that this is the best option for you, you can either pursue surgery privately – or you can take the referral back to your GP in the NHS. This reduces the need for the interim stages ahead of surgery.”
Choosing the Right Option For You
“It might be that rehabilitation doesn’t achieve the outcome that the patient is looking for. A desired outcome is going to vary between patients and it’s a very individual decision.
“It’s about people’s perceptions of themselves and their expectation around pain and disability. People have different ideas of what is acceptable and what isn’t.
“A clear understanding of the different options that are available to you makes a big difference to how you are going to feel about your condition and different treatment options. This clinic is key to that for musculoskeletal patients and we are delighted to be able to offer it.”
