Shoulder Surgeon Perth | Shoulder Surgery & Treatment
Meet Dr Alex O'Beirne, your shoulder specialist in Perth
“Helping you regain movement, strength, and comfort—so you can get back to what you love.”
Consulting at
Murdoch
[All surgeons]
Wexford Medical Centre
Suite 13
3 Barry Marshall Pde
Murdoch WA 6150
Nedlands
[Dr O’Beirne & Dr Hardisty]
Hollywood Medical Centre
Suite 37
85 Monash Avenue
Nedlands WA 6008
Joondalup
[Dr Ghoshal]
Joondalup Health Campus
Suite 17, Specialist Medical Centre (East), 60 Shenton Avenue
Joondalup WA 6027
- Contact us
- 08 6166 3778
Are you struggling with shoulder pain, instability, or limited mobility? Shoulder problems can affect everything from simple daily tasks to your ability to work and stay active. At Western Orthopaedic Clinic in Perth, Dr Alex O’Beirne offers advanced shoulder surgery, including rotator cuff repairs, stabilisation procedures, joint replacements, and nerve reconstruction.
Shoulder surgeon Perth
3 reasons why you want a great shoulder specialist
Choosing the right surgeon can make a world of difference in your recovery and long-term function. Here’s why Dr O’Beirne stands out:
- Expert in complex shoulder conditions – Whether it’s a rotator cuff tear, frozen shoulder, recurrent dislocations, arthritis, or a severely crushed shoulder, Dr O’Beirne has the expertise to diagnose and treat both common and complex shoulder conditions.
- Advanced surgical techniques – From arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery to joint replacements and nerve reconstructions, he uses the latest methods for better precision, faster recovery, and improved outcomes.
- Patient-focused approach – Every shoulder is different. Dr O’Beirne takes the time to explain your condition, treatment options, and recovery plan, so you feel confident every step of the way.
Shoulder conditions and treatments
Why you may need to see a shoulder surgeon
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, but that also makes it prone to injury and wear. You might need shoulder surgery if you experience:
- Persistent pain – If your shoulder pain doesn’t improve with rest or physiotherapy, orthopaedic surgery may be an option to restore movement and reduce discomfort.
- Recurrent dislocations or instability – If your shoulder keeps slipping out of place, stabilisation surgery can prevent further damage.
- Severe tendon or muscle tears – Conditions like rotator cuff tears or biceps tendon ruptures may require surgical repair.
- Arthritis or joint damage – If your shoulder joint is worn out, shoulder replacement surgery may be the best long-term solution.
What type of shoulder surgery is available and for what condition
For some shoulder conditions, you may have already tried physiotherapy, injections, or medications but haven’t found lasting relief. In these cases, surgery may be the next step. However, for severe injuries like shoulder fractures or nerve damage, conservative treatments are often not effective, and surgery may be needed from the start.
Dr O’Beirne offers a range of shoulder procedures to treat different conditions:
Rotator cuff tear
The rotator cuff is a group of tendons that stabilise the shoulder. Tears can occur from injury or wear over time, leading to weakness, pain, and difficulty lifting the arm. While physiotherapy can help in some cases, larger tears or persistent pain may require shoulder surgery.
- Procedure: Rotator cuff repair involves reattaching the torn tendon to the bone, often through keyhole (arthroscopic) surgery to promote healing and restore strength.
Shoulder dislocations and instability
Recurrent shoulder dislocations can damage ligaments and bone, making the joint unstable. This can lead to repeated injuries and loss of function.
- Procedure: Shoulder stabilisation surgery (Latarjet/Bristow procedures) uses a bone graft from the shoulder blade to reinforce the joint and prevent future dislocations.
Shoulder arthritis
Severe shoulder arthritis can cause joint pain, stiffness, and loss of movement, making everyday activities difficult.
- Procedure: Shoulder replacement surgery replaces the damaged joint with an artificial implant. Depending on the condition, an anatomic or reverse shoulder replacement may be used to improve function.
Shoulder impingement syndrome
Shoulder impingement happens when the rotator cuff tendons get compressed, leading to pain when raising the arm. If impingement symptoms persist despite physiotherapy, an arthroscopic acromioplasty may be performed.
- Procedure: Arthroscopic acromioplasty smooths the acromion bone to create more space, reducing pain and improving movement.
Nerve injuries and brachial plexus damage
Shoulder injuries, especially from severe trauma, can affect the nerves that control arm movement, leading to weakness, numbness, or paralysis. Brachial plexus injuries may require complex surgical repair.
- Procedures: Nerve repair and reconstruction may involve nerve grafting, nerve transfers, or tendon transfers to restore lost function and sensation.
Neurological reconstruction in shoulder surgery
What is neurological reconstruction and why would I need it?
Nerve injuries affecting the shoulder can lead to weakness, paralysis, or chronic pain. This can happen due to trauma, compression, or surgical complications. Neurological reconstruction focuses on restoring nerve function, often through:
- Nerve transfers – Redirects a healthy nerve to restore lost movement in the shoulder.
- Tendon transfers – Uses muscle and tendon repositioning to compensate for nerve damage.
- Brachial plexus repair – Treats severe nerve injuries affecting the shoulder and arm.
Neurological reconstruction requires specialised expertise, and Dr O’Beirne has extensive experience in nerve repair and tendon transfer techniques for shoulder injuries.
Dr Alex O’Beirne | Shoulder Surgeon Perth
Why Dr O'Beirne chose shoulder surgery
“When I was a child, my uncle got involved in a serious car accident, and I saw firsthand how an injury could lead to long-term restrictions in movement and independence. That experience shaped my approach to surgery—I wanted to help people regain as much function as possible and improve their quality of life.”
Why choose Dr O'Beirne as your shoulder surgeon