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Shoulder Surgery

North East Joint Assessment Centre (NEJAC) is a rapid access clinic which offers a simplified and streamlined approach to managing degenerative shoulder conditions. The goal is to optimize the patients’ mobility and quality of life.  The shoulder rapid access clinic provides a quick assessment for patients who suffer from degenerative conditions (rotator cuff disease, arthritis).   There are many other non-surgical treatment options that you can try prior to getting a referral to NEJAC, such as physiotherapy, medication, modification of behaviours, and injection therapy (cortisone). 

You will be assessed by an Advanced Practice Provider (APP) who has extensive orthopedic skills and training.  A comprehensive assessment will be conducted to determine the most appropriate treatment, which will be based on the severity of your condition. If surgery is the next step, an appointment with the next available or preferred orthopedic surgeon is arranged, thereby reducing wait times. If surgery is not needed, non-surgical treatment options are discussed (education, exercise prescription, injection therapy, assistive devices), and more support and resources are provided to appropriately self-manage your condition. 

There is no fee to access NEJAC as this service is covered by OHIP. 

Together with your surgeon, you have decided that shoulder surgery is necessary to alleviate the symptoms you are now experiencing. This booklet is designed to provide you and your family with the information that you will need in order to have a successful surgical experience. It is very important that you read and understand the information provided in this booklet. You do not need to memorize it. Active involvement in your care is essential for a healthy recovery.

Patient Guide

 

Who should be referred?

   * Rotator Cuff Tears (Full- thickness or high-grade partial-thickness) 
   * Inflammatory or Degenerative Arthritis of the Glenohumeral Joint 
   * Patients suffering from impingement/tendinitis/frozen shoulder who have failed conservative management (including active exercise program)

What imaging should be completed prior to submitting a referral?

   * X-Ray (AP, lateral, axillary & outlet) 
   * Ultrasound or MRI

Who will I see?

You will be initially assessed by an Advanced Practice Provider (APP).  If you are a surgical candidate, an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon will then be arranged.

How long will I wait for an assessment?

Each referral is reviewed and triaged according to severity.  Appointments with orthopedic surgeons will vary based on each surgeon’s wait times.

What will my appointment consist of?

  * Review your medical history, surgical history, medication, and functional limitations,  x-rays / MRI/ Ultrasound  
  * Physical examination 
  * Personalized treatment plan

How long is my appointment?

Initial appointments are 40 minutes and Follow up appointments are 20 minutes. The NEJAC team will let you know when to arrive.

What should I bring?

  • Health Card
  • List of medications, including over the counter medications, vitamins, and allergies
  • A tank top that will expose your shoulder and arm
  • A family member or caregiver (if required)
  • Reading glasses so that you can fill out your forms

Rescheduling

If you are unable to keep your appointment or need to change it for any reason; please notify the clinic within 2 business days of your scheduled appointment.

 
Contact Us
Address

Health Sciences North 
North East Joint Assessment Centre (NEJAC) 
South Unit 2 
2120 Regent Street
Sudbury, Ontario P3A 3Z9 

Phone: 705-675-4772
Fax: 705-522-2906
Email: nejac@hsnsudbury.ca