Mr Vipul Patel

Written by a patient at Spire St Anthony's Hospital

I've had type 1 diabetes since childhood and have been well controlled. 2 years ago I started having problems with my right shoulder. I eventually saw Mr Patel who assessed and diagnosed frozen shoulder. Over the past 2 years I've had arthroscopic capsular release performed first on my right shoulder, then my left. Throughout Mr Patel has listened, diagnosed and explained options, treatment and progress very clearly. He made sure that I understood everyone is different and primary frozen shoulder behaves differently in terms of progress/recovery etc. As someone with pre-existing autoimmune conditions (T1D and rheumatoid arthritis) this clarity and care was vital as I heal/respond differently to others without these conditions. His expertise was clear and it was also clear that he treats each patient as their condition requires. Throughout the operations and numerous injections every care was taken. I have no hesitation in recommending him. I would also say, if you have this procedure you MUST do all the physio and exercises prescribed. I cannot overstate how important this is, even on the days when you feel there is no progress or change - keep persevering. The pain and restriction of a frozen shoulder is debilitating and even with RA I had not experienced this kind of sustained pain. I'm so grateful for this procedure and care and even though it's been a long recovery and hard work, the alternative of having the condition continue as is was not an option.

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Written by a patient at St Helier Hospital

I had a shoulder injury as a result of skiing and Mr Patel saw me promptly. He did a thourough clinical assessment and reviewed my MRIs and reassured me that the injury would heal without surgery. I'm now fully recovered and back to normal life. Thank you for your professionalism.

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Written by a patient at Ashtead Hospital

At the age of 20 I had my first operation on my shoulder - it was the worst decision of my life and has caused significant problems since. I had a second operation at 22 to try and undo some of the damage of the first - it didn't have as good results as I had hoped. At 33, with an increasing level of pain in my shoulder, I sought further advice about how to improve my range of motion and reduce pain. On my first appointment with Mr Patel I was still very sceptical about using a further operation. Following a range of scans and consultations Mr Patel provided a clear and balanced account of the different options, outlining benefits and risks of each. His approach enabled me to make an informed decision about what would be the best route for me at this point in my life and I chose to undergo surgery. Following the operation rehabilitation has been a slow and relatively painful experience. But this is to be expected. Ultimately, the level of pain has decreased and the range of motion in a most planes of movement has increased. I still have a long way to go to achieve the improvements that I know (and Mr Patel has advised) will be possible. From my experience, I would highly recommend Mr Patel.

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Written by a patient at Spire St Anthony's Hospital

on 19th December I fell and fractured my shoulder. I was referred to the NHS Fractures Clinic on 23rd December and I was diagnosed with a 3 fragment fracture of the right proximal humerus involving the surgical neck and greater tuberosity . I was told I needed an operation but because of Christmas holidays, arranging this was difficult. I was referred to Mr Vipul Patel who saw me at short notice on 23rd December at St Anthony's Hospital. Having looked at my X-Rays he discussed my options, I was very anxious about having surgery but he assured me that because the damage to my shoulder was so extensive, in his opinion surgery would be worthwhile but I could let it heal naturally. He told me that there were risks involved with operations, but believed this to be the better option and the bones should heal in the right place and I should achieve a better range of movement ultimately and my posture would not be compromised. I had the operation at St. Anthony's on 3rd January 2017 and stayed overnight and was discharged with pain relief and exercises to do. My arm was in a sling for some weeks and initially it was very painful and I needed help with day to day activities, washing, showering etc. I found when I was in pain, doing the exercises relieved the discomfort. Although, when doing them it was a challenge, the more I did the better I felt so I persevered and very slowly, with check-ups with Mr Patel (to make sure everything was staying in place and healing) and regular visits to the physiotherapist I improved. By February I was able to wash and dress myself, by April I was driving and able to reach into cupboards and started back to Pilates(cautiously). I was discharged on 27th June and although I still cannot lift anything too heavy, week by week my strength is improving, I still have aches when doing the exercises but that is diminishing all the time. If, at any time, I think there is a problem, Mr Patel has told me to contact him. My recovery is exceeding any expectations I initially had and I am so thankful to Mr Patel for performing this complicated surgery (I have 9 screws in total and a metal plate) on my shoulder and the scar is very neat indeed!

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Written by a patient at Ashtead Hospital

Excellent bedside manners. highly professional and provided explanation of my condition and management in a very simple, easy to understand manner. was completely at ease knowing that Mr Patel would be performing my operation. Would highly recommend to my family and friends.

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