Rheumatology services in Aberdeen | Albyn Hospital Skip to main content

Rheumatology services in Aberdeen

Investigation, diagnosis and treatment for musculoskeletal conditions.

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Rheumatology covers a wide variety of the musculoskeletal conditions involving the locomotor system e.g. joints, bones and soft tissues.

In our clinic here at Albyn Hospital, we see patients with:

  • Inflammatory joint diseases
  • Auto-immune inflammatory connective tissue diseases
  • Osteoporosis and metabolic bone diseases
  • Gout and pseudogout.

Inflammatory joint disease covers rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, spondyloarthritis, enteropathic arthritis and reactive arthritis. Inflammatory connective tissue includes lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus), scleroderma (systemic sclerosis), Sjogren’s syndrome, inflammatory muscle diseases (polymyositis and dermatomyosists), anti-phospholipid syndrome and mixed connective tissue disease.

Metabolic bone diseases include osteoporosis, Osteomalcia and Paget’s disease of bone.

Rheumatology also receives referrals of patients with non-inflammatory and mechanical musculoskeletal conditions like repetitive strain injuries, over-use syndromes, chronic widespread pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, generalised aches and pains, fibromyalgia syndrome and joint hypermobility.

"As with so many conditions, the earlier symptoms are checked by a specialist, the better the chances are for getting the right treatment and preventing the condition from getting worse" says Dr Hazem Youssef,Consultant Rheumatologist at Albyn Hospital.

For these non inflammatory conditions, once a diagnosis is made and serious rheumatic disease has been ruled out, there is limited additional intervention a rheumatologist can offer. Management typically focuses on pain relief, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, occupational therapy, and, if symptoms remain severe despite these measures, referral to a chronic pain service

Rheumatology is most effective in diagnosing and treating inflammatory conditions, where specialist input can make a meaningful difference. 

Referrals to chronic pain service, clinical psychology and physiotherapy are useful in managing long term painful conditions  and chronic pain disorders. 

If you’re suffering from a rheumatological problem, Albyn Hospital can help.

Our consultant will take a full medical history, carry out an examination and if he is still unable to reach a diagnosis he will arrange necessary investigations like blood tests or imaging with X-ray, ultrasound or MRI scans. DEXA or bone density scans in Aberdeen (out with Albyn Hospital) can be arranged by one of our consultants too.

There is no long wait for investigations at Albyn Hospital and some ultrasound scans can take place in-clinic by one of our consultants. Ultrasound usually leads to a quick diagnosis or exclusion of a suspected diagnosis at the same visit, with no need to wait for other scans.

A bespoke treatment plan may then be offered, which can include medication and or a minor procedure performed on the same day, such as a joint injection or joint aspiration. 

If a diagnosis of inflammatory joint disease is made, this will be explained, specific medication will be prescribed from your GP, and/or joint aspiration or injection can be performed if necessary. Follow up will be arranged to make sure the prescribed treatment is effective and well tolerated.

Physiotherapy and podiatry assessments can be arranged for patients who require these.

  • Expert assessment from an experienced consultant rheumatologist. You will see the same same consultant throughout the entirety of their treatment journey.
  • A multidisciplinary clinic. Your consultant is supported by a number of other healthcare professionals such as nurses, radiographers and physiotherapists. This multidisciplinary team approach ensures you will receive support and treatment from the most appropriate specialist throughout your time with us.
  • Our state-of-the-art imaging facilities include Xray, CT, MRI and ultrasound.  These diagnostic imaging procedures can all be easily arranged if required. Our Radiologists work closely with our consultants to provide an accurate diagnosis as soon as possible.
  • Treatment plans tailored to meet your individual health needs.
  • You can book an initial consultation online with most of our consultants.

Patients who are seeking more information about arthritis specifically can go to the Versus Arthritis site – at www.versusarthritis.org – to get trusted information about the condition.

Our Consultant Rheumatologists require a referral from your GP. Once your referral has been reviewed, the team at Albyn Hospital will contact you to arrange an appointment

Related Treatments

Specialists offering Rheumatology

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