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 are experiencing symptoms of a rheumatological condition, the friendly and experienced team at Albyn Hospital in Aberdeen provides fast access to expert assessment, diagnosis and treatment.

At Albyn Hospital, each patient receives a comprehensive rheumatology consultation tailored to their symptoms and concerns. During the appointment, the consultant will:

  • Take a full medical history
  • Carry out a detailed examination
  • Arrange further investigations if needed

If a diagnosis is not immediately clear, additional tests may be recommended, including:

  • Blood tests
  • X-rays
  • Ultrasound scans
  • MRI scans

Where appropriate, DEXA (bone density) scanning in Aberdeen can also be arranged to support diagnosis and ongoing care. (Please note that any diagnostic scans or tests required is charged in addition to the initial consultation fee)

Albyn Hospital aims to make the diagnostic process as smooth and reassuring as possible. With minimal waiting times for tests, patients can move quickly from assessment to diagnosis. In some cases, ultrasound scans can be performed during the same appointment by the consultant. Once a diagnosis has been made, patients are offered a personalised treatment plan based on their individual needs and lifestyle. Treatment options may include:

  • Medication management
  • Joint injections
  • Joint aspiration procedures

Where suitable, minor procedures such as joint injections can be carried out on the same day, allowing for prompt relief and efficient care. 

If a diagnosis of inflammatory joint disease is confirmed, the consultant at Albyn Hospital will take time to clearly explain the condition and the available treatment options.

Each patient receives a tailored treatment plan designed to manage symptoms and support long-term joint health. This may include medication prescribed in partnership with the patient’s GP or joint aspiration or joint injection procedures, where clinically appropriate

Ongoing support and follow-up or regular follow-up appointments are arranged to ensure that treatment is effective in managing symptoms, the patient is tolerating treatment. Where appropriate, treatment might be adjusted where necessary for the best outcomes

Where needed, patients can also be referred for additional specialist support, including physiotherapy to improve movement and strength to podiatry assessments for foot and joint care.

This multidisciplinary approach ensures patients benefit from comprehensive rheumatology treatment in Aberdeen. 

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.

  • 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.

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

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