Dr Fergus Perks
FRCR MSc MBChB BSc (Hons)
Speciality: Radiology
NHS post: Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
Year qualified: 1994
Professional memberships: Royal College of Radiologists, British Society of Skeletal Radiologists and Radiological Society of North America
Appointments tel: 0131 447 2340
Clinical interests:
Dr Perks has a special interest in musculoskeletal radiology which is the imaging and treatment of disorders of joints, bones, muscles and tendons. Approximately half of his NHS work is musculoskeletal specific.
To diagnose abnormalities Dr Perks uses a range of modalities including x-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound. For example, conditions commonly diagnosed include wear and tear changes in joints (osteoarthritis) using x-ray or CT, shoulder and Achilles tendonitis using ultrasound and knee cartilage tears using MRI. Dr Perks is also skilled in the diagnosis of acute musculoskeletal injury, usually associated with sporting activities, and has reported imaging studies on many high level athletes.
Dr Perks uses radiological imaging to treat musculoskeletal conditions with injection. Image guidance ensures accurate positioning of the injection so optimising the probability of a good response. For example “frozen shoulder” is treated with injection of the shoulder joint using x-ray guidance followed by physiotherapy. Many cases of tendonitis are treated with injection under ultrasound guidance.
Dr Perks keeps up-to-date with developments in his speciality and is very happy to discuss requests for musculoskeletal imaging.
Professional information:
Dr Perks studied medicine at Edinburgh University. He completed his Radiology training in Edinburgh after which he worked as a Consultant Radiologist in Perth Royal Infirmary for five years. He has worked as a Consultant Radiologist at The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh since 2009.
Personal information:
Away from work Dr Perks follows most sports and when family time allows he tries to play golf, keep fit and play bagpipes.