Orthopedics treatments

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a surgical procedure that replaces a torn ACL in the knee with a graft, typically sourced from the patient's own hamstring or patellar tendon, to restore stability and function.

Preparation: Prior to surgery, it's essential to reduce knee swelling, restore full range of motion, and strengthen the surrounding muscles through physiotherapy. Achieving these goals can enhance surgical outcomes and facilitate a smoother recovery process.

Procedure: Performed under general or spinal anaesthesia, the surgeon removes the damaged ACL and replaces it with a graft, positioning it in the original ACL location and securing it with screws or staples. The operation typically lasts between one to one and a half hours.

Recovery: Post-surgery, patients may experience swelling and discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain relief and ice application. A structured rehabilitation programme, guided by a physiotherapist, is crucial to restore knee function, with full recovery potentially taking up to a year.

Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows surgeons to diagnose and treat issues within the ankle joint using a small camera called an arthroscope.

Preparation: Prior to the procedure, patients may need to attend a pre-assessment appointment to evaluate their general health and discuss any medications they are taking. It's important to follow specific instructions regarding fasting before the surgery and to arrange for transportation home, as driving immediately after the procedure is not advisable.

Procedure: Performed under general anaesthesia, the surgeon makes small incisions around the ankle to insert the arthroscope and specialized instruments. The arthroscope transmits images to a monitor, allowing the surgeon to assess and, if necessary, repair any damage within the joint. The procedure typically lasts between 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the complexity.

Recovery: Post-surgery, patients may experience some pain and swelling, which can be managed with prescribed painkillers and ice packs. It's essential to begin gentle exercises as advised by a physiotherapist to restore mobility and prevent stiffness. Full recovery varies per individual but generally ranges from a few weeks to several months, during which adherence to rehabilitation exercises is crucial for optimal outcomes.

Ankle replacement surgery, or total ankle arthroplasty, involves replacing a worn-out or damaged ankle joint with an artificial implant to alleviate pain and preserve joint movement.

Preparation: Prior to surgery, patients typically undergo a pre-operative assessment to evaluate their overall health and suitability for the procedure. It's essential to discuss current medications with healthcare providers, as some may need adjustment before surgery. Patients are advised to arrange for assistance at home during the initial recovery period, as mobility will be limited.

Procedure: Performed under general anaesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision over the front of the ankle to access the joint. The damaged joint surfaces are removed and replaced with metal components, separated by a piece of hard plastic that allows smooth movement. The operation typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes.

Recovery: After surgery, the ankle is usually placed in a plaster cast or brace to immobilize the joint and aid healing. Patients are advised to keep the foot elevated to reduce swelling and may need to avoid putting weight on the operated foot for a specified period, often around two weeks. Follow-up appointments are essential to monitor healing, remove stitches, and transition to weight-bearing activities as guided by a physiotherapist. Full recovery varies but generally takes several months, during which adherence to rehabilitation exercises is crucial for optimal outcomes.

A bunionectomy, or hallux valgus surgery, is a procedure to correct a bunion—a bony deformity at the base of the big toe—aiming to alleviate pain and restore proper alignment.

Preparation: Before surgery, patients are advised to wear wide, comfortable shoes to reduce pressure on the bunion and may use bunion pads or orthotic devices to manage symptoms. Pre-operative assessments will evaluate overall health, and discussions about current medications are essential, as some may need adjustment. Patients should arrange for transportation home post-surgery and ensure support is available during the initial recovery period.

Procedure: Typically performed under general or local anaesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision over the affected joint to remove or realign the bony prominence. The specific surgical technique depends on the severity of the deformity and may involve cutting and repositioning bones (osteotomy) or fusing joint surfaces. Fixation devices like screws or plates may be used to maintain proper alignment during healing.

Recovery: Post-operatively, the foot is usually protected with a bandage or surgical shoe, and patients are encouraged to keep the foot elevated to reduce swelling. Weight-bearing is often limited initially, with gradual increases as healing progresses. Follow-up appointments are essential to monitor recovery, remove stitches, and assess the need for physical therapy to restore strength and mobility. Complete recovery can take several months, during which adherence to rehabilitation protocols is crucial for optimal outcomes.

Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows surgeons to diagnose and treat problems within the hip joint using a small camera called an arthroscope.

Preparation: Prior to the procedure, patients typically undergo a pre-assessment to evaluate their suitability for surgery, which may include medical examinations and discussions about current medications. It's important to follow specific instructions regarding fasting before the surgery and to arrange for transportation home, as driving immediately after the procedure is not advisable.

Procedure: Performed under general anaesthesia, the surgeon makes small incisions around the hip to insert the arthroscope and specialized instruments. Traction is applied to the leg to create space within the joint, allowing the surgeon to assess and, if necessary, repair any damage such as labral tears or impingements. The procedure typically lasts between 50 to 180 minutes, depending on the complexity.

Recovery: Post-surgery, patients may experience some hip discomfort, swelling, and bruising, which can be managed with prescribed painkillers and ice packs. Crutches are often provided to aid mobility, and it's essential to begin gentle exercises as advised by a physiotherapist to restore movement and prevent stiffness. Full recovery varies per individual but generally ranges from a few weeks to several months, during which adherence to rehabilitation exercises is crucial for optimal outcomes.

Hip replacement surgery involves replacing damaged parts of the hip joint with artificial components to alleviate pain and improve function.

Preparation: Prior to surgery, patients may be advised to engage in muscle-strengthening exercises, lose weight if necessary, and cease smoking to enhance recovery. Attending a pre-admission clinic allows for necessary health assessments and discussions about the procedure.

Procedure: Conducted under general or spinal anaesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision to access the hip joint, removes the damaged sections, and replaces them with prosthetic parts made of metal, plastic, or ceramic. The operation typically lasts about 1 to 2 hours.

Recovery: Post-surgery, patients may experience pain and swelling, managed with prescribed medications. Early mobilisation with the assistance of physiotherapists is encouraged to restore movement and strength. Full recovery varies but generally takes several months, during which adherence to rehabilitation exercises is crucial for optimal outcomes.

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows doctors to diagnose and treat issues within the knee joint using a small camera called an arthroscope.

Preparation: Before the procedure, patients may need to attend a pre-assessment appointment to evaluate their general health and discuss any medications they are taking. It's important to follow specific instructions regarding fasting before the surgery and to arrange for transportation home, as driving immediately after the procedure is not advisable.

Procedure: Performed under general or local anaesthesia, the surgeon makes small incisions around the knee to insert the arthroscope and specialized instruments. The arthroscope transmits images to a monitor, allowing the surgeon to assess and, if necessary, repair any damage within the joint. The procedure typically lasts between 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the complexity.

Recovery: Post-surgery, patients may experience some pain and swelling, which can be managed with prescribed painkillers and ice packs. It's essential to begin gentle exercises as advised by a physiotherapist to restore mobility and prevent stiffness. Full recovery varies per individual but generally ranges from a few weeks to several months, during which adherence to rehabilitation exercises is crucial for optimal outcomes.

Knee replacement surgery involves replacing damaged parts of the knee joint with artificial components to alleviate pain and improve function.

Preparation: Prior to surgery, patients may be advised to engage in muscle-strengthening exercises, maintain a healthy weight, and cease smoking to enhance recovery. Attending a pre-admission clinic allows for necessary health assessments and discussions about the procedure.

Procedure: Conducted under general or spinal anaesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision to access the knee joint, removes the damaged sections, and replaces them with prosthetic parts made of metal and plastic. The operation typically lasts about 1 to 2 hours.

Recovery: Post-surgery, patients may experience pain and swelling, managed with prescribed medications. Early mobilisation with the assistance of physiotherapists is encouraged to restore movement and strength. Full recovery varies but generally takes several months, during which adherence to rehabilitation exercises is crucial for optimal outcomes.

Meniscus repair, or meniscectomy, is a surgical procedure to treat a torn meniscus—a C-shaped cartilage in the knee that acts as a shock absorber and stabilizer. The meniscus can be damaged due to injury or degeneration, leading to pain, swelling, and limited movement.

Preparation: Before surgery, patients typically undergo a pre-assessment to evaluate their overall health and discuss any medications they are taking. It's important to follow specific instructions regarding fasting before the procedure and to arrange for transportation home, as driving immediately after surgery is not advisable.

Procedure: Performed under general or local anaesthesia, the surgeon makes small incisions around the knee to insert an arthroscope and specialized instruments. The arthroscope transmits images to a monitor, allowing the surgeon to assess the damage. Depending on the tear's severity and location, the surgeon will either repair the meniscus by stitching the torn edges or remove the damaged portion (partial meniscectomy) to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible.

Recovery: Post-surgery, patients may experience pain and swelling, which can be managed with prescribed painkillers and ice packs. Elevating the leg and wearing a compression bandage can also help reduce swelling. A physiotherapist will provide specific exercises to restore knee mobility and strength. The recovery period varies depending on the extent of the repair but generally spans several weeks to a few months. Adherence to the rehabilitation program is crucial for optimal recovery.

Rotator cuff repair is a surgical procedure aimed at mending a torn tendon in the shoulder's rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and facilitate arm movement.

Preparation: Prior to surgery, patients typically undergo a pre-assessment to evaluate their overall health and discuss any medications they are taking. It's important to follow specific instructions regarding fasting before the procedure and to arrange for transportation home, as driving immediately after surgery is not advisable.

Procedure: Performed under general anaesthesia, the surgeon makes small incisions around the shoulder to insert an arthroscope and specialized instruments. The torn tendon is reattached to the bone using sutures and anchors. The procedure can be done arthroscopically (keyhole surgery) or through a small open incision, depending on the tear's size and location.

Recovery: Post-surgery, the arm is typically immobilized in a sling for up to six weeks to protect the repair. Patients are advised to perform gentle, guided exercises to maintain mobility in the elbow, wrist, and hand. Formal physiotherapy usually begins after the initial immobilization period to restore shoulder function gradually. Full recovery varies but generally takes several months, during which adherence to rehabilitation exercises is crucial for optimal outcomes.

Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat joint problems by inserting a small camera, called an arthroscope, into the shoulder joint through small incisions.

Preparation: Prior to the procedure, patients may need to attend a pre-assessment appointment to evaluate their fitness for surgery, which may include medical examinations and discussions about current medications. It's important to follow specific instructions regarding fasting before the surgery and to arrange for transportation home, as driving immediately after the procedure is not advisable.

Procedure: Performed under general or local anaesthesia, the surgeon makes small incisions around the shoulder to insert the arthroscope and specialized instruments. The arthroscope transmits images to a monitor, allowing the surgeon to assess and, if necessary, repair any damage within the joint. The procedure typically lasts between 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the complexity.

Recovery: Post-surgery, patients may experience some pain and swelling, which can be managed with prescribed painkillers and ice packs. A sling is often provided for comfort, but it's essential to begin gentle exercises as advised by a physiotherapist to restore mobility and prevent stiffness. Full recovery varies per individual but generally ranges from a few weeks to several months, during which adherence to rehabilitation exercises is crucial for optimal outcomes.

Shoulder replacement surgery involves replacing the damaged parts of the shoulder joint with artificial components to alleviate pain and improve function.

Preparation: Prior to surgery, patients typically attend a pre-assessment clinic where medical history is reviewed, and necessary tests such as blood work and imaging are conducted. Patients are advised to discuss current medications with their healthcare provider, as some may need to be adjusted or paused before the procedure. Fasting guidelines will be provided to ensure the stomach is empty before anesthesia, and arrangements for post-operative transportation and home assistance should be made, as arm mobility will be limited during recovery.

Procedure: Performed under general anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision over the shoulder to access the joint. The damaged humeral head (ball) is removed and replaced with a metal ball, and the glenoid cavity (socket) may also be resurfaced or replaced with a plastic component. The specific type of replacement—total or partial—depends on the extent of joint damage. The procedure typically lasts between one to two hours.

Recovery: Post-surgery, the arm is usually supported in a sling to immobilize the joint and aid healing. Pain management is addressed with prescribed medications, and patients are encouraged to begin gentle, guided physiotherapy exercises to restore movement and strength. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor progress. Full recovery can take several months, with most improvement occurring within the first six months, though strength and function may continue to enhance up to a year post-operation.