Orthopaedics is an area that deals with conditions of the musculoskeletal system (bones and joints of the limbs and spine). The specialty covers a range of different types of conditions starting with congenital (conditions which children are born with) through to degenerative (conditions relating to the wearing out of joints). The field of orthopaedics includes trauma, where bones are broken or injuries are sustained to limbs. Other conditions that are covered by orthopaedics are metabolic conditions, neurological and inflammatory conditions. Read more about orthopaedics at Unisports Orthopaedics here.

Many orthopaedic procedures on joints can be performed using an arthroscope, where a fiber optic telescope is used to look inside the joint. Through this type of keyhole surgery fine instruments can be introduced through small incisions (portals) to allow surgery to be performed without the need for large cuts which allows many procedures to be performed as a day stay and allows quicker return to normal function of the joint. Arthroscopic surgery is less painful than open surgery and decreases the risk of healing problems. Arthroscopy allows access to parts of the joints which can not be access by other types of surgery.

In many cases tendons will be lengthened to improve the muscle balance around a joint or tendons will be transferred to give overall better joint function. This occurs in children with neuromuscular conditions but also applies to a number of other conditions. Tendon Repair: An incision (cut) is made over the damaged tendon. The damaged ends of the tendon are sewn together and, if necessary, reattached to surrounding tissue. Most of these procedures involve some sort of splintage after the surgery followed by a period of rehabilitation, normally supervised by a physiotherapist.

For elderly patients joint replacement surgery is commonly required to treat damaged joints from wearing out arthritis or other forms of joint disease including rheumatoid arthritis. In these procedures the damaged joint surface is removed and replaced with artificial surfaces normally made from metal (chromium cobalt alloy, titanium) and plastic surfaces (high density polyethelene and ceramic) which act as alternate bearing surfaces for the damaged joint. These operations are major procedures which require the patient to be in hospital for several days and followed by a significant period of rehabilitation. The hospital has several ways of approaching the procedure for replacement and the specifics for the procedure will be covered at the time of assessment and booking of surgery. Occasionally blood transfusions are required; if you have some concerns raise this with your surgeon during consultation.

Several small incisions (cuts) are made on the knee through which is inserted a small telescopic instrument with a tiny camera attached (arthroscope). This allows the surgeon to look inside the joint, identify problems and, in some cases, make repairs to damaged tissue.

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a strong, stabilising ligament running through the centre of the knee between the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone). When the ACL is torn, frequently as the result of a sporting injury, arthroscopic surgery known as ACL Reconstruction is performed. The procedure involves replacement of the damaged ligament with tissue grafted from elsewhere, usually the patellar or hamstring tendon. The ends of the grafted tendon are attached to the femur at one end and the tibia at the other using screws or staples. For more information about ACL Reconstruction please click here.

The menisci are two circular strips of cartilage that form a cushioning layer between the ends of the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) in the knee joint. Together the medial and lateral menisci, on the inside and outside of the knee, respectively, act as shock absorbers and distribute the weight of the body across the knee joint. The menisci can become torn through injury or damaged from age-related wear and tear and may require surgery. The most common meniscal surgery is partial meniscectomy in which the torn portion of the meniscus is cut away so that the cartilage surface is smooth again. In some cases meniscal repair is carried out, in this case the torn edges of the meniscus are sutured together. Both procedures are performed arthroscopically. For more information please click here for meniscal tears and click here for meniscal transplant surgery.

This is a surgical procedure performed on a knee joint that has become painful and/or impaired because of disease, injury or wear and tear. In total knee replacement, artificial materials (metal and plastic) are used to replace the following damaged surfaces within the knee joint: the end of the thigh bone (femur) the end of the shin bone (tibia) the back of the kneecap (patella) This operation is a major procedure which requires you to be in hospital for several days and will be followed by a significant period of rehabilitation. Occasionally blood transfusions are required; if you have some concerns raise this with your surgeon during consultation. For more information about total knee replacement please click here.

Two or three small incisions (cuts) are made in the ankle and a small telescopic instrument with a tiny camera attached (arthroscope) is inserted. This allows the surgeon to look inside the joint, identify problems and, in some cases, operate. Tiny instruments can be passed through the arthroscope to remove bony spurs, damaged cartilage or inflamed tissue.

Several small incisions (cuts) are made in the shoulder through which is inserted a small telescopic instrument with a tiny camera attached (arthroscope). The surgeon is then able to remove any bony spurs or inflamed tissue and mend torn tendons of the rotator cuff group.