menu trigger  menu trigger
0121 272 5160enquiries@midlandhipandkneeclinic.co.ukBook a Consultation
News & Blog

Information on all things hips and knees

Mr-Panayiotis-Makrides-4.png

How many types of knee surgery are there?

The two main types of knee surgery are:

An arthroscope (a tube with a small camera on the end), is inserted into a small incision made in the knee. The images from the camera are displayed on a monitor for your surgeon to see, and the procedure is carried out via another small incision in the knee.

Total or partial knee replacements are commonly performed on knee joints. During a knee replacement the worn out joint is removed and is totally or partially replaced with an artificial joint.

Mako robotic assisted surgery allows your knee surgeon to create a 3D model of your knee and to create a personalised surgical plan. Pre-defined plans with real-time tracking feedback allows your surgeon to operate to extreme accuracy. Robotic knee surgery is more accurate than manual techniques and helps to preserve healthy bone and tissue, which results in a faster recovery and less post-operative pain.

The most frequently performed knee operations are:

  • Meniscus surgery

The meniscus is cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between the shinbone and thighbone. If you are experiencing knee pain, swelling, and difficulty extending or bending the knee then you may have damaged or torn your meniscus.

Arthroscopic knee surgery is used to repair the damaged meniscus. This can be performed as a partial meniscectomy or meniscal repair to remove or repair the damaged tissue. Meniscus transplant surgery can be performed to replaced the whole meniscus and replace with donor tissue.

  • Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL)

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) connects the thighbone to the shinbone and stabilises the knee joint and is one of the most common sporting injuries. If you are struggling to bare weight, have swelling, severe pain and ‘popping’ in the knee, then you may have a ruptured ACL.

ACL reconstruction is carried our via a knee arthroscopy. It consists of taking tissue from elsewhere in your body to replace the ligament. It is also possible to use donor tissue or an artificial graft.

  • Patellar tendon repair

The patella tendon connects the bottom of the knee cap to the shinbone. If you have pain and tenderness in your kneecap, swelling and difficulty bending and straightening the leg then you may have damaged your patella tendon.

The damaged parts of the tendon are removed and then stitched back together. If your patellar tendon is badly ruptured you may have the tendon replaced with tissue from elsewhere in the body or with donor tissue.

  • Investigation of the knee joint

Knee arthroscopies are often performed to take a look inside the knee joint to investigate any abnormalities inside the joint.

How do I book a consultation?

You can book either a face to face or virtual consultation with Mr Makrides by contacting his secretary. You can find her details here.

Appointments are available via private medical insurance or paying for yourself. Click here for the most up to date self funding fees, and here for private medical insurance information.

CONTINUE READING
wordpress-1.png
ConditionsProcedures0

What is hip dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia, or developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is when the ball and socket part of the hip joint does not form properly in babies. It is most common in the left hip of girls, although both hips can be affected.

This can happen when the socket is slightly too shallow which results in the ball (the femur) not being held in place as tight as it should be. This can result in the femur dislocating.

How is hip dysplasia diagnosed?

Every newborn baby has a physical screening examination, during which the baby’s hips will be checked. If the midwife or doctor thinks there may be an issue, an ultrasound will be scheduled.

How is hip dysplasia treated?

Often a baby’s hip can correct itself within the first few weeks but if it hasn’t then there are treatments available. If hip dysplasia is left untreated it may lead to limping when walking, osteoarthritis of the hip and frequent pain.

If a baby is diagnosed with hip dysplasia in their first few weeks of life, they will likely be fitted with a splint called a Pavlik harness, which holds the baby’s hip in a stable position and is worn for a few weeks.

If the harness has not helped or if the baby is diagnosed later on in life (after 6 months) then surgery may be required. Surgery for hip dysplasia is called reduction surgery. It is carried our under general anaesthetic and surgically places the femur head into the hip socket.

Sometimes mild to moderate cases of DDH are not picked up in infancy which can leave you more prone to getting arthritis in the hip at a younger age. Mr Makrides is a specialist who manages the consequences of hip dysplasia if it was not picked up and corrected in infancy.

How do I book a consultation?

You can book either a face to face or virtual consultation with Mr Makrides by contacting his secretary. You can find her details here.

Appointments are available via private medical insurance or paying for yourself. Click here for the most up to date self funding fees, and here for private medical insurance information.

CONTINUE READING
wordpress.png
ConditionsProcedures0

What to do about joint pain

Joint pain can come with age through wear and tear, as a lifetime of overuse can take its toll on our hips and knees.

The tissue and cartilage that surrounds and protects the joints gradually thins over time which can cause the bones to move less freely. The most common degenerative condition of the hip, knee and sometimes hands is Osteoarthritis.

What can I do to reduce joint pain?

Lifestyle plays a huge part in reducing joint pain. Maintaining a healthy diet as well as regular exercise can have a positive impact, by not only reducing the weight load on the joint but also by building and strengthening the muscle support. Exercise also produces hormones which make you feel good which in turn may alleviate your discomfort level.

Swimming is a great low impact workout and also works your body harder due to the resistance of the water. Regular walking is also beneficial and can not only prevent the onset of pain but also slow down the degeneration of the joint. However, never continue exercising if it is causing you pain.

If your pain is particularly bad to the point where your mobility and movement is limited and the pain is regular on the majority of days then it may be worth seeking professional help.

Why is joint pain worse at certain times of the day?

Joint pain can be worse in the morning due to stiffness from lying still for a long period of time over night. Usually, any discomfort should pass fairly quickly and is a sign of wear and tear on the joints. If it lasts for longer periods of time then you may have a more severe condition of the joint.

Is joint pain more common in women?

Yes, Osteoarthritis most often affects women, mainly after going though the menopause due to the decrease in oestrogen.

What treatments are available for joint pain?

The underlying cause of joint pan will need to be found in order to be treated, however painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication may help initially to reduce swelling and therefore pain. It is also important to maintain a healthy weight and active lifestyle to strengthen the muscle and ease pressure on the joint.

Depending on the condition causing hip and knee pain, treatments available may be a hip arthroscopy, knee arthroscopy, hip replacement or knee replacement.

How do I book a consultation?

You can book either a face to face or virtual consultation with Mr Makrides by contacting his secretary. You can find her details here.

Appointments are available via private medical insurance or paying for yourself. Click here for the most up to date self funding fees, and here for private medical insurance information.

CONTINUE READING
PANOS LOGO _PORTRAIT white

Welcome to the Midland Hip and Knee Clinic based at Spire Parkway in Solihull, Spire Little Aston in Sutton Coldfield and Spire South Bank in Worcester. We offer Self-funding and Private Insurance payment options.

Recent Posts

Copyright 2022. Panos Makrides - Specialist Hip and Knee Surgeon