Partial knee replacement (medial compartment)

Cosmetic foot surgery implies undertaking surgery to simply improve the visualRelating to the sense of sight (vision). appearance of the foot. This is controversial, and Orthopaedic surgeons in general do not believe in performing surgery purely for cosmetic reasons. We know that the potential complications associated with Orthopaedic foot surgery are serious and cannot be underestimated. Whilst most people have good results, some will be no better, and others may be worse off. Therefore, pain and dysfunction are important symptoms, and we as Orthopaedic surgeons specifically look for these problems when we first consult with you.

The demand for total knee replacements increases every year and is set to significantly outstrip the demand for total hip replacements in the future. It has been estimated that the number of total knee replacements performed will increase by 200% in the next ten years. This increased demand is due to several factors: firstly, more knee replacements are performed in women than men for all ages. There is a clear link between obesityExcess accumulation of fat in the body. and osteoarthritisA disease mainly of the large joints of the body, as a result of wear and tear of the surface cartilage. of the knee and obesity is more prevalent in women than men. Secondly, the cases of meniscal surgery to the knee following injury has increased which, in turn, increases the future risk of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis of the hip is very rare in a number of different ethnic groups whereas osteoarthritis of the knee is not.

The knee is the largest joint in the body, and is made up of the lower end of the femurThe thigh bone. and the upper end of the tibiaThe shin bone., which form a hinge. The hamstring muscles behind the thigh bend the knee, the quadriceps muscles at the front straighten it by pulling on the patellaThe kneecap. at the front. Unlike the hip joint, there is no inherent stability of the knee from the shape of the bones themselves, and it is made stable by strong ligaments around the joint. If these ligaments are damaged, the knee may then become unstable.

All too often, people take their feet for granted and ignore or put up with the pain. Simple advice and conservative care may be all that is required to resolve problems with feet and a podiatristAnother term for chiropodist, a healthcare professional (not medically qualified doctor) specialising in foot care. is specifically trained to assess and manage these conditions.

With the exception of nail surgery, podiatrists use non-surgical methods of treatment and this remains the mainstay of treatment for most foot problems. Until recently, podiatrists in the United Kingdom were known as chiropodistsHealthcare professionals (not medically qualified doctors) specialising in foot care.. A podiatric surgeon is a podiatrist who has undertaken extensive postgraduate training in foot surgery. They are therefore not registered medical professionals (doctors) but specialists in the treatment of all foot problems using both conservative (non-surgical) and surgical treatment methods.

The objective of this article is to introduce different knee injuries and conditions, the processes that have occurred in these conditions, and how AposTherapy, a novel non-surgical treatment modality can address the underlying causes. As a Chartered Physiotherapist I have experience working for a professional football club and then for the past three years have worked with AposTherapy. My main interest and area of expertise is knee conditions. I am fortunate to work closely with like-minded professionals who have fantastic clinical skills and at the same time work to develop strong links with some of the world's best healthcare professionals throughout the capital. We all strive to provide the best solution for our patients, whatever the knee complaint may be.

Osteoarthritis is a chronicA disease of long duration generally involving slow changes. progressiveContinuously increasing in extent or severity. disease that can affect any joint in the body. A key component of the disease is the wearing away process of the cartilage lining the bones that make up the joint. Cartilage helps lubricate the bones and helps them to glide smoothly against each other. As the cartilage becomes worn the movement in the joint becomes less smooth. Joints that have to bear a greater load, such as the joints in your legs (which bear the weight of the body), have a greater risk of developing osteoarthritisA disease mainly of the large joints of the body, as a result of wear and tear of the surface cartilage..

Developments in nanotechnology are progressing at an incredible rate and are starting to impact on almost all areas of science and technology. Nanotechnology is already bringing real benefits to the field of medicine, and is revolutionising areas such as imaging, drug delivery, and even surgery.

If I injure my knee, will I need an operation?

The majority of patients who are referred to me do not have an operation, and I only see those patients whose knee has failed to settle within a matter of a few days or weeks. The odds are that if you injure your knee you will avoid surgery.

Total knee replacement has become an increasingly frequently performed procedure and although it has always been perceived as lagging behind total hip replacements both numerically and in terms of results, there are now more knee replacements performed annually in the UK than total hip replacements. The knee joint is undoubtedly a more complex joint than the hip and results in terms of function and satisfaction have to be considered in the light of this. 

The aim of minimal access spinal surgery (MASS) is the reduction of 'collateral damage' to muscles, ligaments and soft tissueA group of cells with a similar structure and a specialised function. associated with traditional spinal surgery whilst obtaining the same clinical outcomes of traditional open procedures. The technique has been developed to complement minimal invasive spinal surgery (MISS) as the latter does not allow for direct visualisation of the spine. In that regard these two techniques DO NOT alter the indications or goals of surgery.