If you are a smoker and you are scheduled to undergo a total hip replacement, your orthopaedic surgeon may recommend quitting prior to surgery. All of us are familiar with the health risks associated with smoking – which include cancer of the lungs, mouth, throat and other organs, as well as coronary heart disease, heart…
For patients awaiting a hip or knee replacement, the Covid-19 pandemic has brought unparalleled challenges. Severe arthritis, which is one of the primary reasons for needing joint replacement surgery, is a progressive condition so symptoms gradually worsen. This is exacerbated during periods of immobility and heightened stress so it is reasonable to predict that for…
Hip replacement surgery is used to treat severe hip pain caused by degenerative diseases like arthritis as well as serious hip fractures. While such procedures are routine for us as orthopaedic surgeons, we recognise that the idea of having a prosthetic joint may seem a bit strange and patients often ask what replacement hip joints…
Chronic pain and problems sleeping often go hand in hand. In fact, experts believe between 50-80% of people with long-term pain have ongoing sleep problems. It can become a vicious cycle, with lack of sleep leading to worsening pain which in turn can make it increasingly difficult to sleep. A lack of restorative sleep hampers…
As orthopaedic consultants, we routinely carry out total hip replacement surgery (also referred to as total hip arthroplasty) to treat severe osteoarthritis or serious hip fractures. For keen sportsmen and women, one of the first question we get asked is ‘how quickly can I get back to playing sport?’ Of course, there isn’t a single…
If you have diabetes, the risks of complications are higher if you undergo joint replacement surgery. But, how much higher and is there anything that you can do to reduce the risks?
One of the questions we are asked most frequently by patients who are overweight is will it affect the success of their hip replacement surgery and should they try and lose weight before having their operation. The answer to both questions is yes. There are a number of suggested ways that patients can improve their…
Many patients who are due to undergo hip replacement surgery do their own research into the different surgical approaches. As orthopaedic surgeons, we welcome this as it means patients are well-informed and fully engaged in their own treatment and rehabilitation, which helps to better long-term outcomes. However, sometimes misconceptions can arise and this can lead…
Anyone who is suffering from severe hip or knee osteoarthritis knows how debilitating the condition can be. It causes pain, loss of function and, in some cases, significantly reduced quality of life which can lead to depression.
If you’ve injured yourself playing sport, you’ll undoubtedly be keen to get back on your feet and competing again as quickly as possible. That’s why it’s important to seek specialist medical attention.
