FAQs

Complications can include infection, blood clots, joint dislocation, unequal leg lengths, and nerve damage. Long-term risks involve prosthesis wear-out necessitating revision surgeries. However, advancements in surgical methods and postoperative care have significantly improved outcomes.

Yes, physiotherapy is vital for recovery after total hip replacement. It restores motion, strengthens hip muscles, and improves functioning while reducing pain and preventing complications like rigidity or dislocation.

Post-operative care options depend on general health, surgery extent, and home support availability. Most patients experience less pain and may return home the next day, though some benefit from a rehabilitation centre stay.

Surgery involves removing damaged knee joint parts and replacing them with artificial components using specialised robotic assistance. The incision is closed with stitches and sterile bandaging. The entire surgery normally lasts about one hour, or two at most.

Modern artificial knees typically last approximately between 15 and 20 years or even more. Lifespan depends on lifestyle, weight, adherence to postoperative instructions, and rehabilitation engagement.

Five main types exist: Cruciate-Retaining (CR) implants preserve the posterior cruciate ligament; Posterior-Stabilised (PS) implants compensate for a damaged PCL; Medial Pivot implants mimic natural rotational movement; Mobile-Bearing implants allow slight polyethylene movement; and Fixed-Bearing implants provide stable, durable options.

Recovery involves immediate post-surgery monitoring, a 1 to 3 day hospital stay with physical therapy initiation, the first few weeks at home with continued exercises, ongoing outpatient therapy for weeks to months, resuming normal activities within 4 to 6 weeks, and full recovery in 3 to 6 months for more demanding activities.

Primary risks include infection, blood clots, implant wear or dislocation, nerve or blood vessel damage, persistent pain or stiffness, anaesthesia complications, bone fractures, limited range of motion, and the potential need for revision surgery.

Osteoarthritis is the prevalent cause, causing cartilage deterioration, pain, stiffening, and diminished movement range. Total knee replacement proves effective for controlling severe osteoarthritis-related pain and restoring normal function.

Alternatives include pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy with targeted exercises, lifestyle changes like weight reduction, low-impact workouts, and injections (corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid) for temporary relief.

Risks include infection, blood clot formation, prosthetic wear and loosening requiring revision, nerve or blood vessel damage, persistent pain or stiffness, anaesthesia complications, bone fractures, and limited range of motion.

Consider surgeon experience and specialisation in hip and knee replacements, reputation and reliable care, communication skills, hospital quality, credentials and certifications, complication rates and success percentages, and use of modern minimally invasive techniques.

Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, cycling, and golfing can resume within 3 to 6 months. High-impact sports like running, skiing, or basketball require longer recovery and a careful approach due to increased joint stress.

Most patients begin walking with assistance on surgery day or the next day using walkers or crutches. Within one week, more independent walking with aids begins. By 3 to 6 weeks post-surgery, many can walk without crutches, achieving normal walking in 3 to 6 months.

Yes, elderly patients with osteoporosis can undergo knee replacement. Dr Rhys Clark evaluates overall health and osteoporosis severity. Special techniques and implants designed for osteoporotic bones enhance stability and durability.

Consider removal when the lipoma causes pain or discomfort, grows rapidly, interferes with activities, when there are concerns about appearance, or when diagnostic uncertainty raises suspicion of more serious conditions like liposarcoma.

After general anaesthesia, the area is cleaned and numbed. A small incision removes the lipoma carefully. The entire process typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour. Patients return home shortly after and resume normal activities within days.

Surgery is recommended when lipomas cause pain, grow rapidly, interfere with activities, present cosmetic concerns, or when diagnostic uncertainty exists regarding whether it is a benign lipoma or a malignant liposarcoma.

The meniscus tears through sudden twisting movements with the foot firmly planted, common in direction-change sports. The meniscus becomes caught between knee bones, causing pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the knee.

Symptoms include localised knee pain (inner or outer), swelling within 24 hours, a popping sensation, difficulty fully straightening the knee, locked knee sensations, and feelings of instability or giving way.

Recovery involves initial pain and swelling management with medications or ice. Physical therapy begins with gentle mobilisation, progressing to strengthening exercises. Usually, it takes about 4 to 6 weeks for recovery, though timelines vary based on age, health, and the extent of removal.