F.A.Q.

When healthy, joint surfaces are as slippery as ice and we take the mobility for granted. Patients need replacements of the worn surfaces when the soft cartilage is lost and the joints painful, stiff and sometimes become deformed or mis-shapen. Non-operative treatment such as Physiotherapy, Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications, fail to control the symptoms.

1. Preoperative preparation and education(e.g. dietry advice/weight loss/exercises) 2. Preoperative ssessment for fitness for surgery and investigations(screening swabs, bloods and Xrays) 3. The inpatient care pathway and surgery. 4. Early rehabilitation and healing 5. Maturation of healing.

Risks actively managed include; infection, bleeding and thrombosis. Surgery is conducted with strict techniques, modern equipment and a special environment dedicated to limit infection risks. Intraoperative bleeding is usually limited by a cuff round the thigh or tourniquet and sometimes medications. Blood thining injections or tablets are combined with rapid mobilisation techniques to limit the risk of clots to the legs(deep vein thrombosis) or lungs(pulmonary embolus).

Patients are encouraged to mobilise quickly by adopting enchanced recovery techniques. Typically patients may be stood on the same day, walking the next and manage stairs on the secong or third day. Regular painkillers are prescribed. Patients on average are off work for approximately six weeks, but this can differ significantly depending on the nature of their work.

Yes. These non operative apporoaches have less risk, but are not as effective as surgery. Weight loss, exercise, footware modifications or orthotics to modify the forces passing through the knee, knee braces and injections are just some options.

On avaerage, knee replacements last 10-15 years. Younger patients may thus require more than one joint replacement in their lifetime. However, being made of modern materials, the longevity is related to how the joint is treated and the quality of the bone to which it is fixed.

Joint replacement can transform the lives of patients. It can eradicate severe deformity and 80-90 percent of patients pain. This can lead to significant improvements in the quality of patients lives and maintain their independence.

Most private hospitals offer competitive fixed cost packages for patients. In addition, some offer finance options.

I have always been fascinated by the musculoskeletal systems, mechanics and material science. Orthopaedics combines all these disciplines and provides immediate and dramatic benefits to patients. I've been fortunate to work with truley inspiring mentors. As an Orthopaedic Knee Specialist, you are in no doubt that you have made a big difference in patients lives and this is very addictive!

I have been fortunate to receive prizes, scholarships, honours and distinctions. I've contributed to my speciality at a basic science, clinical and industry level. In addition, I am involved in teaching trainee Surgeons and Consultants. However, my greatest achievement is the appreciation of the importance of the doctor patient relationship and to focus my efforts to providing personalised care for each and everyone of my patients.