A dislocated shoulder usually occurs as a result of trauma, such as a fall. Urgent treatment is needed to “put the shoulder back” or reduce the joint. Unfortunately, the dislocation causes damage to cartilage and sometimes also to bone which helps to stabilise the shoulder. This in turn can result in instability and repeated dislocations. Surgery may be needed to help stabilise the shoulder…
Trigger finger refers to a condition which causes a catching or locking sensation in the fingers (or thumb). It may begin only with pain, and but can progress to a situation where a finger gets stuck in the bent position and cannot be straightened (locked finger). In the early stages the finger may respond to cortisone injections. If this fails, a simple surgical procedure will resolve the problem…
Calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff is a painful condition associated with calcium deposits in the shoulder. These may sometimes also be found in asymptomatic people. Calcific tendinitis can cause pain which may limit normal shoulder use and interfere with sleep. The calcium deposits may disappear with time. In some instances surgery may be needed to remove the calcification…
MPFL surgery (medial patellofemoral ligament surgery) is an operation performed for a dislocating or unstable kneecap (patella). Other terms are kneecap instability, patellar instability, patellar subluxation and recurrent patellar dislocation. I often see patients who have dislocated their kneecap. One episode may not mean surgery. A complete assessment is needed to recommend correct treatment…
A meniscal repair is considered for suitable candidates with a meniscal tear. If the meniscus is repairable then an attempt to repair it should be made. This will prevent further disability and reduce the risk of developing arthritis in the knee in later years. A meniscal repair, while not an emergency procedure, should be performed early to ensure the best results. But what are the techniques used to perform a repair?..
Knee arthroscopy is one of the most commonly performed operations. It involves using a high-definition camera to see inside the joint. This is done through small puncture wounds in the skin. In addition to the camera, other instruments can be used to work inside the knee. Arthroscopy has gained popularity over the years. It is has a faster recovery time, minimal scarring and low levels of post-operative pain…
De Quervain’s synovitis is a common cause of pain in the wrist. The pain is located on the thumb-side of the wrist. It can cause significant functional impairment, and in severe cases even a simple handshake may become impossible. The condition usually responds to simple treatment modalities such as rest, splinting, anti-inflammatories or a cortisone injection. In resistant cases, a small surgical procedure may be required…
Shoulder impingement is a condition that I see and treat regularly. It is a common cause of shoulder pain. The pain is usually located in the front and the side of the shoulder. It can radiate towards the side of the arm. The pain is made worse when trying to lift the arm. Any work above shoulder height causes discomfort. There is a painful arc of movement when elevating the arm. Often there is a history of overuse…
Four commonly-asked questions about ACL reconstruction:
Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the commonest orthopaedic procedures. The most common presentation is altered sensation or pins and needles in the fingers. Usually the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers are involved. One or all the fingers may be affected. The symptoms are usually worse night. Often the patient is woken from sleep and needs to shake his or her hand to get rid of the symptoms…