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…
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:
The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body. It is the cord-like tendon that you can feel at the back of your ankle just above your heel. Normal function of the Achilles is essential to walk and run properly. An Achilles tendon tear is often referred to as an Achilles tendon rupture. Once you have seen what a ruptured Achilles tendon looks like at surgery, you will understand why – it looks a bit like spaghetti!..
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…
As a shoulder surgeon, I notice most people have never heard the term “rotator cuff”. This refers to the tendons of a group of four muscles in the shoulder which attach to the top of the humerus. They give you the ability to lift and rotate the arm. A rotator cuff tear can be caused by trauma, such as a fall, or as a result of a degenerative process over time. Early diagnosis is essential for correct treatment…
The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is one of the four major stabilising ligaments in the knee. It is commonly injured in sporting activities such as netball, basketball, rugby and soccer. It can also be torn in non sports-related injuries. The ACL has poor healing potential and a tear usually results in an unstable knee. Instability can result in further injury to important structures in the knee. This may have negative effects in later years…