by PH570400 28 August 2023
A permanent injectable that lubricates, cushions and reduces inflammation
by PH570400 5 March 2023
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Hyaluronic acid (HA) in one injection
by PH570400 26 April 2021
What is Osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis of the knee is the result of progressive deterioration of the articular cartilage and menisci of the joint, usually because of trauma, and wear and tear. This leads to exposure of the bone surface. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling and difficulty walking. What are my treatment options? Conservative treatments include painkiller and corticosteroid injections to relieve pain and inflammation. In addition to physiotherapy and prescribed exercise to improve function and mobility. When symptoms are severe, surgery may be indicated. Surgical options include breaking and resetting the bone to realign the leg (Osteotomy) or replacing part (Partial) or all of the Knee (Total knee replacement). How will a Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection help me? Your own blood contains anti-inflammatory molecules and growth factors that are able to relieve pain and help certain cells (Chondrocytes) to repair damaged cartilage. If you have early arthritis a course of PRP injections has been proven to reduce pain, improve the function of the joint and improve the quality of the cartilage. These natural anti-inflammatories “relieve symptoms and potentially delay the need for joint replacement surgery” (National Institute of Clinical Excellence 2019) What does the procedure involve? A sample of blood is taken from your arm and centrifuged to concentrate the platelets, growth factors and anti-inflammatories in the liquid plasma. Red and White cells are removed. The platelet-rich plasma is injected into the joint space in the knee, usually under ultrasound guidance. The whole process takes around 5-10 minutes and can be done while you wait. Normally patients require a course of 3 injections over 3-6 weeks to get the best results. Will the procedure hurt? The doctor or nurse will normally inject a small amount of local anaesthetic under the skin to stop the PRP injection from hurting. You will feel a gentle pressure as the PRP is injected. Very few patient require any form of painkiller after the injection Can everyone have this treatment? The treatment will not work if you have low platelet count or have taken medicine such as aspirin You should not have the treatment if · You have a temperature or ongoing infection anywhere · You are known to have any form of cancer · You have a rash or broken skin over the joint to be treated Is it safe? What are the complications? The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) have approved this treatment under special arrangement and stated it is safe. It must however, be done by a suitable trained doctor and you must be followed up to see how you get on with the treatment. Complications are very rare but can include · Infection requiring antibiotics or an operation to washout the joint · Pain · Failure to improve symptoms · Damage to local structures like ligament or tendons
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Robot Assisted Hip and Knee Replacements

What is a robot assisted joint replacement?


When joints such as the knee or hip become damaged due to arthritis or trauma, the best treatment option to improve pain and function may be to replace the joint. A joint replacement involves removing the surface of a damaged joint and replacing it with material such as titanium or cobalt chromium alloy.  Traditionally a surgeon would use an X-ray and cutting guide placed on the bone to help cut the bone at the correct angle and depth.


Robotic technology now makes this process much more accurate, allowing surgeons to create a 3D model of the bone and use the robot to ensure the bone cuts are within a millimetre or half a degree from the pre-operative plan.


What are the surgical benefits?


The robotic system enables the surgeon to practice putting the joint replacement in the perfect position, even before the case has begun. The pre-operative scan allows the joint replacement to be placed in the optimal position for each individual patient and restores the alignment of the limb.  


What are the benefits to the patient?


Robot assisted surgery allows:

·        Smaller surgical wounds to be used (Minimally invasive surgery)

·        Quicker return to function with most patients walking on the day of surgery

·        Reduces the chance of damage to surrounding ligament, tendons, nerves and blood vessels

·        Can improve long term function and reduce the risk of further surgery in the future


Are there any additional risks to using a robot?


Robotic Procedures take slightly longer than manual procedures but are not associated with any increased risks to the patient. Theoretically, the robot should decrease the chance of a surgical complication and has been shown to reduce the chance of readmission to the hospital after the operation. Recent studies have also suggested a lower 5 year revision rate, particularly for partial knee replacements.


Always discuss any concerns you have or questions about potential complications with your surgeon directly.


For videos, patient information or to book an appointment to discuss a robot assisted hip or knee replacement click the below links….


Robotic Assisted Partial Knee Replacement


Robotic Assisted Total Knee Replacement


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