Caughey, Michael

Definitions

A joint is any area where two bones are attached to allow movement of body parts, and is usually formed of fibrous connective tissue and cartilage. Joint replacement surgery, known as arthroplasty, a part of orthopaedic surgery, involves a diseased or damaged joint being removed and replaced with an artificial one (known as a prosthesis). Artificial joints are usually made of metal, ceramic or plastic materials. The most common joint replacements are the hip and knee, along with the shoulder and ankle.moreKnee surgery includes knee replacement surgery or arthroplasty, to remove part or all of a damaged or diseased knee joint. In general, the surgery consists of replacing the joint surfaces withartificial components. This may be done with open surgery under general or regional anaesthetic. Knee arthroscopy is common and less invasive. It involves small incisions being made on the knee through which is inserted a flexible instrument with a camera attached (arthroscope). This allows examination of the joint, diagnosis of problems and, in some cases, various repairs to damaged tissue, ligaments and some bone fractures.moreOrthopaedic surgery is concerned with treating conditions involving the musculoskeletal system, which is made up of bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles. Orthopaedic surgeons use bothsurgical and non-surgical methods to treat a wide range of problems, including trauma (injury), sports injuries, degenerative diseases (e.g. arthritis), infections, tumours and congenital disorders (those present at birth). Various procedures to treat the knee, shoulder and hip are among the most commonly performed surgery.moreShoulder surgery commonly involves arthroscopy, a procedure that uses a thin tube with a camera at its tip (an arthroscope) to help examine and repair the cartilage, bones, tendons and ligamentsinside or around the shoulder joint (known as ‘keyhole surgery’). The arthroscope is inserted through a small incision in the skin, with surgical instruments inserted through other incisions. The procedure is performed with general anaesthesia. Surgery may be required to treat various shoulder problems, including: a torn or damaged labrum (cartilage ring) or ligaments; shoulder instability, where the shoulder joint is loose and slides around too much or becomes dislocated; a torn or damaged biceps tendon; a torn rotator cuff (the group of muscles and tendons that cover the shoulder joint, assisting its movement); a bone spur or inflammation around the rotator cuff; inflammation or damaged lining of the joint; arthritis of the end of the clavicle (collarbone); loose tissue that needs to be removed; and shoulder impingement syndrome, to make more room for the shoulder to move around. Open surgery may be needed if the damage is more severe.more