Sharp, Rob

Definitions

The head of the femur (thigh bone) meets with the pelvis at the acetabulum, forming the ‘ball and socket’ of the hip joint. The bone surfaces of the hip joint can become worn with age anddisease. Hip surgery includes hip resurfacing, and total hip replacement. With hip resurfacing the damaged joint surface is removed and replaced with artificial surfaces, usually metal or ceramic. With hip replacement surgery the diseased ball and socket of the hip joint are completely removed and replaced with artificial materials. Hip fracture surgery is performed to repair a fracture in the femur near the hip joint. Depending on the location of the break, special screws or a metal plate and screws are inserted to hold the bones in their correct position. If there is concern that the hip may not heal well a partial hip replacement (hemiarthroplasty) may be performed. Hemiarthroplasty replaces the ball part of the hip joint.moreA 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.more