Mr David Houlihan-Burne

Mr David Houlihan-Burne
Orthopaedic surgery
Central London


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Mr David Houlihan-Burne

Orthopaedic surgeon in
London
Hemel Hempstead
Watford &
Great Missenden

BSc MB BS MRCS FRCS (Tr & Orth)

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Mr David Houlihan-Burne areas of expertise:

Professional statement

Mr David Houlihan-Burne is a highly-skilled orthopaedic surgeon based in London. Practising from a number of top medical establishments in the capital including the Fortius Clinic, he specialises in knee surgery, sports injuries and arthritis. He regularly teaches and lectures at a number of national and international conferences on field-related matters and was listed in Tatler magazine's Doctors Guide in 2013. He is a former clinical advisor to the Department of Health and pioneered the Rapid Recovery Programme, an innovative patient-centred approach to hip and knee replacement surgery. He provides care for many professional and amateur sportsmen and plays an important role in various professional bodies.

 Videos of doctor

LARS™ PCL - Mr David Houlihan-Burne

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 Doctor's articles

Treating arthritis of the knee

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 Credentials

GMC: ‍4191616

 Professional experience

• More than 25 years of experience
• Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, The Fortius Clinic, London (2013 - present)
• Consultant Hip and Knee Surgeon, 3 Rivers Sports and Orthopaedic Clinic (2005 - present)
• Former clinical advisor to the Department of Health establishing new rehabilitation regimes for knee surgery patients

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 Sub-specialties

• Knee Pain
• Ligament injury
• Cartilage

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 Teaching posts

• Teaches and lectures on several national and international courses for trainee and established surgeons

 Education

• St Mary's Hospital Medical School, BSc MBBS, Medicine (1989 - 1995)

 Publications and conferences

• Has written and contributed to a number of publications in the field of knee surgery

 Prizes and awards

• Listed in Tatler magazine's 'Doctors Guide'.

 Professional membership

• British Association for Sports and Exercise Medicine
• British Medical Association
• Royal College of Surgeons
• British Orthopaedic Association
• British Association for Surgery of the Knee (Executive Member 2011-2013)

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Languages spoken

  • English

Patient reviews for Dr. David Houlihan-Burne

Would you recommend this doctor?

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All reviews are from verified patients booked through Top Doctors.

Patient reviews

Verified Patient
05/09/2018

Would you recommend this doctor?

  • Bedside manner
  • Friendliness of the staff
  • Wait time
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Patients comments

Straightforward, good explanations and way of dealing with a tricky situation. i get well informed post appointment. recommended

Verified Patient
03/09/2018

Would you recommend this doctor?

  • Bedside manner
  • Friendliness of the staff
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Patients comments

I would unhesitatingly recommend mr houlihan- burn. he is easy to talk to giving clear explanations, quick diagnosis and a clear treatment plan for the future.

Verified Patient
04/08/2018

Would you recommend this doctor?

  • Bedside manner
  • Friendliness of the staff
  • Wait time
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Patients comments

Everything was excellent until my follow up appointment was cancelled which left me somewhat disappointed.

Verified Patient
18/03/2018

Would you recommend this doctor?

  • Bedside manner
  • Friendliness of the staff
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Patients comments

David, is a brilliant doctor. he is clearly very skilled and knowledgeable and he also has a very positive and assured communication style that puts you at ease

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Diseases, Medical Tests and Treatments

Anterior cruciate ligament

What is the anterior cruciate ligament? The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a bundle of collagen fibres that extends obliquely between the femu ...

Arthritis

What is arthritis? Arthritis is a disease that causes inflammation of the membrane that covers the joints. There are more than 100 different types ...

Knee arthroscopy

What is knee arthroscopy? Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows access to and treatment of injuries affecting the various ...

Meniscus

What are the menisci (meniscus)? The menisci are two fibrocartilage structures located inside the knee. They improve joint function, acting like sh ...

Sports injuries

What are sports injuries? Competitive and non-competitive sports injuries are injuries that occur in athletic activities or whilst exercising. Whilst some of these happen by chance, others are facilitated by inadequate practice or poor execution in terms of technique, as well as by not using sports equipment correctly. Sports injuries mainly consist of muscle injuries or joint and ligament injuries: Dislocations; Muscle injuries (sprains, pulled muscle, cramps); Knee or ankle sprain; Back injuries  Bone fractures; Tendon injuries. Prognosis: The outlook of a sports injury greatly depends on what caused it and its severity. Imaging tests (ultrasound, MRI scan) can rule out structural injuries and help to assess the severity of the injury itself. Furthermore, based on the results, the specialist can estimate how long it will take for you to recover and get back to sports, as well as your risk of getting injured again. What are the symptoms? The symptoms of a sports injury depend on how big and how severe the injury is. They usually are: Immediate onset of pain; Stiffness of the affected muscle; Swelling; Bruising; Increased sensitivity of the affected area; A feeling of heat emanating from the affected area; Decrease in range of motion. How are they diagnosed? Sports injuries, especially muscular ones, can be diagnosed with a physical examination. The following tests may be prescribed to get further insight on where the injury is and how severe it is: X-ray scan; Computed tomography (CT) scan; Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan; Ultrasound scan; Bone density scans. What causes them? As an example, the main risk factors for a football injury are: Not having exercised enough; Muscle fatigue; Age; Cold or wet weather; Poorly maintained training field; Quicker execution and overall rhythm of the game; Doing a movement too fast; A different or new training technique; Stumbling upon another player; Playing too fast or too slowly, without having warmed up adequately; Inadequate training program; Poor execution; Eating an unhealthy diet; Not resting enough. How can they be prevented? The main preventive measures are: Ensure you warm-up adequately; Eat a healthy diet; Stay hydrated; Use proper equipment; Wear good sportswear and shoes. How are they treated? Treatment largely depends on how severe the injury is. It usually consists of physical therapy, surgery, applying ice packs, taking painkillers or anti-inflammatory medications and bed rest. Which doctor should I talk to? You should see a specialist in sports medicine, but you may also be treated by physiotherapists and orthopaedic surgeons, depending on your treatment plan and injury. ...

Sports traumatology

What is sports medicine?          Sports medicine is a branch of medicine that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of sports-related injuries.   Sports injuries can happen suddenly, due to overtraining, not training properly, poor technique, wearing inappropriate clothing, and a lack of fitness, among other causes.   The treatments used allow the person to go back to their normal training routine as soon as possible and in the best conditions. What’s the difference between traditional orthopaedics and sports traumatology? Sports traumatology focuses on athletes specifically and injuries arising in sport, considering the athlete's needs, whereas traditional traumatology treats general locomotive system injuries.       This kind of specialist has in depth knowledge of different types of sports and understands the different situations that the athlete may have. They not only have physical, medical, physiological knowledge of the human body, but they are also able to treat different sports injuries (due to training, seasonal changes, competition expectations, among others), as well as other reasons for injuries.   The most common injuries in sports medicine  The most common injuries are: Sprained ankle. Muscle tears. Tendonitis and tendinopathies (tennis elbow, golfers elbow, Achilles tendon rupture). Knee injuries (meniscus fracture or damage to the anterior cruciate or posterior cruciate ligament) and cartilage injuries. Shoulder injuries (dislocation and tendinopathy), among others. Sports medicine treatments    The right treatment in sports medicine will always be based on each player’s medical history, which should include family and personal history, injury history, surgical history, and orthopaedic issues.      The information gathered in a sports admission exam will be included, this will assess postural information, the skeletal muscle, joints, ligaments, and physical fitness, risk factors will also be included for any potential injuries according to the sport.     Some of the treatments within this speciality include:     Ultrasound-guided galvanic electrolysis technique, commonly known as USGET, is an innovative medical and physiotherapy technique that enables accurate treatment of injured tendons, muscles, or ligaments, successfully treating sports injuries such as:    Achilles tendonitis Patellar tendonitis Pubalgia Epicondylitis (tennis and golfers elbow) Rotator cuff tendonitis (supraspinatus) Plantar fasciitis Trochanteritis Iliotibial band syndrome Muscle tears (hamstrings, femoral biceps, calf, and soleus among others) Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a highly effective treatment to stimulate scarring, regeneration, and healing damaged tissues, such as: Tendon ruptures Chronic tendinopathies Ligament injuries Muscle injuries Focal cartilage injury Osteoarthritis   Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid injections can reduce pain and revive joint function thanks to the treatment’s lubricant, mechanical, and biochemical effect. The most common areas to treat are: Knees (joint that most often receives this treatment) Ankles Hips Shoulders Hands ...

Arthroplasty

What is arthroplasty? The term “arthroplasty” refers to any surgical procedure to restore the function of a damaged joint, often by replacing them with artificial joints made of chromium, cobalt and titanium, along with high density plastics. The ultimate aim of arthroplasty is to correct deformities, reduce or eliminate pain in the affected areas, and restore mobility. Arthroplasty is commonly performed on the hip, knee, elbow, shoulder, and ankle, among others. Different types of arthroplasty include: Joint replacement – the damaged joint is removed and replaced with a prosthesis. Hip replacements and knee replacements are the most common. Interpositional arthroplasty – tissue, such as skin or muscle is interposed to keep inflammatory surfaces from rubbing together. Excisional arthroplasty – bone is removed from the surface of the joint to stop the bones making contact. Scar tissue is left to fill the gap. Resurfacing arthroplasty – the surfaces of the bones at the joint are replaced with a smooth, protective metal coating.   Why is arthroplasty done? Arthroplasty is carried out to replace the damaged joint with a healthy one, allowing the patient to live a full and active life with adequate mobility. Arthoplasty may become necessary due to: Rheumatoid arthritis Osteoarthritis Osteoporosis Osteonecrosis Misaligned joints (often due to traumatic injury)   What does arthroplasty consist of? Arthroplasty procedures are carried out under general anaesthetic. The patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and blood oxygen are monitored, while the surgeon makes an incision and removes and/or repairs the damaged parts of the joint, before closing the incision with stitches. The process of placement of the prosthesis will be different depending on the type of joint replacement.   Preparation for arthroplasty No special preparation is required for arthroplasty, other than notifying the specialist of the possibility of being pregnant and the medication the patient is taking, which may be strong in cases of rheumatic diseases and may need to be stopped or changed prior to the operation.   Care after the intervention After the intervention, the patient may feel pain, which is normal in any intervention. In case of pain, the specialist will recommend the best treatment. During the hospitalisation, specialists will soon begin to move the joint, so that recovery is as effective as possible and the patient regains mobility as soon as possible. After being discharged from the hospital, the patient must go for rehabilitation for a few months to fully recover the mobility of the joint and also to check that make sure that the prosthesis is functioning properly. ...

Ganglion or cyst

What is a ganglion cyst? A ganglion cyst is a benign but painful growth, usually on the hand or wrist. The pain often comes on at night, or after constant use of the hand. Ganglion cysts can vary in size, growing up to three centimetres wide. While the position of the cyst doesn’t tend to change, the size may fluctuate over time, and some go away entirely without treatment. Can a ganglion cyst be cured? As previously mentioned, ganglion cysts sometimes go away on their own. If the cyst persists, treatment may be recommended to reduce the size or attempt to remove it completely. Unfortunately if the cyst is removed there is still a chance that it will come back, and you may need further treatment. What are the symptoms? Cysts usually form a visible nodule, although in some cases if the cysts are small they may not be noticeable. Many of them have no symptoms, but if they do press on a nerve, it can cause pain, tingling and muscle weakness. How is a ganglion cyst diagnosed? Usually a ganglion cyst can be diagnosed by your GP with a physical examination. They may use a syringe to draw out fluid from the cyst. In some cases, they might refer you for an ultrasound or MRI to look at the inside of the lump and rule out other potential causes. What causes a ganglion cyst? The cause of ganglion cysts is unknown. They have been found to be more common in young people between the ages of 15 and 40 and to develop more in women. It is also more likely to be developed by people who use and overload the wrist. People who have arthritis may develop them more easily. Can ganglion cysts be prevented? At the moment it is not clear how to prevent ganglion cysts. The best thing to do is to see you doctor early on if you notice anything unusual. How are ganglion cysts treated? For many people, treatment will not be necessary especially if there is no associated pain. The main job of the GP will be to reassure you that the lump is not caused by anything more serious. However, if the cyst is causing you pain the GP may recommend treatment. The two main forms of treatment for ganglion cysts are: aspiration – this involves using a syringe to take fluid out of the cyst, then anti-inflammatory medication on the remaining bump. surgery – the normally recommended if the cyst is pressing on your nerves and causing pain, with the possibility of permanent nerve damage. Surgery is a more complex treatment and may involve putting your hand in a splint for several days afterwards. However, it tends to result in fewer recurrences of the cyst compared to aspiration. ...

Knee Osteoarthritis

What is osteoarthritis of the knee? Osteoarthritis of the knee is a disease which mainly consists of a tearing of the articular cartilage, and it can be progressive. The disease is not exclusive to old age, however, the frequency of affliction increases with age. It is also more common in women than in men, and in people who are genetically predisposed to it. Although many of these factors are not preventable, it is possible to slow down its progression or to reduce the chances of it developing. There are two types of knee osteoarthritis: primary knee osteoarthritis, which is related to age, and secondary knee osteoarthritis, which occurs after a previous injury, such as a fracture and affects people with high levels of strenuous physical activity or those who are obese. Prognosis of knee osteoarthritis Although osteoarthritis is generally not a serious disease, it can gradually undermine the quality of life of those affected. Prognosis of the disease depends greatly on the pathology and its evolution. Early diagnosis and joint protection measures are key in helping to slow the progression and development of the disease. Pain and a lack of mobility are the main factors that have an impact on the person’s quality of life, causing it to decrease. The disease mainly affects people over the age of 50. It can make them more sedentary, which can result in obesity and the appearance of risk factors for conditions such as cholesterol, hypertension and diabetes, among others. Symptoms of knee osteoarthritis: The symptoms and manifestations of osteoarthritis are diverse, progressive and appear gradually over time. The most common symptom is joint pain with limited joint movement, accompanied by cracking sounds and sometimes knee joint effusion (also known as ‘water on the knee’). Some people may experience stiffness or joint deformity. The worst symptom is pain. In the early stage of the disease, pain occurs when you move or try to force the affected joint, and it subsides when you rest. As the disease progresses, pain can occur not only when you move the joint but also when it is being rested. However, joint pain is not constant, so you can go for long periods of time without any pain, although the disease continues to progress. How is knee osteoarthritis diagnosed? Osteoarthritis can be difficult to diagnose. Firstly, it should be noted that it cannot be diagnosed by X-ray, so a thorough medical history must be taken and a physical examination performed. If there is swelling in the knee, the specialist may decide to remove fluid from the joint to test it and to confirm the diagnosis. In addition to X-rays, a CT or MRI scan may also be used to diagnose knee osteoarthritis. What causes knee osteoarthritis? The cause of osteoarthritis is still unknown. However, there are a number of risk factors associated with its occurrence: Gender: osteoarthritis affects women between the ages of 50 and 55 in particular. Age: the risk of osteoarthritis increases after the age of 50 Genetics: it may be an inherited disease Strenuous physical activity: constant repetition of joint movements can lead to joint overload Menopause: decreased oestrogen levels are a risk factor for the development of the disease Obesity: this can aggravate osteoarthritis in joints such as the knees Trauma: fractures and injuries can trigger osteoarthritis. Can knee osteoarthritis be prevented? The main measures for preventing the onset of osteoarthritis are simple: eat a healthy, balanced diet and take regular, moderate physical exercise according to your age and physical condition. You should limit strenuous physical exertion, such as lifting or carrying heavy objects. Contact sports such as football and rugby are not recommended for people with osteoarthritis, as they can exacerbate the disease. Footballers are one of the groups most affected by this disease due to frequent meniscus injuries. Treatment for knee osteoarthritis The main objective of treatment for osteoarthritis is to improve pain and functional disability. The first step is awareness, as avoiding risk factors is essential for preventing or minimising the disabling effects of the disease. You will also have a personalised and adapted exercise regimen which you need to follow with the physiotherapist to help improve your condition. Anti-inflammatories: sometimes pain is severe due to inflammation of the area. In this case, anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Chondroprotective drugs: these are specifically indicated for the long-term treatment of osteoarthritis, as they act directly on the joint. They relieve pain and improve mobility, as well as attack the disease at the root by slowing its progression. Chondroprotectors include glucosamine and hyaluronic acid. Surgery: implant surgery will be recommended if the disease is very advanced; in this case, a partial or total knee implant. Which specialist treats knee osteoarthritis? There are several specialists that can treat knee osteoarthritis, including orthopaedic surgeons, rheumatologists and physiotherapists. ...

Medial collateral ligament

What is the medial collateral ligament? The medial collateral ligament, also called the tibial collateral ligament, is one of the four most important ligaments of the knee. It extends from the inside of the lower thigh bone to the inside of the upper shin bone. Function of the medial collateral ligament: The medial collateral ligament provides stability to the knee and limits its movement from side to side. Injury to the ligament often results in a partial or complete tear or excessive stretching of the ligament. Pathologies of the medial collateral ligament: You may have damaged the medial collateral ligament if you have pain in the inner part of the knee, if the knee feels unstable and you think it might give way or become locked, or if you feel pain when bending or stretching the knee or when walking. Most injuries to the medial collateral ligament can occur if the lower leg is moved outward at the knee; if a blow is received to the lower outer thigh; or if you put one foot ahead of the other to increase momentum (in skiing, for example). This causes total or partial ligament distension due to the excessive stretching of the ligament by forcing the joint beyond its range of motion. This injury, which is very common in athletes, is known as a sprain or tear of the medial collateral ligament of the knee. It is common in football players but also in sports such as skiing, handball and rugby. There are different grades of injury: Grade I: There is moderate pain, little swelling, and you can move the joint. Grade II: You feel pain, accompanied by instability, inflammation and a loss of function. Grade III: Joint function is severely affected, with high instability, swelling, and pain. Treatments for pathologies of the medial collateral ligament: Treatment for a medial collateral ligament injury will depend on its stage. Thus, for grade I injuries, treatment will normally be conservative. This involves immobilising the joint and rehabilitation. For grade II and III injuries, the orthopaedic spealist should study the injury on an individual basis and decide whether definitive conservative treatment or a surgical procedure is most appropriate. Physiotherapy is essential for a complete recovery. The main objective is to reduce pain and inflammation so that you can walk correctly, and also do exercises with contrast hydrotherapy and electrotherapy without feeling pain. Hydrotherapy is also extremely helpful since it reduces stress during therapy and allows for painless movements against water resistance, which also strengthens the muscles. The physiotherapy exercise programme should aim at increasing knee flexion, recovering stability and gaining muscle. To this end, the exercises will be gradually increased. Also recommended is deep transverse friction massage of the muscle fibres, to promote the reorganisation of the ligament fibres and greater tissue regeneration, enabling nutrients to pass through more easily. Some specialists also recommend platelet-rich plasma therapy. These are proteins that are naturally made by your body and help repair and regenerate tissues after injury. Thus, after extracting a small amount of blood from your body, it is treated and platelet-rich plasma is obtained, which is then injected directly into the injury. Which specialist treats pathologies of the medial collateral ligament? Various specialists treat injuries to the medial collateral ligament. Thus, it is mainly orthopaedic surgeons specialising in knee problems who will assess the severity of the injury. However, depending on the injury grade, the physiotherapist may also be involved in treating pathologies of the medial collateral ligament. ...

Orthopaedic surgery

What is orthopaedic surgery? Orthopaedic surgery is the field of surgery responsible for diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions of the musculoskeletal system, as well as for reducing the symptoms of any conditions affecting it. These conditions can affect the bones, cartilaginous structures or the joints. What conditions does orthopaedic surgery treat? Some of the conditions treated by orthopaedic surgery include: Foot injuries: metatarsalgia, bunions, cavus foot, flat foot, hammer toe; Hand injuries: scaphoid bone fracture, carpal tunnel syndrome, De Quervain syndrome, thumb arthrosis (trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis), stenosing tenosynovitis (trigger finger); Knee, kneecap and ligaments injuries, as well as knee osteoarthritis; Shoulder injuries (shoulder impingement syndrome or swimmer's shoulder); Hip injuries (hip osteoarthritis). What are the sub-specialisations of orthopaedic surgery? Emergency or trauma surgery can be regarded as a sub-specialisation of orthopaedic surgery. This type of surgery treats people who’ve suffered a traumatic injury (thus, an acute trauma). A few examples of traumatic injuries include: Incision or laceration wounds; Gunshot wounds; Car accidents; Several types of domestic accidents; Work-related accidents. When do I need to see an orthopaedic surgeon? If you have one of the above-mentioned conditions, you should see an orthopaedic specialist, who will determine whether or not you need surgery. Should the orthopaedic specialist also be a surgeon, he or she will be the one performing the surgery (if needed). ...

Osteoarthritis

What is osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis is a degenerative conditions that affects the joints, causing them to become stiff and causing pain. Any of the joints in the body can be affected, but it more commonly affects the hips, knees, and small joints in the hands. It affects women more commonly than it does men, and is the commonest form of arthritis in the UK.   What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis? The most common symptoms of osteoarthritis are joint pain, difficulty in mobility, and stiffness or deformity in the joints. These symptoms vary depending on the patient and intensify in a progressive manner. Joint pain, the most common symptom, appears first with movement and ceases with rest, but as osteoarthritis progresses, the pain may also be present while resting. What are the causes of osteoarthritis? The causes of the onset of osteoarthritis are not currently known but there are a number of risk factors associated with it: Genetics: In more than 60% of cases, genetic inheritance influences the appearance of osteoarthritis. Physical activity: athletes and people who maintain high physical activity have a higher risk of suffering from osteoarthritis. Working day: those who perform repetitive joint movements in their working day can wear down the joints and overload them, which can trigger osteoarthritis. Menopause: osteoarthritis more commonly affects women who have reached menopause due to the decrease in oestrogen that occurs during this stage of life. Injuries: fractures and traumas in the joints can influence osteoarthritis. Obesity: although it does not directly cause the onset of osteoarthritis, obesity influences wear and tear of the joints and therefore the progression of the condition. Prevention of osteoarthritis To avoid risk factors and therefore prevent osteoarthritis, it is very important to eat a balanced diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, and perform regular moderate exercise, thus avoiding wear and tear of the joints. Avoiding obesity is important as carrying too much weight can be detrimental. Treatment of osteoarthritis The objective of the treatment is to avoid or reduce pain and improve mobility. To treat osteoarthritis, the medical specialist will recommend the patient a series of exercises to be performed which are adapted to their situation and abilities, often with the help of a physiotherapist. Pharmacological treatment: In most cases anti-inflammatories or analgesics are prescribed to reduce swelling and therefore pain. Chondroprotective medications may also be prescribed which may slow the progression of the disease. Surgical treatment: osteoarthritis in very advanced stages may require prosthetic surgery. ...

Patellar luxation

What is it? Kneecap dislocation is a common injury in teenagers between 14 and 17, especially among the athletic population. The kneecap (patella) is displaced from its natural position within the patello-femural joint, being forced away from the midline. Kneecap dislocation often leads to ligaments and cartilage damage. It is important to make the distinction between kneecap dislocation and knee dislocation: a knee dislocation mainly affects the joints between the femur (thigh-bone) and tibia (shin-bone). Prognosis However painful and long-lasting it may be, if treated properly a kneecap dislocation can have no future consequences on your overall health. What are the symptoms? The main symptom is a sudden and acute pain in your knee, associated with a haematoma on the medial area of the joint, due to a blood backflow to your joint which will make it more evident. How is it diagnosed? If you have any of the above-mentioned symptoms, first of all you’ll need to have an X-ray scan. A CT scan and MRI scan can be helpful to rule out the possibility of ligament or meniscus damage, microfractures or loose segments of articular cartilage. What causes it? The main cause for dislocated kneecaps are trauma-related injuries or traumas due to a sudden movement of the joint. The most common one is where the quadriceps femoris muscle is contracted while the leg is still planted on the ground and the knee is partially flexed. It is also common for people to have an anatomical predisposition to these injuries, such as people with high knee. How can it be prevented? It is quite hard to prevent kneecap dislocation, especially if you have a structural predisposition to it or if you’re an athlete, due to very nature of the main cause of dislocated kneecaps. How is it treated? You should treat a dislocated kneecap as soon as possible after the injury. The treatment consists in reduction, that is, by manually pushing the kneecap towards the midline while straightening the knee. At first, your doctor will prescribe you to apply ice packs on the affected area and to take anti-inflammatory medication. You will only need to undergo arthroscopic surgery if there are microfractured segments of articular cartilage. Standard therapy consists in splinting the knee into a straight position with a cast for at least 15 days. In the following weeks, you will be gradually able to do more and more complex movements again. Once the cast is off, you’ll start doing physical therapy to rebuild the quadriceps muscle, which will be necessarily weakened by several weeks of bed rest. That will be helpful for the correct repositioning of the kneecap. Electrical stimulation, as well as using a dedicated splint for your knee, can be beneficial during recovery. You won’t be able to go back to sports again before eight to nine weeks, and you may have to wait longer if you underwent surgery. Which doctor should I talk to? If you have a dislocated kneecap, you should see an orthopaedic surgeon. ...

Posterior cruciate ligament

What is the posterior cruciate ligament? The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is a ligament in the knee that connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). It is similar to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), but is bigger and stronger, however, it can be torn through injury, although injuries to the ACL are much more common. Symptoms of a posterior cruciate ligament injury: Pain and difficulty walking Swelling Instability (your knee may give way) Medical tests to diagnose a posterior cruciate ligament injury: A specialist will firstly ask for a history or account of what may have caused the injury and how it happened. A physical examination will also be conducted, in which you will lie on your back with your injured knee bent. The specialist will press against the upper shin, and any abnormal knee movements usually indicate a PCL injury. X-rays will also help diagnosing a PCL injury and can indicate if any bone fragments have come loose. An MRI scan can show the exact location of the teat in the PCL. What are the causes of a posterior cruciate ligament injury? PCL injuries usually result when the knee is bent and is commonly caused by either car accidents or when falling on a bent knee. Sports injuries will often cause PCL injuries, such as football and skiing. Can a posterior cruciate ligament injury be prevented? It is impossible to avoid unforeseen injuries, but generally contact sports are the biggest risk factor for PCL injuries. Therefore, taking care whilst participating in these sports will help avoid injury. Treatments for a posterior cruciate ligament injury: Depending on the severity of the PCL injury and whether the injury has just happened or not, treatment will differ. Often surgery is not required. Over-the-counter painkillers can help with pain and to reduce swelling. Using the RICE advice will help too: Rest – avoid putting weight on the injured knee. Ice – apply ice packs to the knee 3-4 times a day or a few days. Compression – an elastic bandage around the knee can help. Elevation – using a pillow to elevate the knee will reduce swelling. Physical therapy will give you exercises to strengthen the knee. A knee brace and crutches may also be needed. Surgery will be required if the injury is sever, or if other ligaments have torn or if bones have broken. Surgery will reconstruct the ligament. This can be performed either as open surgery, or arthroscopically, using an arthroscope. Which type of specialist treats a posterior cruciate ligament injury? An orthopaedic surgeon would treat posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries. ...

Sport Medicine

What is sports medicine? Sports medicine is a speciality that deals with injuries sustained during exercise, sports participation and other types of physical activity. Sports medicine specialists help injured patients regain strength and movement after injury and also focus on the prevention of injuries that derive from practising sports. Their various roles include care, nutritional advice, diagnosis, treatment and prevention in relation to all sports injuries. Why is sports medicine practised? Sports medicine is responsible for treating sports injuries in professional athletes and adults and children who exercise and partake in sports. The most common sports injuries treated by sports medicine specialists include: Concussions Muscle cramps Fractures Knee and shoulder injuries Cartilage injuries Tendonitis Ankle sprains Shin cramps What does sports medicine involve? Sports medicine is based on several disciplines: Prevention and treatment of sports-related injuries, for example; with physical therapy. Control and monitoring of sports performance to avoid injuries and illness. Prevention and treatment of diseases (hypertension, diabetes, obesity, heart disease) with physical exercise. Many specialists are qualified in internal medicine, so can help patients lower blood pressure, balance glucose levels and prevent other illnesses. Nutritional advice and lifestyle. Many sports medicine healthcare providers assist patients with weight loss, muscle gain and sports nutrition to help them perform at their optimum level. Aftercare After treatment relating to a sports injury, rehabilitation is often required for the healing process. This is needed for injuries such as the following: Bone, musculotendinous and joint injuries Problems of the spine and/or extremities Trauma-related injuries and orthopaedic surgery Rehabilitation is based on physical exercise programs to improve the health and performance of the patient, always under strict medical supervision. Dietary advice can also be given to the patient and their injuries and sports performance monitored to avoid further injury in the future. ...

Sport surgery

What is sports surgery? If a person sustains an injury during exercise, sports participation or any type of physical activity, depending on the severity of the injury, they may be advised by a sports medicine specialist to see an orthopaedic surgeon for treatment. Surgery is normally the last resort for amateur sportsmen and is more common amongst professional athletes. Surgery is likely if a person has sustained a serious injury or as a result of persistent symptoms that were not successful following the use of other treatments prior to the operation.   What are the common sports injuries treated? Sports surgery can repair damaged soft tissue, realign bones and joints. However, not all injuries require surgery. A sports medicine doctor may treat the following injuries sustained through physical activity:   Sprained ankles  Hip Bursitis Fractures  Knee and shoulder injuries Tendonitis Low back pain Pulled muscles Concussion Cartilage injuries The most common sports injuries are strains and sprains, which is when the ligaments have been stretched past their limits and have resulted in a tear.   What are the different types of surgical procedures in sports surgery? Many sports injuries are treated using keyhole surgery. This involves the surgeon making a small incision and using a tiny camera to guide them during the procedure. This type of surgery is most common with knee injuries and is known as arthroscopy.   How can sports injuries be prevented to avoid sports surgery? Even though it is recommended to exercise regularly as an important part of maintaining overall health, precautions should be taken to minimise the risk of injuries. Sports injuries occur from overtraining, lack of conditioning and poor technique. The following tips can be used as a preventative for sports injuries:   Use the correct equipment Always warm-up before Wear the right protective gear Rest in between workouts to allow the body time to rest and repair Start exercising slowly and gradually increase strength, flexibility and endurance Listen to the body if it shows any signs of pain or distress   What happens after a sports surgery procedure? Recovery from an operation for a sports injury depends on the severity and the individual case. Most injuries require a long rest period following surgery on an affected joint, muscle or soft tissue. Physiotherapy is used to rebuild strength and to increase the range of movement around the joint or muscle. It will also help to condition the injury to make it more resistant to any future complications. ...

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