These are two areas of specialisation are often related as they can be caused by trauma, accidents, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders. Orthopaedic specialists deal with conditions involving the musculoskeletal system and may use both invasive surgical and non-invasive as well as non-surgical means to correct and treat the problem.
List of Orthopaedic Conditions We Treat
- Benign tumour
- Metastasis
- Primary cancers of the bones (bone tumour)
- Primary cancers of the soft tissues
- Hip arthritis
- Hip bursitis
- Hip dislocation (congenital)
- Hip fractures
- Lumbar pain
- Osteonecrosis
- Snapping hip syndrome
- Degenerative spine condition
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Neck pain
- Nerve decompression
- Sciatica (pinched nerve)
- Scoliosis
- Slipped disc
- Spondylolisthesis (misaligned backbone)
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury
- Anterior knee pain (runner's knee) / chondromalacia patellae (CMP)
- Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury
- Meniscus tear / knocked knee chondromalacia patellae (CMP)
- Knee arthritis
- Knee bursitis
- Osgood Schlatter disease
- Osteoarthritis (locked knee)
- Patella femoral syndrome (knee cap pain)
- Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury
- Patella tendonitis (jumper's knee)
- Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury
- Cuff tears
- Frozen shoulder
- Rotator cuff injury
- Shoulder dislocation (chronic)
- Shoulder instability
- Shoulder tendonitis
- Dislocation
- Golfer's elbow
- Tennis elbow
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- De Quervain’s tenosynovitis (painful wrist condition)
- Ganglion cysts
- Hand arthritis
- Hand fractures
- Hand trauma
- Trigger finger
- Wrist ligament injury
Treatment Types
Types of Diagnostic Tests
Computerised Tomography (CT) Scan
This is a diagnostic imaging method which makes use of x-rays to digitally produce cross sectional images of one's bones, blood vessels and soft tissues within the body.
Diagnostic Ultrasound
Also known as sonography, this is a non-invasive technique which makes use of high-frequency sound waves to produce digital images of structures inside the body. High resolution imaging enables our specialists to detect any tendon tears, tiny calcifications as well as foreign bodies.
Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA)
This procedure utilises x-rays to assess factors such as bone density when diagnosing for osteoporosis. DXA is also capable to predict an individual's level of fracture risk which is useful for post-treatment monitoring.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
As a noninvasive imaging technique, the MRI utilises magnetic fielding and pulses of radio waves to produce pictures of bones as well as soft tissues. Because the MRI doesn't use x-rays it currently has no known side effects. The MRI can also be used to effectively diagnose and assess a wide array of medical conditions that affect soft tissues.
Magnetic Resonance Arthrography (MRA)
Similar to the MRI, MRA however produces much better images due to a contrast solution (gadolinium) being injected into the affected joint, allowing its structures and soft tissues to highlight tears and defects. The MRA is usually used to determine joint conditions and can efficiently detect any ligament, tendon as well as cartilage related diseases.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan
This medical imaging procedure allows for more detailed information on organ functions or systems in the body. PET Images provide the specialist with physiological information regarding the bone and is mainly used to detect issues such as abnormal bone growth associated with tumours or other abnormalities.
Bone biopsy procedures require bone samples to be taken and scrutinised for abnormal cell activity.
Needle biopsies require a small incision of the skin and a needle is inserted into the bone to retrieve a sample. But fret not as this biopsy is performed under local anesthesia.
Open biopsies however require a much larger incision of the skin and a piece of bone is surgically removed instead. But relax, this procedure is performed under complete general anesthesia.
To evaluate the electrical activity and muscular response times to nerve stimulation, EMG diagnostic tests are recommended as they can help detect muscle and nerve disorders as well as those that affect their connectivity.
EMGs require the insertion of sometimes one if not more electrode needles through the skin into muscle tissue in order to record electrical activity of the muscles.
Orthopaedic Specialist Services
Our mobility is crucial in living an enriched and fulfilled life and plays a vital role in maintaining our overall health. Any injury to our bones and/or muscles can lead to serious health complications especially if left untreated. Gleneagles Hospitals' Orthopaedic Specialist team comprises of a panel of expert surgeons, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and nurses, all working together to ensure your recovery is a speedy and pleasant one.
