Hip Replacement
(Direct Anterior)
The direct anterior approach (DAA) to total hip arthroplasty offers several advantages over the traditional posterior approach, primarily related to soft tissue preservation and recovery:
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Muscle Preservation: The DAA utilises an intermuscular, internervous plane, avoiding detachment of major muscle groups, unlike the posterior approach which involves disruption of the gluteal and external rotator muscles.
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Faster Recovery: Minimally invasive access and muscle preservation contribute to reduced postoperative pain, earlier mobilization, and expedited functional recovery.
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Reduced Dislocation Risk: Preservation of posterior soft tissues is associated with a lower incidence of early postoperative dislocation.
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Enhanced Intraoperative Accuracy: Supine positioning allows for real time leg length restoration and stability testing
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Aesthetic Advantage – Bikini Incision: A cosmetically placed transverse incision along the groin crease (bikini incision) offers a discreet scar and improved aesthetic outcome.
While the DAA presents notable benefits, it is technically demanding and requires appropriate patient selection and surgeon experience for optimal results.
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Robotic Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces the diseased and painful surfaces of the knee with artificial parts. Typically the end of the thigh bone (femur), the top of the shin bone (tibia) and the joint surface of the kneecap (patella) are all replaced. The internal cruciate ligaments are usually sacrificed while keeping the surrounding support structures and ligaments intact. Although the intelligent designs of knee replacements aim to replicate a natural knee’s kinematics, patients don’t often feel that the knee is ‘normal’. It is however usually much better than the diseased and painful knee prior to surgery.
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A total knee replacement aims to correct the deformity about the knee (knocked knees or bowed legged knees), and to remove painful diseased surfaces of the knee to achieve pain relief.
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A cut is usually made over the front of the knee to perform the operation. It goes from above the kneecap down to the top of the shin bone and usually measures about 20cms. The length of the incision will vary between patients. The knee is then exposed by making a cut in the lining of the knee joint itself. Typically a computer is then employed to assist with the bone preparation. The diseased surfaces of the knee are removed and then resurfaced with artificial components. These components are secured to the bone by using special bone cement. The knee is then repaired and wound closed with dissolving sutures.
Sport Injuries
Common Sport Injuries:
ACL
An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury refers to a tear or sprain of the ligament that links the femur to the tibia. The ACL plays a crucial role in stabilizing the knee joint by connecting the femur (thighbone) to the tibia (shinbone). ACL tears are most commonly seen in sports that require sudden stops and changes in direction, such as netball, basketball, soccer, tennis, and volleyball.
ACL surgery involves reconstructing the torn ligament by replacing it with a tendon graft. This procedure is typically performed arthroscopically, using a small incision in the knee.
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Meniscal Tear
​A meniscus tear is a common injury caused by forceful twisting, which leads to a tear in the knee's cartilage that cushions the tibia (shinbone) and femur (thighbone). This injury often happens during sudden twisting or rotating movements of the knee. Symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty straightening the knee.
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