november-2011

ykc The Yorkshire Knee Clinic
THE PAINFUL KNEE
If you have a knee problem that stops you from enjoying life, it is probably
time to seek specialist advice. Knees can wear out over time, and sports
such as golf may place extra strain on the knee.
Damage to either the smooth articular cartilage (joint surface) or the
meniscus (shock absorbers) can lead to osteoarthritis or a meniscus tear.
These can be painful and restrict activities.
Although meniscus tears often occur in pivoting sports, they may occur
simply when standing up from a sitting position. Treatment initially is
rest, anti-inflammatory medicine and physiotherapy, but if it fails to
settle, arthroscopy (keyhole surgery) is a safe and reliable procedure to
treat the torn fragment.
Osteoarthritis is the wear and tear of a joint beyond its capacity for
repair. It is a chronic condition that can be very painful and disabling.
If problems persist after simple pain relief and modifying activity, a
surgical treatment may be considered. The most common surgical
procedure for severe osteoarthritis is a knee replacement, which is a
reliable and successful operation.
Specialist Knee Surgeons Stuart Calder, Nick London and Dave Duffy
run the Yorkshire Knee Clinic in Harrogate and Leeds.
They treat all knee problems, often without the need for surgery. They
offer fast appointment times so patients can immediately access the
latest imaging (including ultrasound and
MRI) and offer the most up-to-date surgical techniques.
The Yorkshire Knee Clinic
For further information call 0800 023 4366
or visit www.yorkshirekneeclinic.com
KNEE INJURIES ON THE SKI SLOPES
A third of all skiing injuries affect the knee. Of these, the most common
problem is a ligament injury.
A rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the most serious
ligament injury, can cause the knee to become unstable particularly
when twisting – a key action for turning on the slopes. Longer term, it
increases the risk of the knee wearing out early (osteoarthritis).
There are some simple things you can do to reduce the chances of
injury:
xercise before your trip for six to eight weeks. or many people,
their one-week’s skiing is the most intense exercise they will do all
year.
nsure all euipment is professionally fitted
oderate alcohol intake during the day, excess alcohol contributes
to a higher percentage of hospital admissions.
If you are unlucky enough to sustain a knee injury, early specialist
advice is critical to make the best possible recovery but beware of
being pressurised into surgery abroad.
With the exception of fractures, immediate surgical treatments are
rarely necessary. A simple brace and crutches are often enough to
protect the knee whilst specialist advice is sought.