SURGERY OF THE JOINTS

Joint surgery is particularly challenging for the treating surgeon, as joint injuries demand an incredibly accurate anatomical reconstruction. Failing this, the physiological range of movements may be affected resulting in pain, premature wear and tear and so-called osteoarthritis.

arthroscopy tower

Joint surgery can be performed using the so-called arthroscopic procedure of key-hole surgery, or in conventional style – the difference being the size of the incision made for surgery. Deciding factors are the nature and extent of the injury to be treated. Soft tissue injuries, for example, meniscus injuries, ligament tears or labral tears of the shoulder are generally treated using arthroscopic procedures.

Simple and only slightly displaced tibial fractures can be pinned using minimally invasive and arthroscopic surgical techniques. A camera is used to check the correction of a fracture-related joint level.

Tight Rope

Rupture of the acromioclavicular joint (between the collarbone and shoulder blade) is a very common injury, for which there are many methods of treatment. The least invasive and very effective (with great results), but expensive method is using the so-called tight rope. As far as we are concerned this is the best for of treatment, which is why we do not shy away from the high cost of materials and have established it as our standard procedure for this injury.

This involves repositioning the acromioclavicular joint and securing it with a wire. The torn ligaments, which are responsible for the unsightly high collarbone, are replaced by the tight rope. The wire is removed under local anaesthesia after 6 weeks, the tight rope remains in place.

More serious joint damage, especially wrist or tibial head injuries need to be opened operatively with a corresponding incision, to enable an accurate as possible reconstruction. This reconstruction usually has to be stabilised with plates and screws. A long period of immobilisation in plaster is usually not required. This means that the injured joint should be mobilised, under the guidance of a therapist to start with, and later independently. Depending on the type of injury, however, one should minimise strain on the injured area for up to 10 weeks.

As joint, leg and arm injuries occur particularly often during skiing, our orthopaedic surgeons have extensive experience in their treatment and are familiar with the latest technology pertaining to the field of joint surgery.