Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Specialist in hip and knee joint replacement surgery
Mr Hunter prides himself on exceptional communication with patients. During your consultation, a thorough history will be taken followed by a comprehensive examination. Any existing imaging (X-rays/scans) will be reviewed and if necessary further imaging will be undertaken. Following this, the diagnosis will be discussed with you and all the available treatment options will be outlined. After weighing up all the options, Mr Hunter will help you make an informed decision about treatment. There are often many options that don't involve surgery and Mr Hunter will help guide you to the right decision for you.
Hip arthritis
Hip arthritis is a significantly debilitating condition whereby the smooth cartilage that normally covers the ball and socket of the hip joint erodes away causing pain and stiffness. It is often caused by general wear and tear but may also be from other causes such as injury, infection or developmental problems in childhood. Pain is frequently felt in the groin (that's where the ball and socket is) and commonly radiates down the leg to the knee (known as referred pain). Patients will often have trouble putting on shoes or socks due to stiffness and getting in and out of a car may be a struggle.
Hip replacement surgery
If other measures have failed then hip replacement surgery may be an option. This involves replacing the ball and the socket of the hip joint with the aim of treating the pain caused by arthritis and to improve the patient's mobility and quality of life. A metal cup is implanted into the hip socket and then a polyethylene (plastic) liner is placed into the new cup. A metal 'stem' is implanted in the top of the femur (thigh bone) and a ceramic or metal ball is then placed on top of the stem. The operation takes approximately 90 minutes to perform and often patients will be sitting out in a chair later the same day and up walking the following day. Most patients are in hospital for two or three days before being discharged home.
All the hip implants Mr Hunter routinely uses have a 15A ODEP rating, demonstrating a high level of evidence for their quality and longevity.
Knee arthritis
Knee arthritis occurs when the cartilage covering the end of the femur (thigh bone) and the top of the tibia (shin bone) erodes away. This can cause debilitating pain and stiffness in the knee. The alignment of the knee may also be effected, resulting in either a varus (bow-legged) or valgus (knock-knee) appearance.
Knee replacement surgery
If other measures have failed then knee replacement surgery may be an option. This involves resurfacing parts of the knee whilst retaining as much bone as possible. The aim is to improve pain and quality of life. The operation takes approximately 90 minutes to perform and patients will be encouraged to start bending the knee soon after the operation. Most patients are in hospital for two or three days before being discharged home.
All the knee implants Mr Hunter routinely uses have a 13A ODEP rating, demonstrating a high level of evidence for their quality and longevity.