Orthopaedics

One of our specialties at Saint James Hospital is orthopaedic medicine including the treatment of injuries, sports or age-related discomfort and any other types of joint, muscle or bone pain. If surgery is necessary, we pledge to be with you before, during and after surgery. We want to help you return to your normal daily activities as soon as possible.

When should I see an orthopedic surgeon?

Our Patients are seen by our orthopedic surgeons for many reasons — knee pain, shoulder pain, hip impingement, sports injuries, arthritis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and more. Our physicians and staff in Tripoli and Malta have expertise in many areas of orthopedic medicine including but not limited to:

• Knee arthroscopy
• Knee replacement surgery
• Spine services
• Hip arthroscopy
• Hip replacement surgery
• Spine surgery
• Shoulder arthroscopy
• Shoulder replacement surgery
• Hand surgery

Pros Ugo Orestano is our Italian Orthopaedic Surgeon with 35 years experience. He is an expert in replacement of Hips, Knees and shoulders and performs a wide range of orthopaedic surgeries of the hand, foot, back and shoulder.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative process which alters the articular surface of the knee resulting by time in the complete consumption of cartilage, bone and irreversible deformity.

Osteoarthritis causes huge limitations of movement and severe pain and may only be cured through the transplant of cartilage and bone.

The transplant of cartilage is normally performed following mild injuries and on younger patients by inserting tablets of cartilage obtained through the growing of cartilage fragments previously obtained.

For a number of weeks weight bearing is kept to a minimum to allow the correct healing of the implant.

In the case of complete degeneration of the cartilage partial or Total knee replacements are considered.

In the case of degeneration in only one part of the knee partial knee replacement will be considered for the healing of the patient. The prosthesis consists of a metallic element in femoral and tibia shape with a soft plastic cushion which is placed in the between of the two.

The implants are fixed with cement while the plastic cushion is either also fixed with cement or left loose depending on the requirements.

Following the operation movement may immediately take place with the help of medication. Full body weight bearing is possible within the very first few days.

In the case of complete knee degeneration a total knee replacement will be performed. The prosthesis consists of a wide femoral component and a flat tibia with a plastic element in the between which may be both fixed and flexible.

Following the intervention, movement may immediately take place with the help of medication. Full body weight bearing is possible within the very first few days.

Patients are supplied with anti – thrombosis stockings and crutches. Physiotherapy will start immediately whilst in recovery at the hospital and continue for a further 6 months following discharge.

Patient will be reviewed regularly by the operating surgeon including systematic digital radiography pictures to ensure complete recovery.