resources & information
People vary in the way they deal with medical problems, injuries, surgery and rehabilitation.
Some want more information than others, but with so much available online, it is sometimes difficult to find information you can trust.
Here are some resources from reputable sources, that I have found useful and I hope you do too! I am always happy to discuss how this fits in with your specific situation, or if you have further questions.
I will continue to update these and check the links work periodically, but the content of external websites is beyond my control.
Knee & Hip Replacement information
Dorset Knee & Hip Replacement Decision aid tool
https://dorset.medicaldecisions.co.uk/
This interactive NHS site shows what the operations involve and discusses the typical benefits and possible associated problems with having a knee or hip replacement
Versus Arthritis - Joint surgery information
www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/surgery
Versus Arthritis is a UK charity that provides support to people with joint conditions. The whole website is an excellent, up to date resource of information needed to live with arthritis and its effects. This section about the process around surgery and recovery is particularly useful for anyone considering embarking upon a joint replacement
General Orthopaedic/Musculoskeletal information websites
NHS Conditions website
The NHS website provides a good overview of most conditions and treatments. Although it is clear and accurate, it is not particularly detailed and has few diagrams to help explain things
Versus Arthritis - Joint surgery information
www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/surgery
Versus Arthritis is a UK charity that provides support to people with joint conditions. The whole website is an excellent, up to date resource of information needed to live with arthritis and its effects. This section about the process around surgery and recovery is particularly useful for anyone considering embarking upon a joint replacement
Dorset Musculoskeletal Matters website
This is a new and growing resource produced by local physiotherapists and clinicians to help you find out more information about orthopaedic diagnoses and it also provides some advice on how to start managing the conditions yourself
Partial (or Unicompartmental) Knee Replacement information
AAOS patient information guide - partial knee replacement
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/unicompartmental-knee-replacement
Unicompartmental knee replacement may be an option for you if you have advanced arthritis confined to just one part of the knee. This webpage from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons provides a clear description of its benefits and potential downsides to help in the decision-making process
NIHR Alert report regarding outcomes of partial versus total knee replacements
The National Institute for Health Research maintains a database of up-to-date and relevant evidence to guide people making choices about health and treatments. This report highlights the BMJ study (below) as well as the other evidence showing the relative benefits of partial vs. total knee replacement surgery
BMJ review article comparing outcomes of total and partial knee replacements
www.bmj.com/content/bmj/364/bmj.l352.full.pdf
This is the 2019 open access review study published in the British Medical Journal, that compares outcomes of patients who underwent total or partial knee replacement. It is well worth a read if you are a 'details' person and trying to balance the choice.
Knee ligament injuries, surgery and ACL reconstruction
Rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction
www.ouh.nhs.uk/patient-guide/leaflets/files/14370Pligament.pdf
The Oxford knee group have produced a useful booklet detailing ACL surgery and the rehabilitation required afterwards
Patellar Tendinopathy/Tendonitis
www.ouh.nhs.uk/patient-guide/leaflets/files/14370Pligament.pdf
Another excellent leaflet from Oxford providing advice on the treatment of this difficult and painful condition
Knee arthroscopy, meniscal and cartilage surgery
Overview of keyhole surgery
www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/knee-clinic/treatment-and-care/knee-arthroscopy
The Bupa website gives a good overview of a routine arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery procedure and recovery
Information about meniscus tears and treatment options
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/meniscus-tears/
The AAOS provides a sensible summary of nonsurgical and surgical treatment options for meniscal tears, including advice on managing the symptoms
Lifestyle Modification, losing weight, living more healthily
LiveWell Dorset
This is the website of a free service for adults living in Dorset.
They provide free health and lifestyle advice, coaching and access to classes along with motivation to help you take control of healthy living
Get fit for free
www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/free-fitness-ideas/
Most of us could do with being more active. This site provides some excellent ideas to fit in some free activity during each day to benefit your body and mind
Keeping active as you get older
www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/exercise/
AgeUK has an excellent website with lots of information and ideas about getting active in older age - whether you find exercise difficult or painful, or don't know where to start