Which Orthopaedic Surgery Can You Receive At NHS Treatment Centres?
Initially NHS treatment centres were set up away from hospitals in new purpose built treatment centres to improve the speed and efficiency of minor operations. These related to cataracts primarily but since they were first formed in 2005 other treatments have become available.
There are now a number of orthopaedic surgery treatments that are provided in treatment centres. Here are some of the treatments covered and the type of treatment you can expect.
What Is Orthopaedic Surgery?
Orthopaedic surgery generally relates to any treatment involving bones (the skeletal system).
Therefore, any treatment involving replacing defective bones or repairing broken bones may take place as orthopaedic surgery.
What Orthopaedic Treatment Is Available In An NHS Treatment Centre?
There are a variety of regular operations carried out in orthopaedic centres including:-
- Hip replacements
- Knee replacements
- Foot and hand procedures
- Arthroscopies
- Shoulder procedures
- Other soft bone or tissue procedures
We will look at each of these in more detail
Hip Replacements
Hip replacements can take place in NHS treatment centres and regularly do. The defective or diseased part of the hip is removed and replaced with an artificial bone (prosthesis). The technical name for the surgery is called Arthroplasty.
Generally, you will stay in the treatment centre for a period of approximately four days depending on your recovery.
Knee Replacements
These are similar to a hip replacement and involve replacing damaged or diseased knee joint bones with an artificial joint. If the whole knee joint is replaced the procedure is known as a total knee arthroplasty.
Once again, you will usually remain in the treatment centre for a period of approximately four days.
Arthroscopy
An arthroscopy can be carried out to the knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist or ankle and is a method of investigating a joint to examine why pain is being experienced. It can also be used to carry out surgery to the joint in question.
Hand Procedures
If you have experienced damage to the nerve in your wrist, surgery can be carried out to reduce the pressure on the nerve. This is usually referred to as carpal tunnel surgery. Whilst the procedure may be carried out as a day release, the recovery can take some time.
When Is Treatment Carried Out?
If you elect for treatment in a treatment centre you will usually be seen by a consultant within three to four weeks with surgery taking place four to six weeks after your consultation. The benefit of a treatment centre is that it is not designed to deal with emergency treatment and therefore the prospects of your operation being cancelled are much lower.
Who Will Provide Your Treatment?
The treatment is normally carried out by an NHS employee. Staff from hospitals can be employed or overseas staff can be used to carry out your surgery.
What Happens If The Treatment Goes Wrong?
If there are complications with your treatment you may be transferred to a local hospital for further treatment. If long term pain is experienced as a result of your surgery not meeting the required standards, you may be able to pursue a claim for medical negligence against the NHS treatment centre in the same way that you would do against an NHS hospital.
Can We Help You With A Medical Negligence Claim?
Early legal assistance can be vital so please contact us if you would like to discuss your surgery. Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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