A great article for my journal club! I found this to be very interesting. This questionnaire was completed by a mixture of doctors, physiotherapist, patients, and their carers. Out of a total of 356 respondents, 47% were patients or carers. It was great to find out what patients and physiotherapists feel are important unanswered questions on soft tissue knee injuries

The four main soft tissue injuries identified in this study included anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, patella dislocation, articular cartilage defect, and meniscus tears. Quite often, patients may have more than one problem (e.g. an ACL tear with a meniscal injury). The number one question priotised was ‘how urgently do soft tissue knee injuries need to be treated for the best outcome’.

The knee is the most commonly injured joint in sports. However, only an estimated 20% of patients attend Emergency Department. While minor knee injuries may improve with self-care, it’s crucial to seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Severe pain and swelling
• Inability to bear weight on the affected knee
• Persistent instability or locking of the knee joint
• Visible deformity or severe bruising
• Numbness or tingling below the knee 

Timely intervention plays a pivotal role in reducing complications, accelerating recovery, and preventing long-term issues. If you suspect you have a knee injury, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice and follow the recommended treatment plan to safeguard your knee’s health and functionality. Remember, early action can make a significant difference in your recovery journey. Look out for my blog in which I highlight how I was able to organise a MRI and consultation on the same day of patient’s locked knee and subsequently perform a meniscal repair 2 days later to achieve a great outcome

“My mother required a total hip…

My mother required a total hip replacement due to advanced osteoarthritis. She was understandably anxious regarding the procedure and wanted to ensure she was seen by an excellent Surgeon. Working as a musculoskeletal physiotherapist myself I have worked closely with numerous Orthopaedic Consultants and for me Parag was the outstanding clinician I recommended to carry out the procedure. My mother is now 12 weeks post op and is back walking 7,000 steps + daily and now has her life back. My mother cannot speak highly enough of Parag and wanted to highlight his kind and reassuring bed side manner, clear explanations of the whole process from start to finish and compassionate nature throughout. My mother was taking daily pain medication and struggling walking. She is now is now back walking across Hampstead Heath and getting back to activities she previously loved. I have worked with Parag rehabilitating many of his patients. I know the incredible results his patients have post surgery as I have seen them first hand hence why he was the first person I suggested my mother go to see. I continue to see many of Parag’s patients for Physiotherapy and would highly recommend any patient seeking an orthopaedic opinion on any knee / hip pathology to see Parag Jaiswal. He is an outstanding Surgeon!”