News
24/11/2023
As individuals age, their health needs change, often necessitating a more comprehensive and tailored approach to healthcare. Senior health encompasses a range of unique concerns, from managing chronic conditions to maintaining mobility and mental well-being. Regular check-ups play a pivotal role in promoting the well-being of seniors, facilitating early detection, management, and prevention of age-related health issues, thus contributing significantly to their independence and quality of life. One of the primary focuses of senior health check-ups is the management of chronic conditions that become more prevalent with age. Conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and osteoporosis often require continuous monitoring and adjustment of treatment plans. Regular check-ups enable healthcare providers to assess the progression of these conditions, make necessary alterations in medications or lifestyle recommendations, and prevent complications that could affect seniors' independence. Furthermore, regular health check-ups for seniors encompass screenings and assessments specifically tailored to detect age-related diseases. These may include screenings for cognitive decline, vision and hearing loss, cancer, bone density, and immunizations against diseases such as influenza and pneumonia. Early detection through these screenings allows for timely interventions, potentially preventing the advancement of certain conditions and maintaining seniors' autonomy. Mobility and functional ability are critical components of independent living for seniors. Health check-ups often include evaluations of balance, strength, and flexibility. Identifying issues related to mobility early on allows healthcare providers to recommend exercises, physical therapy, or assistive devices that can help seniors maintain their mobility and prevent falls, which can have severe consequences in older age. Mental health is another crucial aspect addressed during senior health check-ups. Conditions like depression and anxiety can often go unnoticed or untreated in older adults. Regular check-ups provide an opportunity for healthcare providers to assess seniors' mental well-being, offer support, and intervene if necessary, thus improving their overall quality of life. Preventive care is paramount in senior health. Regular check-ups not only address existing health concerns but also focus on preventive measures to reduce the risk of future health issues. Lifestyle counseling, such as advice on nutrition, exercise, and smoking cessation, is commonly integrated into these check-ups, empowering seniors to make healthier choices that can positively impact their well-being. Moreover, regular health check-ups for seniors foster a strong doctor-patient relationship. This connection allows healthcare providers to understand their patients' needs, preferences, and values, leading to more personalized care and informed decision-making regarding treatment options. In essence, promoting well-being through regular check-ups is integral to senior health. These check-ups serve as a proactive approach to maintaining health, managing existing conditions, and preventing potential complications that could jeopardize seniors' independence and quality of life. By addressing the unique health concerns of seniors holistically, regular check-ups empower them to age with dignity, vitality, and a higher level of autonomy, enabling them to lead fulfilling lives as they navigate the aging process. To find out more about the health check-up services we offer, visit our check-up center. *Photo by Kampus Production via Pexels
21/07/2023
The medical tourism industry was worth more than $70bn before the global COVID-19 pandemic struck. Then, virtually overnight, with borders closed and international travel halted, the medical tourism industry experienced a decline. However, with lockdowns in place and movement severely restricted, many people were able to save more money than they usually do. As a result, once lockdowns lifted and travel resumed, those individuals had the necessary funds to pay for treatment abroad. Now, new research shows the medical tourism industry is set to boom once more. According to the report by Market Research Future (MRFR), the medical tourism market was valued at $17.35bn in 2021 and is projected to grow from $21.42bn in 2022 to $121.8bn by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.2% during the forecast period (2022 - 2032). The report states that the high cost of healthcare in developed countries will be a major driver of the medical tourism industry’s growth, as more people look for affordable treatments and procedures abroad. Furthermore, with advancements in equipment, procedures, telemedicine and other types of distance healthcare, high-quality medical care is accessible to people all over the world. Finally, the report also notes that the market for medical tourism in Europe is projected to expand at a faster rate than any other region. This is because of factors including “the growing popularity of medical tourism, the ever-increasing cost of healthcare, and the rising prevalence of conditions like osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease.” Request a sample of the MRFR report here: www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1975 Considering a medical procedure abroad? At France Surgery, we can take care of everything for you from start to finish, leaving you with total peace of mind. Contact us today for more information.
14/06/2022
As counterintuitive as it sounds, walking may actually help with knee pain associated with osteoarthritis, new research shows. The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis is a condition that affects more than 32 million American adults. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time. The study, the results of which are published in Arthritis & Rheumatology, found that walking regularly helped stave off knee pain in osteoarthritis sufferers. “In individuals > 50 years old with knee osteoarthritis, walking for exercise was associated with less development of frequent knee pain,” the authors wrote. “These findings support that walking for exercise should be encouraged for people with knee osteoarthritis.” For the study, more than 1,000 people aged 50 and over with osteoarthritis were asked to report on their levels of exercise, osteoarthritis symptoms, and pain levels. After four years, more than a third (37%) who didn’t walk for exercise experienced frequent pain, while just 26% of those who walked experienced the same pain. “Everyone’s always looking for some kind of drug. This highlights the importance and likelihood that interventions for osteoarthritis might be something different, including good old exercise,” Grace Hsiao-Wei Lo, MD, an assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and the lead author on the study, told The New York Times. *Image by Susanne Pälmer from Pixabay
18/06/2020
Experts in the UK say a cost effective and widely available drug can help save the lives of seriously ill COVID-19 patients. The drug, dexamethasone, a steroid, has been around since the early 1960s, and is usually given in low doses to patients with severe asthma, allergies and painful/swollen joints. It is also used to treat autoimmune conditions, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. Dexamethasone’s effect on inflammation and our immune systems is what is believed to make it useful in treating patients with severe COVID-19 infections. The drug is part of the RECOVERY Trial, the largest clinical trial to date aiming to identify treatments that may be beneficial for COVID-19 patients. As part of the trial, researchers studied the effect of dexamethasone in 2,000 patients and compared that to the outcomes in 4,000 patients who did not receive it. Dexamethasone was found to cut the risk of death by a third for patients on ventilators. For those on oxygen, it cut deaths by a fifth. This equates to one life saved for every eight on ventilators and every 20-25 treated with oxygen. One of the biggest benefits of dexamethasone is that it is not cost prohibitive, meaning it could be pivotal for treating COVID-19 in poorer countries. [Related reading: What does it mean for a vaccine if the new coronavirus mutates?]
04/02/2020
Americans have more than 600,000 knee replacements every year and that number is expected to increase to 1.28 million by 2030, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). But despite the high numbers, many individuals wait too long to undergo surgery, and can miss out on some of the potential benefits, a new report reveals. The report, published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery in January, 2020, shows that 83% of patients with osteoarthritis in their knees wait too long to have a replacement. As a result, these patients don’t get as much function back after surgery as patients who undergo a knee replacement in a timely fashion. Furthermore, patients who wait too long to have knee surgery also place themselves at risk of developing other health conditions like depression. This is due to the fact their mobility is severely hindered, making exercise and physical activity difficult. But having knee replacement surgery too early can also lead to issues. By having knee replacement surgery too soon, patients put themselves at risk for complications and may need a revision surgery later in life. Revisions are typically more difficult and can result in poorer outcomes. The study highlights just how important it is to consult a medical professional when you are experiencing problems with your knees and undergo surgery in a timely fashion. For more information on how France Surgery can facilitate knee replacement surgery for you right here in France, contact us today.
21/11/2019
Older women who sleep for 5 hours a night or less are more likely to have lower bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporosis, a new study has found. Conducted by a team from the University at Buffalo, NY, the study involved 11,084 postmenopausal women, all of who were participants in the Women's Health Initiative. It found that poor sleep may negatively affect bone health. Specifically, the team found that compared with women who got more sleep, those who reported getting only up to 5 hours of sleep per night had significantly lower values in four measures of BMD: the whole body, the hip, the neck, and the spine. The lower BMD measures of the group getting less sleep were the equivalent of them being one year older than their peers in the more sleep group. Now one explanation for why these results were seen is due to how our bodies remove old bone tissue and replace it with new bone tissue, a process known as bone remodeling. “If you are sleeping less, one possible explanation is that bone remodeling isn't happening properly,” said lead study author Heather M. Ochs-Balcom, Ph.D., an associate professor of epidemiology and environmental health at the University at Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions. The full findings of the study are published in a paper in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.
17/10/2019
Tiny microphones could provide invaluable insights into a person’s knee health, a new study suggests. According to researchers, arthritic knees are ‘noisy’ and emit telltale sounds - but sounds that can only be heard by microphones. The waveforms emitted by the noisy knees can then be analysed by computers to provide insights into the health of the knee. The researchers say the technology – similar to the kind used by engineers to listen for faults in bridges - can be used to better diagnose conditions like osteoarthritis and help develop better treatments as a result. For the study - conducted by a team from Lancaster University, the University of Central Lancashire and Manchester University – patients with osteoarthritis were asked to stand up and down five times, while acoustic signals from their knees were captured by the microphones. The theory behind the trial is that knees which are functioning normally should act like smooth and well-lubricated engineering structures, emitting very little in the way of noise. In comparison, rough and poorly-lubricated surfaces (arthritic knees) would generate acoustic signals. The trial found that the microphone technique could distinguish between the two different types of knee, thus offering a solution that did not involve an X-ray. Publishing its findings in the journal PLOS ONE, the research team said the more noisy the knee, the more severe the osteoarthritis. However, they did admit that more research and larger-scale trials are needed so the technique can be developed further.
02/04/2019
We’ve only just written about how a low-carb diet may help relieve symptoms of knee osteoarthritis and now a new study has revealed that just one hour of brisk walking per week can significantly lower mobility-related disability in people with knee osteoarthritis. According to the research, the findings of which appear in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, just one hour of weekly exercise lowered the risk of mobility-related disability in seniors with knee osteoarthritis by 85% and that of daily living disability by nearly 45%. For the study, a team of researchers from the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, in Chicago, IL, led by Dorothy Dunlop, Ph.D., analyzed data from more than 1,500 adults. All of the participants were living with osteoarthritis and experienced aches, pain, and stiffness in their lower extremities as a result. However, none of them had a disability prior to the study. Over a period of four years, the researchers monitored the participants’ levels of physical activity. They found that the seniors who got at least one hour of moderate-to-vigorous activity each week had no trouble performing a range of daily tasks. However, in seniors who did not engage in this much physical activity, 24% could not walk across a street before the traffic lights changed, and 23% struggled to perform their daily morning tasks. Speaking about the findings of the research, Prof. Dunlop said: “We hope this new public health finding will motivate an intermediate physical activity goal. One hour a week is a stepping stone for people who are currently inactive. People can start to work toward that.”
28/03/2019
If you or someone you know suffers with knee osteoarthritis, a new study may provide some hope. One of the most widespread forms of arthritis in the United States, osteoarthritis affects around 10% of men and 13% of women over the age of 60. Moreover, some estimates say it affects almost 40% of people over the age of 70. What’s worse is there is currently no cure, with doctors and medical professionals usually prescribing painkillers to help alleviate symptoms. Knee replacement surgery is also an option that’s considered. However, a new study led by Robert Sorge, Ph.D., who is the director of the PAIN Collective in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Psychology, has found that a diet low in carbohydrates could help relieve knee osteoarthritis symptoms. Having followed either a low-carb or low-fat diet for 12 weeks, the 21 adults aged 65–75 who had knee osteoarthritis and participated in the study were examined to see what the effect had been. The participants’ functional pain levels were analyzed, as well as their serum blood levels for oxidative stress, both at the beginning of the study and at the end. Participants that followed the low-carb diet had reduced functional pain levels and levels of self-reported pain. Furthermore, they also showed less oxidative stress in their serum blood levels. Speaking about the findings of the study, Sorge said: “Our work shows [that] people can reduce their pain with a change in diet.”
13/03/2018
Older individuals who do lots of exercise can prevent their immune systems from declining and protect themselves against infection, scientists say. For the research, scientists from King’s College London followed 125 long-distance cyclists, some of who were in their 80s. They found that some had the immune systems of much, much younger individuals. For example, Prof Norman Lazarus, 82, of King's College London, who co-authored the research and took part in it, was found to have the immune system of a 20-year-old. "If exercise was a pill, everyone would be taking it. It has wide-ranging benefits for the body, the mind, for our muscles and our immune system,” he said. Speaking about the research, Prof Janet Lord, director of the Institute of Inflammation and Ageing at the University of Birmingham and co-author, said people’s immune systems decline at a rate of about 2-3% a year from the age of 20. That’s why older individuals are more susceptible to infections, rheumatoid arthritis and, potentially, cancer. Because the cyclists were found to have the immune systems of much younger people, they have added protection against conditions that tend to affect older individuals. Furthermore, the researchers believe that physically active, older individuals respond better to vaccines, meaning they are also better protected against influenza. The good news is that you don’t need to be a competitive cyclist to reap the benefits. Just being more active and puffing yourself out from time to time can help.
04/07/2017
Researchers from Oxford University have discovered a potential “goldmine” for new drugs in one of the unlikeliest places – ticks. They found that proteins contained in the parasites’ saliva are excellent at stopping inflammation of the heart, which can cause myocarditis and lead to heart failure. Ticks are remarkably good at biting and feeding without being detected. This allows them to stay attached to animals and humans for up to 10 days while they feed on their blood. The reason tick bites don’t cause any pain or inflammation is because proteins in their saliva neutralise chemicals called chemokines in the host. It’s now thought that ticks could be used to help treat other conditions, such as stroke and arthritis. Prof Shoumo Bhattacharya, BHF professor of cardiovascular medicine at the University of Oxford, who led the research, said: "Myocarditis is a devastating disease, for which there are currently very few treatments. "With this latest research, we hope to be able to take inspiration from the tick's anti-inflammatory strategy and design a life-saving therapy for this dangerous heart condition.” Traditionally, tick saliva was obtained by milking the tiny parasites using tubes. Nowadays, though, tick saliva proteins can be grown in yeast from synthetic genes, which allows large amounts to be produced. It should be noted that all of the current research has only been carried out in a laboratory, so it will be several years before any trials are conducted with humans.
26/01/2017
Even though around 7 million people in France and more than 70 million in Europe are currently living with osteoarthritis today, there is still no treatment capable of anatomically reversing the debilitating disease. To try to combat this startling reality, the European Commission has agreed to finance a four-year research program known as the ADIPOA project. Coordinated by Professor Christian Jorgensen, Head of The Clinical Unit for Osteoarticular Diseases University Hospital Montpellier in France, the ADIPOA project is a collaborative program bringing together 200 researchers from seven countries to work to validate a new concept of treatment based on stem cell therapy. Phase 1 of the ADIPOA project was completed in 2014 and the results were sufficiently encouraging to warrant a larger, multi-centre Phase 2b study, designed to further test the effectiveness of the treatment. ADIPOA-2, as it's known, will now build on the previous study's work and further assess the safety and efficacy of patient-derived stems cells in the treatment of advanced osteoarthritis of the knee. Professor Jorgensen said: "Ambitious as it sounds, we are aiming to deliver an effective treatment for the debilitating and incurable condition of osteoarthritis within as little as five years. We have arrived at this point because of a great deal of work by many scientists, clinicians and stem cell experts who have made enormous contributions in understanding the therapeutic potential of stem cells."
03/01/2017
Ever wondered why us humans get so much shoulder, hip and knee pain? Scientists from Oxford University say it's due to a hangover from evolution. More worrying is that the same scientists say future generations could be at even greater risk, if this trend continues. The scientists studied more than 300 specimens from different species spanning 400 million years to see how bones changed over extremely long periods of time. Apparently, the changes occurred when man began standing up straight on two legs. Dr Paul Monk, of the Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Oxford University, who led the research, wanted to discover why patients in his clinic came in with similar orthopaedic complaints. "We see certain things very commonly in hospital clinics - pain in the shoulder with reaching overhead, pain in the front of the knee, arthritis of the hip, and in younger people we see some joints that have a tendency to pop out," he said. By analysing detailed CT scans of 300 ancient specimens housed at the Natural History Museum in London and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, the team was able to create a library of 3D models and identify changes to the shapes of single bones over millennia. One particular example is how the so-called 'neck' of the human thigh bone grew broader to support the extra weight as humans started walking upright. Studies have shown that the thicker the neck of the thigh bone, the more likely it is to be affected by arthritis. Scientists say this is one potential reason why humans are susceptible to so much hip pain.
28/12/2016
All of us experience a little pain from time to time. It's not unusual and can usually be treated with over the counter pain remedies. But if said pain and discomfort lingers; becomes too much to cope with; and interferes with your day-to-day life, it's time to consider your options. Many shoulder pains are the result of a breakdown of soft tissues in the joint, which can often happen to people who have jobs that involve lots of manual labour and people who play certain sports. Rotator cuff tears, tendonitis and arthritis are all typical causes of shoulder pain. Surgery becomes an option when the pain and discomfort you experience becomes too much to bear, and when it comes to shoulder pain you (usually) have several surgical options: Arthroscopic surgery - Where a tiny camera (arthroscope) is inserted through a small incision in your skin and used to examine or repair the shoulder joint tissues. Shoulder stabilisation surgery - Carried out to improve the stability and function of the shoulder joint and prevent recurring dislocations. Total shoulder replacement - Surgeons replace the ends of the damaged upper arm bone (humerus) and usually the shoulder bone (scapula) or cap them with artificial surfaces lined with plastic or metal and plastic. Reverse total shoulder replacement - In standard total shoulder replacement surgery, a metal ball is used to replace the head of the humerus. The socket of the shoulder is replaced with a high-strength plastic implant. With reverse total shoulder replacement surgery, the positions of the new ball and socket are 'reversed' and on the opposite sides of a normal shoulder. Advances in replacement parts mean that most will last a lifetime, but on average artificial joints have a lifespan of 10 to 20 years.
15/11/2016
Hip replacement surgery is a surgical procedure in which a surgeon removes portions of the hip joint that are arthritic or worn out and replaces them with artificial parts, often made from metal and plastic. It is a procedure that is often undertaken when other treatment options have failed to provide a satisfactory outcome. The result of hip replacement surgery is that the patient benefits from improved mobility, hip joint function and reduced/eliminated pain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some 332,000 total hip replacements are performed in the United States every year, highlighting that it is now a common procedure. Anyone who is experiencing debilitating hip pain and a loss of movement is a potential candidate for hip replacement surgery, but as with any medical intervention, the procedure may be unsuitable for some individuals. The really good news is that hip replacement surgery is now minimally invasive, meaning a surgeon can perform it with reduced pain; less muscle trauma; minimal scarring; and a smaller incision - all of which benefit the patient and afford a speedier recovery. You can find out more information about the hip replacement surgery options we can facilitate, including some of our partner clinics specialising in this procedure, on our website.
03/11/2016
Many people have arthritis in their knees and the pain they experience makes walking even short distances a massive struggle. Furthermore, the pain can also occur even when they're not walking, which can make getting a good night's sleep almost impossible. And while some individuals get relief in the form of cortisone shots, lubricant shots and physical therapy, many others do not. It gets to the point, quite simply, where their knees need replacing. For people who have severe bone-on-bone arthritis and have tried and failed to relieve it using non-surgical methods, there's only one next step to take: knee-replacement surgery. The bottom line is that despite them offering some relief, techniques like bracing and PRP injections or stem-cell injections are unlikely to provide benefits in the long-term. The good news is that the technology used for knee-replacement surgery has come on leaps and bounds in recent years, and this has enabled less-invasive techniques to be utilised. In addition, surgeons are able to achieve better knee alignments and the knee implants themselves have a greater lifespan. When the pain becomes no longer bearable, most people turn to surgery for the answer. In our experience, the vast majority of knee-replacement surgery patients have significant pain relief and better function post-surgery. The key to recovery lies in the patient's motivation to work with their physiotherapist and their determination to regain both motion and strength in their knee(s). To find out how France Surgery can assist you with knee-replacement surgery in France, contact us today.
01/03/2016
According to a new survey, people are generally happier in their 60s as they approach the end of their seventh decade, despite many of them having at least one chronic disease. Researchers at University College London, on behalf of the Medical Research Council in the UK, followed more than 3,000 Britons since birth and monitored their health and wellbeing over the years. They found that a person's average wellbeing improved as they approached the age of 70, even though many of them were suffering from diseases such as arthritis, diabetes or hypertension. For the study, participants were asked how confident, cheerful, relaxed and useful they felt while still in their early 60s. They were then asked again aged 68 to 69. Dr Mai Stafford, programme leader at the Medical Research Council's unit for lifelong health and ageing, said that people's wellbeing definitely improved as they neared the end of their 60s, but the reasons were still unclear. She said: "We found that one in five experienced a substantial increase in wellbeing in later life, although we also found a smaller group who experienced a substantial decline. "The benefit of using a cohort study like this is that we can look at how individuals change over time. "We hope this will allow us to pinpoint which common experiences may be linked to an improvement in wellbeing in later life." So while many of us will be anxious about growing older, there appears to be a light at the end of the tunnel as we approach 70.
09/12/2015
According to the US-based Arthritis Foundation, arthritis affects more than 50 million people in the United States alone, which means that one in five American adults have some form of doctor-diagnosed arthritis today. But while osteoarthritis is the most common form of the disease and, therefore, the one that most people have heard of, rheumatoid arthritis should definitely not be overlooked or underestimated. Estimated to affect around 1.5 million Americans, rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease of the joints, which usually strikes after the age of 40 and affects three times more women than men. It’s classified as an autoimmune condition and people with the disease experience pain and inflammation as their bodies mistake the lining of their joints as foreign objects and attack them. While research has shown that smokers and people with a family history of the disease are more prone to developing it, the exact cause remains unknown, as is the case with many autoimmune conditions. The small joints in a person’s hands and feet are usually the first to be hit and the linings become inflamed and eventually the joint is eroded away. This is in contrast to osteoarthritis where the cartilage that covers the end of a bone is worn away due to wear and tear. Common rheumatoid arthritis symptoms include deformed joints and loss of function; numbness and tingling in hands and feet caused by nerve pain and a low red blood cell count. Carpal tunnel syndrome is also one of the complications that can arise from rheumatoid arthritis and surgery is often the only way to cure it.
02/12/2015
A new study presented at the recent Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) meeting in Chicago, Illinois reveals that knee cartilage degeneration is significantly slowed in obese patients who lose a substantial amount of weight. Over 500 overweight patients were assessed for the study, which used an MRI scanner to measure the progression of knee cartilage degeneration, allowing the researchers to investigate the impact that different amounts of weight loss can have. The researchers discovered that patients who lost more than 10% of their body weight had slower knee cartilage degeneration, also known as osteoarthritis. The knee is one of the most common parts of the body to be struck by osteoarthritis and patients often need to have their entire knee replaced if the disease progresses too far. Study leader Dr. Alexandra Gersing, from the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging at the University of California-San Francisco (UCSF), said that while the effects of osteoarthritis cannot be reversed without surgery, “obese patients who lose weight can slow down the progression of cartilage degeneration in the knee.” The study was conducted over a four year period and involved over 500 overweight and obese patients. The researchers are now planning to conduct a further study, which will investigate how diabetes, which is closely linked to obesity, also affects cartilage degeneration. For the time being, however, overweight and obese individuals can slow their cartilage degeneration by losing weight. And while that’s not always as easy as it sounds, weight loss surgery is sometimes an option for obese patients to consider.
03/06/2015
ROTATOR CUFF Shoulder Surgery available in France The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles (and their tendons) that are positioned around the shoulder connecting the upper arm (humerus) to the shoulder blade (scapula). They work together to help us with shoulder movement and stabilisation. The four muscles are: Teres minor Infraspinatus Supraspinatus Subscapularis Each muscle is inserted into shoulder blade and has a tendon that attaches to the upper arm and together they form a ‘cuff’ around the upper arm. This part of the body can often become damaged and inflamed due to injury, exercise, or general wear and tear over the years. The common name for this type of injury is Rotator Cuff Injury for which there are a number of treatments depending on the specific diagnosis. Injuries are typical of the falls on the stump or shoulder movements of abduction thwarted. These fractures involve the supraspinatus, the most often, but you can see breaks in the entire external rotator cuff: supraspinatus, the infraspinatus and teres minor. Arthroscopic repair of the tendons of the rotator cuff When repair of the rotator cuff is decided several operations will succeed: 1. Exploration of the joint: This exploration enables to confirm the lesions found with imaging tests (theMRI may well underestimate tendon lesions) Also look for the presence of osteoarthritis (cartilage wear) whose presence may explain part of pre-operative pain but also residual pain after an operation on the tendons. The biceps (also frequent source of pain) will be evaluated. The exploration will also include the space under acromial, often seat of intense inflammation (bursitis), looking lesions of the superficial surface of the tendons, of the aggressive nature of the acromion and the underside of the joint acromioclavicular. 2. Surgical procedures: The cleaning of the space under acromial is necessary to remove the thick, inflammatory and painful tissue, but also to see the top side of the tendons. Usually we practice acromioplasty to make the bone ceiling mild (nonagressive), the most common resection of the coracoacromial ligament (which extends the acromion forward and contributes significantly to the tendon conflict). Some surgeons (including the ones we are working with) will performe a gesture on the long biceps, which will simply be cut (tenotomy of the biceps) or reinserted to the humerus bone in or under the eaves (biceps tenodesis). Finally the acromioclavicular joint may be the place of intense inflammation also, often as part of early osteoarthritis, because of aggressive parrot beaks in contact with the tendons of the rotator. It is therefore the subject of minimum planing (co-planning) or even of a radical resection treatment of the last centimeter of the clavicle (removal of the diseased articulation). Advantages of the arthroscopy: The arthroscopic exploration permits an almost complete view of the joint, a comprehensive assessment of tendon injuries. It allows to repair all types of tendon rupture. The approach of the tendons is minimally invasive and does not require muscle avulsion, alleviating the immediate aftermath and sometimes the type of asset.
02/06/2015
BUNION SURGERY in FRANCE Surgical techniques for correcting distortions The main principle is not simply "shave the bump", but tackling the issue, ie reducing the metatarsophalangeal angle. This requires bringing the first metatarsal in the second, and align the joint of the big toe in its extension. In order to reducethis angle,the interventionconsists of: 1. osteotomy translation of your first metatarsal, two fragments will slide one over the other and will be fixed by two screws. 2. Possibly an osteotomy of the proximal phalanx of the big toe that may require a clip for attachment. Thus the distortion disappears completely.* The osteosynthesis material (screws or staples), which ensure the correctness of your front foot won’t be removed only if you want to and only after a year, however the consultation after one year s essential to check good tolerance of the material. Chevron osteotomy Scarf Miniinvasive Chevron percutaneous surgery In some situations, it is possible to treat hallux valgus percutaneously. The scar is less but the consequences are often more difficult because the osteotomies are set only by the bandage. This is a possible solution for small deformations of the young women. In contrast, it is often proposed solution to the very elderly, with significant distortion. Basal osteotomy The major deformations and / or hallux valgus instability with the base of the first metatarsal (foot spread when loading) may require a different treatment with a correction at the base of the first ray. Often, a double osteotomy is performed. It is a more serious surgery but large deformations can be corrected in very good condition l This technique generates additional constraints: • Protection of the support by crutches for 2 weeks. • 1 month post-operative shoe. Cuneo-metatarsal arthrodesis This technique also called "Lapidus technique" is useful for large deformations with instability of the joint at the base of the first metatarsal. This is observed in large losses of the first support beam, in certain arthritis or flat feet. Again, the consequences are more serious because you can not use the forefoot (press allowed) for 45 days.. Metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis If the deformation or cartilage damage required, it is not possible to keep the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe. The operation is performed arthrodesis and consists of a full and final locking of the joint. this surgery is effective and well tolerated. We are of course at your disposal to answer any questions you will ask if this technique is offered. Postoperatively, you should not use the link that must merge
23/01/2015
ENDOSCOPIC CARPAL TUNNEL SURGERY The carpal tunnel syndrome is extremely common (5 per 1000 in the U.S.) It corresponds to the compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. The carpal tunnel is an anatomical region located in the palm of the hand between the carpal bones and the flexor carpi. This tunnel contains nine flexor tendons and median nerve. The carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the synovial tissue surrounding the tendon becomes thickened. It takes more space in the canal and the median nerve is compressed. In most cases, no cause is found for this compression. More rarely, it can be a compression-related trauma, endocrine causes (pregnancy, thyroid disease, diabetes ...) due to a rheumatic (rheumatoid arthritis, amyloidosis). In some cases, this syndrome can be recognised as an occupational disease linked to repetitive flexion-extension. SYMPTOMS AND CLINICAL REVIEW The clinical picture is dominated by the presence of paresthesia (tingling, numbness, electric shock, feeling dead fingers) in the thumb, index and middle fingers predominantly at night or early morning. Usually the patient wakes up and shakes his hand to remove the symptoms. May be associated, pain radiating into the hand of the forearm. In some case patients complain of dropping objects, or having difficulty by opening the bottle tops or doors. TREATMENT The treatment is medical or surgical. It depends on the severity of clinical disease and electromyography. Medical treatment consists of putting a wrist splint at night associated with analgesic treatment in case of pain. It is possible, to infiltrate the hydrocortisone the carpal tunnel which has the effect of relieving symptoms or wait several weeks before surgery. Surgical treatment cures carpal tunnel syndrome. It consists of tunnel opening by cutting the anterior annular ligament and thus decreasing the pressure inside the tunnel. The operation is performed on an outpatient basis (the patient does not sleep in the hospital), under local anaesthesia or locoregional (general anaesthesia is used only if the patient wishes). The procedure is done through a short incision in the palm of the hand (2 cm) or endoscopically (using a camera) with a 1 cm incision in the wrist. There is no significant difference between the two techniques. Probably, the recovery of hand function is faster with the endoscopic technique.
23/01/2015
MINIMALLY INVASIVE HIP SURGERY Most of the orthopaedic surgeons you will be directed to, are specialised with minimally invasive hip surgery and have a great experience of these techniques. They routinely use minimally invasive surgery for primary osteoarthritis, osteonecrosis, etc. ... since 2005. Minimally invasive surgery is not just technical reducing the size of the incision, but a real non-invasive techniques without any muscular section. Compared to standard operations, minimally invasive hip surgery reduce complication's rate including a reduction (fewer of than 0.5% of dislocations) and patients benefit from a much faster recovery. This surgery is available in France at any age and with any degree of obesity. It is also suitable for sufferers of osteoporosis. Therefore a return to normal life can be expected within 3 to 4 weeks. Advantages of Minimally Invasive Hip replacement Surgery: Small Incision (3 to 4 inches) Reduced Pain Less muscles trauma Minimal scarring with a better looking scar Reduced risk of dislocation Faster recovery and more rapid return to normal life The hip replacement operation is one of the most reliable and well-tested operations in orthopaedic surgery and a consistent outcome is that it reduces or eliminates the pain of the arthritis in patients. Technique The artificial implants used for the minimally invasive hip replacement procedures are the same as those used for traditional hip replacement. Specially designed instruments are needed to prepare the socket and femur and to place the implants properly. The surgical procedure is similar, but there is less soft-tissue dissection. A single minimally invasive hip incision may measure only 3 to 6 inches. It depends on the size of the patient and the difficulty of the procedure. The incision is usually placed over the outside of the hip. The muscles and tendons are split or detached, but to a lesser extent than in the traditional hip replacement operation. They are routinely repaired after the surgeon places the implants. This encourages healing and helps prevent dislocation of the hip. To perform the two-incision procedure, the surgeon may need guidance from X-rays. It may take longer to perform this surgery than it does to perform traditional hip replacement surgery.
20/01/2015
KNEE ARTHROSCOPY If you’ve landed here then chances are you’re considering undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery in France. If that’s the case, then you’ve definitely come to the right place! Here at France Surgery we are committed to opening up the French healthcare system to the rest of the world and making it truly accessible to people wanting to realise all the benefits that it offers. Knee arthroscopy is one of many procedures that we can help you with and our overall aim is for you to have the best surgical experience possible. Furthermore, with our established network of approximately 120 hospitals and more than 1,500 highly experienced medical specialists across France, you can be sure that you’ll be in the best possible care. But what is arthroscopy? Well, it’s a way for orthopaedic surgeons to visualise, diagnose and treat medical problems inside a joint. The term stems from the Greek words, “arthro” (joint) and “skopein” (to look). So it literally means to look inside the joint. This technique allows the surgeon to look, palpate and precisely evaluate anatomical lesions before treating them through two or three punctiform skin incisions. Conditions that can be treated with this technique include, arthrosis, inflammatory arthritis, sports trauma, synovial tumours and torn or damaged anterior cruciate ligaments to name but a few. How is it performed? Although it is sometimes carried out with a local anaesthetic, knee arthroscopy usually happens under a general anaesthetic. A small, button hole-sized incision is made to allow for the insertion of the arthroscope but two or three further incisions may be required to access other parts of the joint, or to allow access for other instruments. Corrective knee surgery can actually be performed arthroscopically through the same incisions. Is an overnight stay necessary? The beauty of arthroscopic knee surgery is that most patients undergo it on an outpatient basis. This ambulatory surgery means that people often go home on the day of their surgery. However, evaluations are made on a case-by-case basis and your surgeon may decide that an overnight stay is required. Either way, you’ll find yourself recovering from your arthroscopic knee surgery in no time and if a overnight stay is required you can be sure it will be in a top-class French clinic. What happens after surgery? Recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery is much faster than traditional knee surgery. However, you will still need to take things steady for the first couple of days to allow the knee to start to repair, but many patients actually leave hospital on the day of their surgery. Why France? Simply because you can receive world-class medical care, without the long waiting times at very affordable prices. Furthermore, with France Surgery’s assistance, you can rest assured that you are in the safest possible hands throughout the entirety of your stay.
01/09/2014
When it comes to your health, you can never be too careful. Furthermore, if you find yourself in need of a medical procedure like surgery, you want to be sure that you are in the safest possible hands. But with rising healthcare costs and seemingly increasing wait times, you can often be left feeling disheartened and like you have few options. You needn’t feel that way, however, as France Surgery are here to help facilitate affordable procedures, with little to no waiting times, all undertaken in one of the best healthcare systems in the world. Here are just 10 reasons why you should choose France Surgery: 1. The French Healthcare system is one the highest quality in the world 2. There are little to no waiting times for surgery in France 3. Procedures in France are highly affordable and can often be claimed back on insurance 4. France is the number one tourist destination in the world 5. The cuisine and beverages on offer in France are absolutely world-class 6. France Surgery have relationships with over 120 hospitals and more than 1,500 medical professionals 7. Five-star concierge services are available throughout your stay 8. All correspondence is in English and an English-speaking guide will be on hand for you 9. Luxury hotels will definitely feature in your recovery plan 10. Tailor-made packages are available such as sports injury recovery, post-traumatic, orthopaedic, dietetic/obesity, osteoarthritis/ rheumatism and cardiology, to name but a few Photo credit: © Minerva Studio - Fotolia.com
13/08/2014
Minimally Invasive Hip Surgery is an option for people suffering from worn or damaged hip joints, often caused by osteoarthritis - the most common disease of the joints. This minimally invasive technique allows a surgeon to perform hip surgery with specially designed equipment making just one or two small incisions, as opposed to the traditional method which involves making an incision of around 10-12 inches. Most of our Orthopaedic Surgeons at France Surgery specialise in this procedure which is not just about the size of the incision, but in fact about a full non-invasive technique without any muscular section, as there are significant benefits to the patient. The Benefits of Minimally Invasive Hip Surgery Smaller Incision (just 3 to 4 inches) Reduced Pain Less muscle trauma to the deep muscle tissues and underlying structure of the hip Minimal scarring Reduced risk of dislocation Faster recovery and more rapid return to normal life This operation is one of the most reliable and common in orthopaedic surgery with a positive consistent outcome of reducing arthritic pain for patients, and in some cases, eliminating the pain completely. Photo credit: © NICOLAS LARENTO - Fotolia.com
13/08/2014
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can often occur because of work repetition, exercise repetition or in rarer cases due to compression related trauma, pregnancy, thyroid disease or arthritis. The name Carpal Tunnel refers to the region located in the palm of the hand between the carpal bones and the flexor carpi. This tunnel contains nine flexor tendons and a median nerve. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can happen when the synovial tissue surrounding the tendon becomes thickened, resulting in space being reduced so the median nerve gets compressed. Symptoms include tingling and numbness in the thumb, index and middle fingers. This pain can travel up the forearm resulting in some patients having difficulty holding objects or opening doors. Depending on the severity, treatment will vary from patient to patient. Medical treatment consists of the patient wearing a wrist splint containing an analgesic every night to ease the pain. However in severe cases France Surgery recommend surgery to eliminate the pain and ultimately cure the condition. This simple procedure consists of cutting the annular ligament to decrease the pressure inside the tunnel, and is normally treated on an out-patient basis. If you’re suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, contact France Surgery today and get one step closer to living pain-free.
15/04/2014
Gastric Band Surgery for people who are extremely overweight can be a life-changing occurrence. It’s a procedure that puts in place an adjustable lap band around the upper part of the stomach to restrict its size and slow down the passage of food, making them feel fuller, sooner. The major obvious benefit is the weight loss that patients can expect to see. This is normally around 50% of the original excess weight and often occurs within the first year, but can carry on into the second. In addition, Gastric Band Surgery does not require the patient to follow a strict diet, since the band will reduce the amount of food intake naturally, making it easier than many other weight loss solutions. The procedure itself is considered relatively low risk and since it is often carried out using keyhole surgery, the recovery time is reasonably quick. A standard hospital stay is just one or two nights and most patients can be back to normal activities within a week to ten days. Aside from this weight loss benefit where patients will feel better, have improved confidence and self-esteem and be happier in general, there are major additional health benefits associated with Gastric Band Surgery. No longer will the patient be at high risk of infertility, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and arthritis. So it really is a long term solution for those who are extremely overweight without posing any health risks. If you’d like to find out more about Gastric Band Surgery, contact France Surgery today. We’ll be with you every step of the way.