Orthopaedic Surgery

At the Ulster Independent Clinic we cover an extensive array of procedures for hips, knees, upper limbs, and feet/ankles. Our unrivalled blend of experienced orthopaedic surgeons and state-of-the-art medical technology ensures that you'll receive a first-class treatment designed according to your unique needs.

Hips

Our orthopaedic surgical services range from total hip replacement to hip arthroscopy. These procedures are designed to treat a breadth of conditions like osteoarthritis, hip fractures, and hip dysplasia.

Joint replacement

We specialise in a wide range of hip replacement surgeries. Depending on your condition, you may need a total hip replacement, hip resurfacing, or a partial hip replacement.

Before any surgical process begins, our specialised medical team will carry out a thorough pre-assessment to ensure you’re healthy enough for surgery. This could include blood tests, scans or physical examinations. You may also be required to undergo lifestyle changes such as losing weight or quitting smoking to lower the risk of complications during surgery.

Hip Arthroscopy

Hip Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows surgeons to diagnose and treat various hip conditions. You'll appreciate the clinic's state-of-the-art facilities and advanced surgical techniques which facilitate swift recovery.

Before the procedure, the surgical team conducts a thorough health check which includes blood tests, medical imaging, and conversations about your health history and medications. You may need to stop taking certain medications and supplements ahead of your surgery. Fasting guidelines will also be provided as per standard pre-operative practice.

This procedure can effectively treat a wide range of hip conditions, including labral tears, hip impingement, and arthritis, with fewer complications compared to open surgery. It is performed under general anesthesia and recovery time is relatively short, most patients being able to return home on the same day. Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress.

Revision Hips

At the Ulster Independent Clinic, hip orthopaedic surgical services range from hip arthroscopy, hip resurfacing, to partial and total hip replacement surgeries.

During a hip arthroscopy, small incisions are made to utilise miniature surgical instruments, providing a minimal-invasive procedure with lower risks and faster recovery. Hip resurfacing, on the other hand, involves shaving and capping the joint with a metal prosthesis, which preserves more bone than a total hip replacement and is often recommended for younger, active patients who are likely to outlive a traditional total hip replacement.

Partial and total hip replacements are highly successful procedures for those with severe arthritis or injuries. A partial hip replacement only replaces the ball of the hip joint, while a total hip replacement replaces both the ball and the socket.

In preparation for any of these surgeries, patients will need to undergo a comprehensive health evaluation, anaesthesia consultation, and may need to make lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking or losing weight. You will also be advised on the rehabilitation process and potential need for assistive devices post-surgery.

Knees

We offer comprehensive orthopaedic care for a variety of knee conditions. Our expert surgeons specialise in knee arthroscopy, partial knee replacement, and total knee replacement using the most up-to-date techniques and technology. The LSS (Lean Systems Society) approach is also employed to effectively reduce stays for knee replacement patients.

Joint replacement

We offer tailored knee replacement surgery aimed at helping patients regain full knee functionality and improve their quality of life. The process entails replacing the damaged portions of the knee joint with artificial components.

Knee Arthroscopy

is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows surgeons to view, diagnose, and treat problems inside your knee joint. Here at the Ulster Independent Clinic, we have a team of surgeons with vast experience in performing arthroscopic surgeries. This procedure could range from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the extent of the knee joint's condition.

Before the surgery, tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or X-rays may be necessary to assess your knee's situation. Our specialists will explain the procedure and also discuss with you the potential risks and benefits involved.

After the surgery, you are likely to be discharged the same day. Our healthcare team will provide you with instructions for at-home care, and a follow-up appointment will be made for you to monitor your recovery progress.

ACL

ACL, short for Anterior Cruciate Ligament, a key ligament that helps stabilise your knee joint. At the Ulster Independent Clinic, various cutting-edge ACL repair and reconstruction procedures are carried out by experienced orthopaedic surgeons. These surgeries aim to restore the stability and function of your knee, allowing for a smoother and faster recovery.

Orthopaedic knee stabilisation

Orthopaedic knee stabilisation is a pivotal service provided at the Ulster Independent Clinic, aiming to restore full functionality to your knee. This service may be most pertinent if you are experiencing instability in your knee due to conditions such as torn ligaments or osteoarthritis. Procedures undertaken here can vary in scope, including ACL repairs, knee replacement, or more intricate surgeries. Each procedure is custom-tailored to your unique needs, ensuring optimal patient outcomes and a faster return to normal activities.

Patello femoral replacement

Patello femoral replacement is a surgical procedure involving the replacement of the damaged parts of the kneecap (patella) and the trochlea (the groove at the end of the thigh bone or femur). This beneficial process is designed to alleviate chronic pain and increase mobility.

Upper Limbs

Our services for upper limbs cover everything from reconstructive surgery to the treatments for conditions like rotator cuff tears, tennis elbow, and wrist conditions.

Upper limb stabilisation

Upper limb stabilisation is a critical surgical procedure performed at the Ulster Independent Clinic. This operation on focuses restoring the function and stability of the upper extremities, which include the shoulders, arms, and hands. The procedure can address various medical conditions, ranging from fractures to ligament injuries, and repetitive strain injuries.

Tennis Elbow

Our team of highly skilled surgeons can diagnose and treat the painful condition through a variety of ways. Playing tennis is not the only way to develop this condition, it can also occur from any repetitive arm, elbow, or wrist movements.

Typically, non-surgical methods like physiotherapy, rest, and medication will be attempted first. However, if your condition persists or worsens, surgical intervention might be necessary. The goal of the surgery is to remove the damaged tendon to alleviate pain and restore motion.

Feet/Ankles

Our orthopaedic services under feet and ankles category cover a wide range from bunion surgeries to treatments for foot and ankle fractures or deformities.

Joint replacement

The surgery involves substituting worn-out joint surfaces with an artificial implant that is constructed of materials designed to reduce friction and mimic the natural joint's function. The goal is to restore joint function, relieve chronic pain, and ultimately enhance quality of life. Before undergoing any surgical procedure, patients are given access to preoperative counselling. This includes receiving comprehensive information about what to expect, risks, benefits, and recommended pre surgery exercises. It’s vital to understand that an optimal surgery outcome also depends on the patient's efforts in preparation and post-operative recovery.

Along with the surgical team's expertise, we leverage the power of technology to make the procedures less invasive and improve recovery times. Using the latest techniques, such as arthroscopy (minimally invasive surgery), recovery times are typically improved, and patients are on a faster track to resume their normal activities.

Ligament repair

Ligament repair procedures on the feet and ankles are a primary focus at the Ulster Independent Clinic, carried out by our extensively trained and experienced orthopaedic surgeons. These operations are typically required for conditions like sprains, tears, or other forms of ligament damage. Optimal patient outcomes are always our key objective, and it's worth underlining that the timing of such surgeries is crucial in achieving this.

Tendon Reapir

Tendons, being the fibrous tissues that bridge muscles and bones, play an integral role in foot and ankle movement. Damage to these tendons, whether through sudden injuries or repetitive activity, can compromise your overall capacity to walk or run comfortably.

At the Ulster Independent Clinic, dedicated teams of experienced orthopaedic surgeons execute state-of-the-art procedures to remedy your tendon challenges. These advanced surgical interventions include open repairs for severe tendons rupture, percutaneous repairs for minimised scarring, and several therapeutic measures that ensure effective recovery and regeneration.

Post-operative care integrates the clinic's physiotherapy consultations to ensure continued and rapid recovery.

Tendons, being the fibrous tissues that bridge muscles and bones, play an integral role in foot and ankle movement. Damage to these tendons, whether through sudden injuries or repetitive activity, can compromise your overall capacity to walk or run comfortably.

At the Ulster Independent Clinic, dedicated teams of experienced orthopaedic surgeons execute state-of-the-art procedures to remedy your tendon challenges. These advanced surgical interventions include open repairs for severe tendons rupture, percutaneous repairs for minimised scarring, and several therapeutic measures that ensure effective recovery and regeneration.

The time required for surgery varies. Post-operative care integrates the clinic's physiotherapy consultations to ensure continued and rapid recovery.

Amputation

At the Ulster Independent Clinic, we understand the gravity of a feet or ankle amputation, and make every effort to provide a treatment plan personalised to meet your distinct needs. It's an essential service offered when preserving the foot or ankle is no longer a viable or beneficial option. The procedure aims at enhancing your mobility and reducing the pain, hence steering you towards a more comfortable life.

The process starts with a thorough evaluation of your condition, involving a series of diagnostic tests. Your surgeon plans the operation meticulously, outlining the degree of the amputation based on the extent and location of the damage, alongside your overall health status and lifestyle. Anaesthesia is administered to ensure you remain pain-free during the procedure.

Post-amputation, our highly skilled caregivers and therapists are on hand to support your rehabilitation phase, offering techniques for you to regain movement and independence. It's essential to note that full recovery may take several months and might involve fitting a prosthetic limb, depending on your individual case.

Achilles Repairs

Achilles repair surgeries are highly specialised procedures offered at Ulster Independent Clinic that involve the surgical mending of a torn or ruptured Achilles tendon. The surgery aims to reconnect your calf muscles with the heel bone to restore mobility and strength.

The Clinic's reputable surgical team takes utmost care throughout the preoperative, operative, and postoperative phases of the repair. The process begins by using grafting techniques, potentially using a part of the patient's hamstring or synthetic tissue, to bridge the gap between the torn tendon ends. Surgeons then secure the restored Achilles tendon to its original position, helping ensure a full recovery.

To prepare for this procedure, patients are encouraged to strengthen the muscles around the Achilles tendon through targeted exercises, quit smoking (if applicable), and ensure good nutrition levels for robust healing processes.

The total recovery time varies between individuals, but an optimistic estimate stands at around six months after the operation. To aid in a speedy and efficient recovery, the Clinic provides continuous after-care services - including physiotherapy and consultation appointments.

In case of emergency outside of specified hours, rest assured that advice can be obtained from the Nurse-In-Charge. Ulster Independent Clinic's approach to Achilles Repairs ensures their patients have timely access to surgery, which is essential for optimal outcomes and a return to normal activities.

Osteotomy

This is a surgical intervention where a bone is cut to modify its alignment or length, aiding to correct deformities related to foot and ankle conditions. It can provide immense relief from pain and significant improvement in mobility, enabling patients to return to their normal activities.

Performing an osteotomy requires superior surgical skill and precision, which surgeons at the Ulster Independent Clinic are acknowledged for. The procedure begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's condition, followed by detailed planning to ensure the best possible outcome. Utilising advanced diagnostic tools, the surgeons identify the deformity and strategise the osteotomy positioning.