My team presented results of our latest prospective randomised control trial at the IFSSH, IFSHT & FESSH Combined Congress in London last week. Whilst we continue with the painstaking data collection, started few years ago, some conclusive results are starting to emerge. We wanted to test the widely practiced, conventional rehabilitation regime of splintage of patients with…

Twenty-nine convex bi-articular pyrocarbon implants (PyroDisc®) inserted in a selected cohort of patients led to a significant postoperative improvement in all key hand outcome measures: pain reduction, DASH score, grip, and pinch strength at the median follow up of 59 months. This operation is technically demanding, but provides good results and can act as a…

The conference offered an excellent update on innovations and advances in many aspects of hand surgery from hand transplantation, Dupuytren’s disease, wrist fractures, infections and chronic pain management to intricacies of hand therapy, joint implants and complex pediatric hand surgery.   My talk aimed to inform the audiences of my preferences and practical tips adopted over…

Healthcare has been going through an extraordinary transformation over the last few months. The transition from core life-saving services to gradual reopening posed major challenges for the complex hospital establishment and its staff. Guidelines and restrictions have been overwhelming, often daunting, but few have led to changes that are likely to stay and should be…

To assist patients in these difficult times, I am offering virtual and/or telephone consultations for the follow up appointments and new patients in need of urgent interventions or simply wishing to discuss potential treatment in the future. Phone or virtual oconsultation via one of recognised platforms (Skype, Zoom, Nye etc.), allow us to stay in…

Over the last 10 years my preference for the surgical treatment of early (stage II) thumb basal joint arthritis has been interposition arthroplasty with Pyrocarbon Disc. This operation fits a selected group of patients who have become resistant to conservative measures, especially splints and steroid injections, but who are symptomatic enough to request surgery. Treatment…

In response to ongoing concerns about Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), current advice from MHRA and all regulators world-wide is that those patients who have breast implants do not need to have them removed as the risks associated with surgery to remove implants and capsules outweigh the risks of potential disease. Should…

Plastic surgeons at St George’s Hospital in Tooting have saved a man’s hand following seventeen hours of surgery, after a chop saw accident resulted in a double-level amputation. Anthony, 46, from Walton-on-Thames, feared he would lose his hand after catching it in a chop saw while cutting flooring on Thursday 30 May. Consultant Plastic Surgeon,…

Hand injuries are common and even the most trivial ones can be annoying as interfering with invaluable tasks that hands perform for us on a daily basis. Delicate anatomy and biomechanics of the wrist and fingers provide us with amazing dexterity, strength and precision at the same time. Finesse may however; easily be compromised by…

Julie Richardson, 43, from Croydon is the first ever patient to receive a total wrist replacement at St George’s hospital in Tooting. St George’s is one of the few centres in the UK to offer this type of surgery, which is more complicated than a hip or knee replacement due to the complex structure of…