Medical dictionary

What is Hoffa’s syndrome? Hoffa’s syndrome, also known as infrapatellar fat pad syndrome, is a problem which affects one of three pads of fatty soft tissue that lies under the kneecap (patella) and leads to pain at the front of the knee. The Hoffa’s fat pad acts as a protective cushion, which separates the kneecap from the shin and thigh bones. If this becomes pinched, squashe

What is inflammatory arthritis? Inflammatory arthritis is one of the two major sub-categories of arthritis (the other being osteoarthritis), and, as its name suggests, it is characterised by the inflammation it causes in the joints and surrounding tissue. Most forms of inflammatory arthritis are thought to be autoimmune diseases. There are many di

How are sports injuries diagnosed? Some sports injuries are more easily diagnosed than others. More simple cases such as dislocations, cuts and grazes are diagnosed through seeing or feeling the injury. Cases that are more difficult, such as soft tissue damage, fractures and overuse injuries require an examination. The specialist will examine these the complex ones using X-rays, CT or MRI scans

What are joint injections? Joint injections are administered in a joint or periarticular soft tissue that is affected by inflammation. Injections – when prescribed correctly – can be an excellent solution for problems such as bursitis or tendonitis, or for physical discomforts that prevent daily activities from being carried out. Therefore, joint injections can provide relief, as

What is a joint replacement? Joint replacement refers to one of a number of surgical procedures in which damaged or diseased parts of a joint are removed and artificial replacements are fitted. Joint replacement surgery can be performed on a number of joints in the body, most commonly the hip and knee, but joints in the shoulders, elbows, fingers, and ankles can also be replaced. Why wou

The knee joins the thigh to the lower part of the leg, connected by two joints. One is the tibiofemoral joint, between the femur and tibia, while the other is the paletellofemoral joint, between the femur and patella. The knee is the largest of the joints in the human body, but it is also one of the most easily injured. What is the knee made up of? The knee is made up of bone, ligaments,

What is the knee? The knee is the central joint of the legs. It is formed by the meeting of two important bones: the femur and the tibia, and it joins the thigh and the lower leg. Inside the knee is a small bone called the patella or kneecap, which articulates with the anterior and inferior part of the femur. The knee also houses two fibrocartilage discs, the menisci, and it is surrounded by

What is knee arthritis? Arthritis of the knee is inflammation of the knee joints. It is characterised by pain, swelling, inflammation, and eventually, restriction in movement. Arthritis affects different joints in the body, but very commonly it affects the knees. Knee arthritis mainly affects adults, however, some types of knee arthritis can affect children. There are different types of kne

What is knee arthroscopy? Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows access to and treatment of injuries affecting the various structures of the knee joint. Two or three small incisions of less than a centimetre are made to allow access to the joint. Most knee surgeries that do not involve implant placement are performed using full or partial knee arthroscopy. This is